🎭Empowering Young Performers Through Theater🎭

Episode Summary: Paul Ward speaks with Marta Dewey, founder of the Performance Theater for Young Artists (PTYA), a Ventura County-based nonprofit that has nurtured thousands of kids through year-round theater productions since 1999. From shy first-timers to confident leads, Marta shares how theater builds confidence, community, and creativity in youth aged 6 to 19. Discover how this beloved local program blends arts education with life skills — all while putting on fantastic musicals like Matilda and Shrek.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction Paul welcomes Marta Dewey and sets the stage for her inspiring story.

00:37 – How PTYA Began Marta shares how a one-time school musical grew into a year-round youth theater company.

01:46 – A Year-Round Program for All Ages How the company works: kids audition per production; many grow with the program for years.

02:55 – Singing, Acting, Dance, and Tech Theater PTYA develops young talent across performance and behind-the-scenes skills.

03:31 – Recent Production: Matilda the Musical Over 40 students from ages 7 to 18 performed in the most recent production.

04:02 – How Students Find Their Passion Some join for fun, others for the spotlight — all build confidence and skills.

05:06 – Rehearsal Schedules & Community Feel 10 hours per week, tech week before shows, and a close-knit cast culture.

06:25 – Costumes & Set Design Parents and students pitch in to bring each show to life.

07:36 – PTYA Alumni Success Stories One student went on to become an opera singer performing internationally.

09:00 – Audience & Performance Space Typical audience size and how they manage sold-out shows with flexible seating.

09:41 – Upcoming Production: Shrek the Musical Details on the next production and how rehearsals are ramping up.

10:22 – Licensing, Scripts & Choreography How PTYA acquires materials and relies on teen choreographers for fresh ideas.

11:20 – Growth Stories: From Shy to Spotlight Powerful examples of personal growth through theater.

13:17 – Funding a Nonprofit Theater Program How PTYA stays afloat: fundraising, tuition, ticket sales, grants, and scholarships.

14:29 – Volunteer-Driven Success Parents, alumni, and teens fuel the program with their time and passion.

15:24 – Performance Frequency & Summer Camp Four to five shows per year, plus a two-week summer camp with a final performance.

16:49 – The Future of PTYA Marta discusses the program’s continued growth and long-standing community roots.

17:17 – Closing & Gratitude Paul thanks Marta for her decades of dedication and impact.

🔗 Learn More About PTYA: ptya.org 3451 Foothill Rd Ventura, CA 93003 p. [phone] e. [e-mail] 👉Contact Paul Ward: homeandranch.com p. 805-479-5004 e. [e-mail]

📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.

#YouthTheater #PTYA #VenturaCounty #OnTheRoadWithPaulWard #PerformingArts #MusicalTheater #ShrekTheMusical #MatildaTheMusical