The Conejo Valley region is fortunate to have numerous arts organizations dedicated to sharing the magic of live theatre with community members of all ages. Here, we spotlight some of our favorites. Be sure to support these talented teams by attending their events and showing your love and appreciation for their invaluable efforts to entertain, uplift and inspire.
Conejo Players Theatre
Conejo Players Theatre was born in 1958 with a “Let’s start a theatre” attitude, a meager treasury and a handful of volunteers to build a stage in a barn and put on shows. Within 7 years, that attitude evolved into: “Let’s build a theater!”
Conejo Players Theatre presents an eclectic mix of musicals, plays, improv (adult and youth), and youth shows run completely by volunteers and at no cost to the participants. The theatre provides opportunities to both seasoned and novice performers, directors, technical staff and other production-related positions. The nonprofit services the community with quality entertainment at affordable ticket prices.
Mission
The mission of Conejo Players Theatre is to provide the community with a year-round schedule of live theatre and events produced to serve the cultural, educational and entertainment needs of the community. Also, to welcome and provide an avocational opportunity for all volunteers interested in the theater arts to participate in the many activities of community theatre.
2025 Season Highlights
Conejo Players Theatre’s 67th season main stage opens with the farce comedy “Hotbed Hotel” on January 10. The beloved musical “Anastasia” opens on March 21. They will be producing the Ventura County premiere of “The Book of Will” on June 6. Ken Ludwig's clever adaptation of Agatha Christie's “Murder on the Orient Express” takes the stage on August 8. The musical “A Chorus Line” will close out the season; it opens on November 7.
Youth shows include the play, “Velveteen Rabbit: A Toy Story,” (May 2) and the hit musical, “Disney's Descendants: The Musical” (October 3).
Throughout the year they will also be hosting Adult and Youth Improv Team Shows, Readers Theatre’s staged readings of classic and original works, and special community events including Broadway Karaoke. This month on February 22, Conejo Players Theatre participates in the first Conejo Valley Comedy Fest!
Visit ConejoPlayers.org or call the box office for tickets at 805.495.3715.
Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory
For 30 years Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory has provided classes in all aspects of theatre arts for students who value creative expression and the powerful idea of process over performance. Classes focus on training, tools and a classic approach to true character development. Students are urged to act, rather than perform. Here, theatre is a group activity, a team sport, a publicly shared journey into worthwhile material and into the self.
Each year Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory teaches classes through Conejo Recreation and Park District. Classes include Beginning and Intermediate Acting and Improvisation and the popular Acting in a Production, which features approximately 20 students in a production class that culminates in a final production that runs for three performances in the Theatre on the Hill at the Hillcrest Center. In 2024, students performed “The Hotel Key” and “Mythical Creatures: Tournament of Champions,” two original plays written by Kati Olexiewicz and directed by Stephanie Wilson and Olexiewicz. Through the process students participate in workshopping the play through early readings where they provide their own script notes and assist in character and story development. Students also enjoy classes in Audition Technique, Stage Combat and Character Breakdown, throughout the rehearsal process.
In 2025, classes will be held on Sundays at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts. Beginning and Intermediate Acting & Improv takes place Sundays from 9 to 10 a.m. Each of these classes runs for 6 weeks and this class is suggested as a prerequisite for Acting in a Production, an approximately 13-week course culminating in June and again in December with a production.
Register at HillcrestArts.com/classes or call 805.381.2747. Learn more at GoldCoastTheatre.org.
Pacific Festival Ballet
Founded in 1992, Pacific Festival Ballet fulfilled a vision of bringing a regional ballet company to the Conejo Valley. Under the artistic direction of Kim Maselli, a former member of American Ballet Theater II and “Fame” TV series regular, PFB’s repertoire includes classical ballets such as “The Nutcracker” and “Sleeping Beauty,” as well as innovative world premieres, including “Noah’s Ark,” “The Sea Princess” and “Camelot.”
Since its inception, Pacific Festival Ballet has worked to create a strong tradition of civic support through public performances, local outreach and children’s educational programs. Kim is committed to continue a long-lasting legacy of dance and performing arts in the community.
Learn more at PacFestBallet.org.
TOArts
TOArts, the in-house nonprofit fundraising and presenting partner of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks, is dedicated to making the community a place Where the Arts Thrive for All. Through arts education, world-class performances and vital support for local artists and organizations, TOArts enriches lives and fosters a vibrant cultural landscape.
This year marks an exciting chapter for TOArts as the organization prepares for a leadership transition, with Niki Chopra Richardson set to take on the role of executive director. This anticipated milestone aligns with a season full of transformative programs and performances designed to inspire and connect the community.
TOArts’ cornerstone programs include the following:
- Youth Arts Workforce Development: Through the Youth Arts Leadership Academy and Creators Conservatory, high school and college students gain hands-on experience with award-winning guest artists and industry experts. These programs nurture creativity, collaboration and professional skills while exposing participants to the wide spectrum of arts careers.
- Kids and the Arts: This program transforms lives by providing free access to live theatre through field trips for school-aged children. Each year, over 5,000 elementary school students from schools throughout Ventura County experience the magic of live theatre, sparking imagination and fostering a lifelong love of the arts.
- TOArts Presents: Bringing world-class performers to the Conejo Valley, TOArts Presents offers unique opportunities to celebrate, reflect and connect. The 2025 season includes the mesmerizing artistry of Ballet Hispánico’s “CARMEN.maquia” on March 20, the cutting-edge spectacle of “iLuminate: The Tour” on April 2, and the captivating “Wild Wolves of Yellowstone” with biologist Doug Smith on May 2.
As TOArts ushers in this new chapter, its commitment to enriching lives through the arts remains stronger than ever, ensuring the Conejo Valley continues to thrive creatively.
For more information, visit TOArts.org or call 805.449.2709.