Program History

The Nordhoff Theatre Arts program has historic roots in the Ojai community. Treasured teachers and directors such as Bob Heller, John Slade, and Cindy Israel laid the foundation for high quality student training and performance. The program has grown to include more than 50 artists ranging from novice to advanced students from grades 7-12. All students are eligible to participate in the Theatre Arts due to a commitment to equitable access on behalf of Ojai Unified School District. The program is now led by teacher and director, John Høj. 

Students in the Introduction to the Theatre Arts course (grades 7-8) are presented with  performance technique, technical theatre technology and design, and forms of theatre in the world of the performing arts. Students of Drama I and II (grades 9-12) explore the intermediate projects associated with diverse acting methods and technical theatre techniques. And most recently, our new Technical Theatre/Advanced Acting course (grades 9-12) offers challenging coursework and projects for actors and theatre technicians. We are proud to collaborate with local actors and artists to extend the understanding that a career in the performing arts is diverse and varied and only 90 minutes away from the Ojai Valley. We are proud to team with Joshua Bitton and Isadora Goreshter of the Joshua Bitton Studios and newly formed Ojai Theatre Fest to provide professional connections for student work in the Ojai Valley. Students from the Nordhoff Theatre Arts program have attended acting and technical theatre programs at UCSB, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Davis, Long Beach State, Boston Conservatory, Cal Arts, New York University, PCPA, and local community college and theatre residency programs. Several currently work as professionals in the entertainment industry. 

The Ojai community has been enthusiastically receptive to Nordhoff Theatre Arts Program's creative work in extending the creative process to the children of Ojai. The goal of production work is to provide students with an in-depth resume of genre and performance choices.  Nordhoff Theatre Arts has received funding from the Ojai Education Foundation, Rotary Club of Ojai, Ojai Rotary West, Ojai Optimist Club and the Nordhoff Parent Association as well as donors and sponsorships from numerous businesses and individuals who believe in ensuring quality experiences for our Nordhoff theatre students.