Hosted by OYES dad and comedian, Pete Holmes — The evening will bring together an eclectic mix of performing and creative artists.
SHAKESPEARE'S
As You Like It is one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. The play is set in the Forest of Arden and tells the story of Rosalind, the play’s heroine, who flees her uncle’s court after she is banished. It explores themes of love, identity, the role of women in society, and the contrast between the artificial court life and the freedom of the natural world.
Runtime est. 110 minutes
JULY 30, 31, AUGUST 1
Thursday at 8pm
Friday at 8pm
Saturday at 8pm
General Admission. No refunds or exchanges.
TICKETS
$20.00 General Admission ($25 at the door)
STUDENT EARLY BIRD $5 DISCOUNT BY JULY 18
Secret location TBA to ticket holders.
DREAMWORKS THEATRICALS
Original Music & Lyrics by Veronica Mansour
Book & Lyrics by Kate Thomas
Based on the DreamWorks Animation hit, How to Train Your Dragon JR. brings fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs to the stage!
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation.
Runtime est. 70 minutes
JULY 24, 25, 26
Fridays at 7pm
Saturdays at 2pm
Saturdays at 7pm
Sundays at 2pm
General Admission. No refunds or exchanges.
TICKETS
$17.50 General Admission ($20 at the door)
$15.25 Students Saturdays ($20 at the door)
Matilija Auditorium
703 El Paseo Road, Ojai, 93023
Get ready for an electrifying adventure as Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio brings The Lightning Thief to the stage! Based on the bestselling series, this high-energy musical follows Percy Jackson—a teenager who discovers he’s a demigod—and embarks on a quest across the country to prevent a war among the Greek gods. Packed with humor, heart, and epic storytelling, this production showcases the incredible talent of our Young Actors Ensemble.
This year’s show features two dynamic casts:
CAST A:
📅 Performances: Fri, June 19 – Sun, June 21
CAST B:
📅 Performances: Fri, June 26 – Sun, June 28
Join us for a thrilling journey of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery—brought to life by OYES’s rising young performers.
🎟 Tickets HERE
Based on the classic animated film, Disney's 101 Dalmatians KIDS is a fur-raising adventure! Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita's former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen.
Lions Cast (grades 2–6) – Shows May 8–10, 2026
Monkeys Cast (grades K-2) — Shows with Lions or Tigers
Tigers Cast (grades 2–6) – Shows May 15–17, 23, 2026
This introduction and workshop opens the door to deeper training that will support you through auditions, rehearsals, and performance.
You’ll explore a process that helps you be fully present—responding in the moment, not from a script in your head, but from instinct.
In this workshop, actors will:
Listen instinctively
Respond truthfully
Work moment-to-moment through improvisation
You’ll also experience a short Meisner exercise so you can feel the work for yourself.
All levels welcome.
Date: Sunday, May 3
Time: 4PM–6PM
Ages: 13–19
Led by Talia Schneiderman
Talia Schneiderman is a Meisner-trained acting teacher who studied in the two-year program at the renowned Baron Brown Studio in Santa Monica. After completing the program, she was personally invited by founder Joanne Baron to train as a teacher, learning the Meisner Technique in its original integrity as taught by Sanford Meisner.
Talia went on to teach at Baron Brown Studio for several years, working with a range of actors including Hunter Doohan, Henderson Wade, Vanessa Giselle, Kirby Johnson, Hopper Penn, and Emma Raimi.
After stepping back to raise her family, she has recently returned to teaching in Ventura, where she continues to guide actors through the Meisner process with clarity, depth, and a deep love for the craft.
OYES Theater at Chaparral
From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress).
Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio’s teen Performance Company presents Alice by Heart, the emerging cult-favorite musical from the creators of Spring Awakening. Set in the shadows of the London Blitz, the story follows Alice and her friend Alfred as they escape into the imagined world of Wonderland in search of hope, courage, and the bittersweet beauty of growing up.
