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.
Upcoming for Youth & Adult Actors
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
Book by Barbara Robinson - A new holiday musical for the whole family
&
The Miracle Worker
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
Book by Barbara Robinson - A new holiday musical for the whole family
The six Herdman kids are the worst children in the history of the world — they lie, steal, smoke cigars, and bully anyone in reach. So when they barge into the church Christmas pageant and seize every starring role, the town braces for disaster. What unfolds instead is a funny, rowdy, surprisingly tender retelling of the Nativity that just might be the best Christmas pageant anyone's ever seen. Told with a full score of original songs, it's a heartwarming celebration of grace, found family, and the chaos that comes before the miracle.
Auditions: September 27th, 28th, and 29th
Rehearsals: Monday–Thursday, 6–9 PM (young performers released by 8) — we break for Thanksgiving week
Performances: December 4–20, 2026 -Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai
For more information contact [email protected]
All roles open · Intergenerational Non-Equity production
· The Herdman children (Imogene, Ralph, Leroy, Claude, Ollie & Gladys) — youth performers, ages [7–14]
· The Bradley family & church kids (Beth, Charlie, Alice & ensemble) — youth performers, ages [7–14]
· Adult roles (Grace & Bob Bradley, Reverend Hopkins, the church ladies) — adults, ages [18+]
Gai Jones (Producer) Supporter of Youth and Intergenerational affordable Theatre opportunities
Hayley Silvers (Director) is an award-winning performer and director whose work spans film, television, and the stage. Passionate about both the arts and education, she firmly believes in empowering artists to draw on their own strength. She is the CEO and Founder of Lights Up Theatrical Standards and a fixture of the Ventura County theatre scene, serving as Artistic Director of Camarillo Junior Theatre and Director in Residence at two elementary and middle schools, always with a commitment to art made with integrity. She is also a staple of the Ojai Art Center Theater, where she has appeared in The Addams Family, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and I Ought to Be in Pictures, and choreographed A Christmas Story and Annie. Offstage, she serves as the Torah School Educator of the Jewish Community of Ojai and is excited to bring this holiday classic to the OACT stage!
Steven Silvers (Music Director) is an arts educator, music director, and actor who has performed on stages across Southern California. With a passion for music, theater, and education, he has spent over a decade teaching children and inspiring young performers through engaging, creative instruction. Steven currently works as the music educator in residence at CAPE Charter and Los Primeros School of Sciences and Arts, as well as a music instructor at Children’s Music Academy, combining his experience in the performing arts with a commitment to fostering confidence, creativity, and lifelong learning in his students.
The Miracle Worker - Auditions and Performance Dates
The Miracle Worker is based on Helen Keller's book "The Story of My Life", which recounts the story of young Helen Keller, her teacher Annie Sullivan, and the 1887 Alabama Keller household. Gai Laing Jones is directing this multigenerational production which will be performed at the end of January - early February 2027. Auditions will be in December 2026. For information contact [email protected]
Book by Barbara Robinson - A new holiday musical for the whole family
The six Herdman kids are the worst children in the history of the world — they lie, steal, smoke cigars, and bully anyone in reach. So when they barge into the church Christmas pageant and seize every starring role, the town braces for disaster. What unfolds instead is a funny, rowdy, surprisingly tender retelling of the Nativity that just might be the best Christmas pageant anyone's ever seen. Told with a full score of original songs, it's a heartwarming celebration of grace, found family, and the chaos that comes before the miracle.
Auditions: September 27th, 28th, and 29th
Rehearsals: Monday–Thursday, 6–9 PM (young performers released by 8) — we break for Thanksgiving week
Performances: December 4–20, 2026 -Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai
For more information contact [email protected]
All roles open · Intergenerational Non-Equity production
· The Herdman children (Imogene, Ralph, Leroy, Claude, Ollie & Gladys) — youth performers, ages [7–14]
· The Bradley family & church kids (Beth, Charlie, Alice & ensemble) — youth performers, ages [7–14]
· Adult roles (Grace & Bob Bradley, Reverend Hopkins, the church ladies) — adults, ages [18+]
Gai Jones (Producer) Supporter of Youth and Intergenerational affordable Theatre opportunities
Hayley Silvers (Director) is an award-winning performer and director whose work spans film, television, and the stage. Passionate about both the arts and education, she firmly believes in empowering artists to draw on their own strength. She is the CEO and Founder of Lights Up Theatrical Standards and a fixture of the Ventura County theatre scene, serving as Artistic Director of Camarillo Junior Theatre and Director in Residence at two elementary and middle schools, always with a commitment to art made with integrity. She is also a staple of the Ojai Art Center Theater, where she has appeared in The Addams Family, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and I Ought to Be in Pictures, and choreographed A Christmas Story and Annie. Offstage, she serves as the Torah School Educator of the Jewish Community of Ojai and is excited to bring this holiday classic to the OACT stage!
Steven Silvers (Music Director) is an arts educator, music director, and actor who has performed on stages across Southern California. With a passion for music, theater, and education, he has spent over a decade teaching children and inspiring young performers through engaging, creative instruction. Steven currently works as the music educator in residence at CAPE Charter and Los Primeros School of Sciences and Arts, as well as a music instructor at Children’s Music Academy, combining his experience in the performing arts with a commitment to fostering confidence, creativity, and lifelong learning in his students.
The Miracle Worker - Auditions and Performance Dates
The Miracle Worker is based on Helen Keller's book "The Story of My Life", which recounts the story of young Helen Keller, her teacher Annie Sullivan, and the 1887 Alabama Keller household. Gai Laing Jones is directing this multigenerational production which will be performed at the end of January - early February 2027. Auditions will be in December 2026. For information contact [email protected]
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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