🎭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. (805) 302-6441 e. [email protected] 👉Contact Paul Ward: homeandranch.com p. 805-479-5004 e. [email protected] 📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible. #YouthTheater #PTYA #VenturaCounty #OnTheRoadWithPaulWard #PerformingArts #MusicalTheater #ShrekTheMusical #MatildaTheMusical