Friday at 7pm
Saturday at 2pm
Saturday at 7pm
Sunday at 2pm
General Admission
$23.50 online
$25.00 at door
Online Ticket Portal Closes 90 minutes before showtime.
**All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.**
Tickets may be purchased at the door based on availability. Text box-office 833-400-9235 (no calls) to check availability.
Ticket and payment processors charge transaction fees.
Weekend Bundle of 8 (Not a group - NO EXCHANGES)
$160 (8 tickets at $20.00 each — save $36)
Includes: 2 tickets to each performance across one weekend
Saturday Group of 10 (limited availability)
$200 (10 tickets at $20.00 each — save $25)
Includes: 10 tickets (group) to a Saturday 2pm show
ABOUT
In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.
As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This world-premiere musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.
Book by Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson | Music by Duncan Sheik | Lyrics by Steven Sater
“A FANTASTICAL, MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR with INGENIOUS costumes, NOEL COWARD-ISH WIT, and DREAMY SONGS, which suggest the BEATLES’ hallucinogenic period with echoes of music from SPRING AWAKENING.” - The New York Times
Kick off your evening with a cocktail, passed appetizers, and great company — all while supporting local youth arts.
✨ Signature cocktail
✨ Passed appetizers
✨ Community vibes
✨ Peter Pan ticket not required — open to the general public
Whether you’re heading to dinner, meeting friends, or exploring downtown — this is the perfect first stop.
📍 The Dutchess Back Bar
🎟️ Reservations encouraged
🎭 Proceeds support Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio
OYES presents
Youth Performances
PETER PAN JR
JAN 23 - FEB 15
Bears 1 Cast: Jan 23 - 25
Tigers Cast: Jan 30 - Feb 1
Lions Cast: Feb 6 - 8
Bears 2 Cast: Feb 13 - 15
Tickets
$16.50-$20.00
Venue
Chaparral Auditorium
414 E. Ojai Avenue
Ojai, CA 93023
9:55 AM (5 hours ago)
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Hello!
Thank you for the order you recently placed for tickets to Peter Pan, Jr — we’re so glad you’ll be joining us!
We look forward to welcoming you to the show and sharing this special performance with you.
A few important reminders to help your evening run smoothly:
Doors to the theater close promptly at showtime.
Guests are not permitted to enter the theater once the performance has begun.
Late entry and seating are not guaranteed.
Tickets may be forfeited without refund if you are not seated by the start of the show
Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before showtime to allow time for parking and seating.
LOCATION
Chaparral Auditorium (next to the skate park)
414 E. Ojai Avenue
Ojai, CA 93023
PARKING
Parking lot and street parking are available.
Sip & Support — Join Us Before the Evening Show!
Gather ahead of tonight’s performance at the Duchess Back Bar for passed appetizers and a signature cocktail.
Use the link below, or scan the QR code on-site to celebrate the arts and support local youth theater — it’s a wonderful way to kick off the evening!
Get Sip & Support Tickets (All Evening Shows) - Click Here
TOPA TOPA BREWERY • OJAI
MON, DEC 1st | 4pm-7pm
FREE EVENT • DONATIONS ACCEPTED
Help us kick off our HEAR US ROAR campaign! We're raising resources for youth arts and celebrating 15 years of year-round theater for children in Ojai.
Learn and Grow with us!
Bring good vibes and a matching gift!
Gifts any size make an impact for a child.
Donations are matched dollar for dollar through a private foundation.
RSVP [click here] or drop in anytime!
Youth Performances
July 27-29
Matinee and Evening Performances
Tickets: $15
Venue: Matilija Auditorium
Celebrating 100 years of Disney magic, the show features a dynamic mix of classics and contemporary favorites—including songs from Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II—some appearing on stage for the first time.
But this isn’t just a medley of classic hits—it’s a show with heart. Our cast members will step into the roles of young Disney Imagineers. Imagineers are the real people — visionary artists, engineers, and storytellers — who helped create the Disney theme parks that we know and love today. Through this original story, students explore what it means to dream big and believe in themselves. Just like the characters in every great Disney story, the Imagineers in our story are invited to look inward and connect with their own dreams.
