Youth Branch
The Ojai Art Center Youth Branch is a creative resource for young artists of all mediums and ages.
The Youth Branch provides space and experienced instruction for youth workshops and classes at The Ojai Art Center.
The Youth Branch provides space and experienced instruction for youth workshops and classes at The Ojai Art Center.
Current Events
Scholarship Opportunity!!
A Look Back at the OAC's
Youth Summer Workshop Showcase
September 19th, 2025
Performers include:
Seated on the floor (L–R): Emma Murphy, Jaxon Turse, Ella Cantle, Paloma Braney, Bonnie Black, Henry Molina
Seated on chairs (L–R): Rory Johnson, Vuka Faller, Theoni Simmonds, Avery Burke, Saydee Stanley, Jane Bueno
Not pictured: Kali Holmes
Seated on the floor (L–R): Emma Murphy, Jaxon Turse, Ella Cantle, Paloma Braney, Bonnie Black, Henry Molina
Seated on chairs (L–R): Rory Johnson, Vuka Faller, Theoni Simmonds, Avery Burke, Saydee Stanley, Jane Bueno
Not pictured: Kali Holmes
Gai Jones and her youth actors have had a wonderful summer of learning and growth!
The season concluded with the Acting for Youth Summer Workshop Showcase on Friday, September 19th.
We celebrated the next generation of performers as our young actors took the stage guided by award-winning theater educator Gai Jones. These talented students learned how to:
Each actor performed a one-minute monologue, followed by a lively ensemble reading of The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales.
Thanks to all who supported our young actors and The OAC!!
For more info on youth programs: [email protected]
The season concluded with the Acting for Youth Summer Workshop Showcase on Friday, September 19th.
We celebrated the next generation of performers as our young actors took the stage guided by award-winning theater educator Gai Jones. These talented students learned how to:
- Present themselves with confidence
- Collaborate and communicate as an ensemble
- Bring characters to life on stage
Each actor performed a one-minute monologue, followed by a lively ensemble reading of The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales.
Thanks to all who supported our young actors and The OAC!!
For more info on youth programs: [email protected]
Past Youth Branch Events
Thanks to all the parents and young actors who participated in the 4th of July parade!! AND the Youth Branch performance of
The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition.
In August 2024, The Youth Branch Presented:
Alice in Wonderland, A Musical...
During the final performance of Alice in Wonderland, A Musical, the power went out in town and at the Ojai Art Center Theatre!!
During intermission, the students gathered benches and moved lawn chairs for the audience to sit in the shade. They gathered the props and performed Act 2 outside on the OAC patio.
They were and are real pros! The show went on and we say, “Congrats" to each and every one!!
During intermission, the students gathered benches and moved lawn chairs for the audience to sit in the shade. They gathered the props and performed Act 2 outside on the OAC patio.
They were and are real pros! The show went on and we say, “Congrats" to each and every one!!
Cast Photo “Alice in Wonderland”
First row from left to right: Callista Sandoval, Cobin Gadley , Jaxon Turse, Maisy Hawkins, Jane Bueno, Theoni Simmonds, Saylor Weeces, Laney Nelson
Second row from left to right: Indie Henry, Isla Thompson, Sophia Rockwell, Declan Braney, Eliza Nelson, Teagan Griffith, Maggie Hickok, Sailor Henry, Paloma Braney
Third row from left to right: Noma Jones, Eleanor Loy, Lexi Worsham, Ava Hawkins, Zooey Halbrook, Alexa Brenes, Ashley Dowd, Summer Provencio, Harrison Light
Not Pictured: Paige Welton, Joseph Capone
OACT Youth Branch presents
“Frozen, Kids”
Over the summer, 12 young actors joined Director Gai Jones, Kayleigh Turner, Vocal Director, and Sophie Massey, Choreographer who coached the kids in song and dance virtually.
The kids and crew worked really hard with everyone learning many new skills. We can not sell tickets for the final performance but we can accept donations to our program.
Please consider donating, even a small gift is helpful in covering production costs, such as costumes, props, royalties, staffing, etc.
The kids and crew worked really hard with everyone learning many new skills. We can not sell tickets for the final performance but we can accept donations to our program.
Please consider donating, even a small gift is helpful in covering production costs, such as costumes, props, royalties, staffing, etc.
Youth Branch Photos
 Student photographers having their own
portraits done at our 75th Anniversary
Gala
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Carys Garvey and Sophie Massey in Gianni Schicchi, Ojai Youth Opera's Summer 2013 season.
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Art Director Rebecca Comerford and students Sophie Massey, Ami Wallmark and Ella Giulianni in "Va, Pensiero" from the opera Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi (from Ojai Youth Opera's 2013 season.)
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