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
Coming this Summer...
Seussical the Musical Jr.
July 31st - August 9th, 2026
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
For more info, contact [email protected]
Purchase tickets online or call 805-640-8797
Open Seating
Doors open 20 minutes prior to curtain time
Ticket prices: $10 - $20
Open Seating
Doors open 20 minutes prior to curtain time
Ticket prices: $10 - $20
Young Performers and Families Bring Seussical Jr. to Life at the Ojai Art Center
The Ojai Art Center Youth Branch and Ojai Art Center Theater are joining forces this summer to present Seussical Jr., a colorful musical adventure inspired by the beloved stories of Dr. Seuss.
While audiences will see talented young performers on stage, Seussical Jr. is also a celebration of community. The production features actors ages 6 to 17 supported by parents and volunteers who help build sets and props, create costumes, run technical elements, assist in the box office, and welcome patrons to the theater.
Based on the works of Dr. Seuss, the musical follows Horton the Elephant, Jojo, Gertrude McFuzz, the Cat in the Hat, and many other memorable characters in a story about imagination, friendship, loyalty, and believing in yourself.
Among the volunteers helping bring the production to life is Amber Alvarez, who serves as a costume volunteer and green room supporter. After becoming involved through her four daughters’ participation in theater, she says she has gained a deeper appreciation for what goes into producing a show.
“It takes a village,” Alvarez said. “I’m so happy to be part of the OAC and OACT village.”
Ashley Dowd, stage manager and lead production assistant, is participating in her fourth consecutive summer production. She says the friendships and sense of community keep bringing her back.
“Everyone here is working incredibly hard, and this production is going to be a great one,” she said.
Volunteer Leon Simmonds Jr., lead set painter, has contributed to several previous productions and enjoys supporting both his daughter and community theater through his creative work.
The young cast members are equally enthusiastic.
Seussical Jr. will be presented at the Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street in Ojai, from July 31 through August 9. Performances are scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are available through the Ojai Art Center website at ojaiartcenter.org or by calling 805-640-8797. Audiences of all ages are invited to join the cast and crew for a journey through the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss and a celebration of the creativity, teamwork, and heart that make community theater possible.
The Ojai Art Center Youth Branch and Ojai Art Center Theater are joining forces this summer to present Seussical Jr., a colorful musical adventure inspired by the beloved stories of Dr. Seuss.
While audiences will see talented young performers on stage, Seussical Jr. is also a celebration of community. The production features actors ages 6 to 17 supported by parents and volunteers who help build sets and props, create costumes, run technical elements, assist in the box office, and welcome patrons to the theater.
Based on the works of Dr. Seuss, the musical follows Horton the Elephant, Jojo, Gertrude McFuzz, the Cat in the Hat, and many other memorable characters in a story about imagination, friendship, loyalty, and believing in yourself.
Among the volunteers helping bring the production to life is Amber Alvarez, who serves as a costume volunteer and green room supporter. After becoming involved through her four daughters’ participation in theater, she says she has gained a deeper appreciation for what goes into producing a show.
“It takes a village,” Alvarez said. “I’m so happy to be part of the OAC and OACT village.”
Ashley Dowd, stage manager and lead production assistant, is participating in her fourth consecutive summer production. She says the friendships and sense of community keep bringing her back.
“Everyone here is working incredibly hard, and this production is going to be a great one,” she said.
Volunteer Leon Simmonds Jr., lead set painter, has contributed to several previous productions and enjoys supporting both his daughter and community theater through his creative work.
The young cast members are equally enthusiastic.
- Vuka Faller, who plays Young Kangaroo, Yertle the Turtle, a Bird Girl, and a Who, says she loves the kindness of the theater community and the fun choreography featured in the musical.
- Jane Bueno, who plays Mrs. Mayor, says theater has helped her build friendships and experience the excitement of performing both onstage and backstage.
- Jack Beatty, appearing as Horton the Elephant and a Wickersham Monkey, returns for his third Youth Branch production and looks forward to continuing to grow as a performer.
- Alexa Brenes, who serves as both choreographer and performer in the role of Gertrude McFuzz, says she loves the magical feeling that comes from creating theater together and making lasting memories with her castmates.
- Emma Murphy, who plays Jojo along with several ensemble roles, says she returns each year because of her love for theater and the friendships she has made through the program.
Seussical Jr. will be presented at the Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street in Ojai, from July 31 through August 9. Performances are scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are available through the Ojai Art Center website at ojaiartcenter.org or by calling 805-640-8797. Audiences of all ages are invited to join the cast and crew for a journey through the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss and a celebration of the creativity, teamwork, and heart that make community theater possible.
Seussical The Musical, Jr. Photo: Standing or seated in front row from left to right: Amber Alvarez, Ashley Dowd, and Leon Simmonds. On the fence from left to right: Vuka Faller, Jane Bueno, Jack Beatty, Alexa Brenes, and Emma Murphy. Photo by Gai Jones.
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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