“First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare…” - Walt Disney
O.Y.E.S. Young Actors Ensemble Presents
Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet
JULY 18-20
FRI 7pm • SAT 7pm • SUN 2pm
Evening and Matinee Showtimes (announced soon)
Tickets $16.50 - All Ages
Venue: Matilija Auditorium
Romeo and Juliet is one of William Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedies, telling the story of two young lovers caught in the crossfire of a bitter feud between their families.
In the city of Verona, the Montagues and Capulets are sworn enemies. When Romeo Montague crashes a Capulet party in disguise, he meets Juliet—and the two fall in love at first sight, unaware that they come from rival families. Despite the danger, they decide to marry in secret, hoping their union might bring peace to their households.
With the help of Friar Laurence and Juliet’s nurse, the young couple devises a plan to be together. But the violence between their families escalates. Romeo kills Juliet’s cousin Tybalt in a street fight and is banished from Verona. Meanwhile, Juliet is pressured to marry another man. Desperate to stay true to Romeo, she takes a sleeping potion that makes her appear dead.
Tragically, Romeo never receives the message explaining the plan. Believing Juliet is truly gone, he takes his own life. When Juliet awakens and finds Romeo dead, she too chooses death over life without him.
Their untimely end finally moves the Montagues and Capulets to see the cost of their hatred—and to make peace in honor of their children.
Romeo and Juliet is more than a tale of love and loss; it’s a powerful exploration of youth, courage, and the hope for a better world. In this production, our teen cast brings new life to Shakespeare’s timeless story—reminding us that even in tragedy, love and truth can spark change.
Youth Performances & Fundraising Gala - Children under 12 are FREE! Don’t miss this night of celebration and inspiring performances! Fundraising Gala with silent auction, delicious food by BigMannBBQ Food Truck, and drinks by Sam’s Place.
Over 130 young cast members from our production of NEWSIES, JR will step into the spotlight to bring the heart and hustle of New York's newboys right here to Ojai's Libbey Bowl. It’s one of our largest casts ever, and they’re ready to bring their energy, joy, and heart to the stage to celebrate with you!
July 26-27 • CAMP A CAST (Grade 2-6)
Aug 2-4 • CAMP B CAST (Grade 3-8)
Aug 9-11 • CAMP C CAST (Grade 6-10)
Fridays at 6pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 6pm
Sundays at 2:00pm
(Runtime is approx. 75 minutes)
General Admission is $15 for all ages
First come, first serve. No Refunds.
Tickets go on sale July 12
OYES Young Actors Ensemble
Presents
Directed by Casey Robbins, with original songs by Casey Robbin
Fridays at 6pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 6pm
Sundays at 2:00pm
(Runtime is approx. 95 minutes)
General Admission is $15 for all ages
Processing Fee: No added fees.
WAITLIST FOR TICKETS: Please join the wait list for sold out shows. If a ticket becomes available you will be notified by TEXT. CLICK HERE
TERMS
1. All sales are final. Sorry, no refunds or exchanges.
2. Seating is first come, first serve.
3. Tickets at the door are based on availability. Cash or Venmo ONLY. No credit cards at the door.
4. Late arrival: Doors close promptly at showtime. Late guest arrival may not be permitted in order to ensure safety for our actors. Late entry and seating is not guaranteed.
5. Your tickets may be forfeited without refund if you are not seated by the start of the show.
Caution: Strobe lighting may be used.
Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES)
GPS: 907 El Centro Street, Ojai, CA 93023
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS HAVE CHANGED.
Parking is available in the UPPER lots only.
Enter from Loma Drive or El Centro (upper lot).
Do not use the lower level parking lots.
DO NOT PARK ON RESIDENTIAL STREET
JAN 12 - FEB 11
JAN 12-14 • BEARS CAST
JAN 19-21 • LIONS CAST
JAN 26-28 • TIGERS CAST
FEB 2-4 • HYENAS CAST
FEB 9-11 • MONKEYS CAST (no Saturday matinee show)
$14 - General Seating
Ticket Bundle Specials:
Saturday Matinee group of 10
Bundles of 8 by Cast
A benefit production for OYES’ Help a Child Scholarships
CHEEKY, SPOOKY, AND HILARIOUS, THE GRAVEDIGGER COMES TO OJAI!
Doors open at 6:15 | preshow antics with small time citrus (all shows), and rob magill on saxophone (10/27 show only)
TICKETS
10/27 Show, Benefit Party, food by La Fuente & 2 drinks
Benefit Party, food by La Fuente & 2 drinks)
ABOUT THE SHOW
Gravedigger: The Musical is an original dark-comedy, rock-musical that tells the story of a beautiful girl who dies of a rare condition only two days short of her nuptials. Much to her parent’s dismay, the fiancé absconds with her corpse to bury her himself in their favorite part of the Spooky Woods. He enlists the help of the local Gravedigger to assist with his labor of love. But in a twist of fate, the Gravedigger falls in love with her and plots to spend the rest of their lives together. However, her parents regain her corpse and a desperate chase across the desert on a train ensues.
HELP A CHILD • SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Proceeds from performances of Gravedigger: The Musical will support OYES’ Help A Child Scholarship Fund.
OYES PRESENTS
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Music by Richard Rogers
Admission $12 for all ages!
Music & Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Al Rinker and Floyd Huddleston, Terry Gilkyson
Music Adapted and Arranged and Additional Music and Lyrics by Bryan Louiselle
Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by Michael Bernard
Based on the 1970 Disney film The Aristocats
AUG 5, 6, 7 - LIONS CAST (Cast A)
AUG 12, 13, 14 - BEARS CAST (Cast B)
Fri & Sat @ 6pm
Sat & Sun 2pm
(Runtime is approx. 40 minutes)
General Admission is $10 for all ages
All sales are final. No refunds.
Seating is first come, first serve.
Masks are not required, however, guests must adhere to the Ventura County COVID Quarantine Mandates in order to attend.
Young Actors Ensemble Performances
A COMEDY BY Hillary DePiano | Based on a scenario by Carlo Gozzi
Forget all your dusty misconceptions about the traditions of Commedia dell'Arte as The Love of Three Oranges, based on a scenario by Carlo Gozzi, provides a wild, raucous slapstick comedy that is completely retooled and revised for today's audiences!
Prince Tartaglia's life is filled with misery until an evil witch and her equally evil henchmen curse him to search for three giant oranges. But this quest proves more fruitful than anyone could have imagined as a once-lonely prince discovers love, friendship, and laughter when he encounters wizards, monarchs, and a wild narrator who isn't sure how far removed from the story he really is.
•
Thursday, June 9th
1:00pm-1:30pm (20 minute showcase with a short introduction)
•
PLEASE SELECT A TICKET TO RSVP FOR THE SHOW!
General Admission is FREE
We’ve extended our deadline, but we can’t extend any further!
MAY 6, 7, 8
FRIDAY AT 6PM
SATURDAY AT 1PM AND 6PM
SUNDAY AT 1PM
Admission
$10/$12 - General Seating
Join the OYES Young Actors Ensemble for an informal showcase of work from their Spring class. Students will demonstrate enhanced actor awareness and ensemble connection via vocal and physical exercises, short and long-form improvisations as well as small samples of monologue and scene work. Directed by Casey Robbins.
Showcase at 7pm
“Preparing Ojai’s Youth for Life’s Stage”
“Preparing Ojai’s Youth for Life’s Stage”
Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to challenging, inspiring, educating & entertaining children and families in the Ojai Valley through the experience of quality theatre, dance and music.
Through the theatrical process, OYES helps students explore their creative potential and find their authentic voice.
PO BOX 925, Ojai, CA 93024
"At OYES, children from all walks of life are brought together."
-Debra Kirkland (Ojai, CA)
Class rehearsals held at 414 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 39023
