By Ventura Breeze Staff
In a world dominated by screens and social media, theatre offers young people something priceless—an opportunity to develop confidence, creativity, and connection. More than just memorizing lines and hitting marks, theatre teaches teamwork, empathy, and resilience. For more than 25 years, Performance Theatre for Young Artists (PTYA) has provided local youth with opportunities to experience these remarkable benefits. Whether mastering the art of collaboration, stepping into the spotlight, or working behind the scenes, children involved in performing arts gain skills that last a lifetime.
A Legacy of Performing Arts Education
Founded in 1999 by Marta Dewey, PTYA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, training, and experience in the performing arts to young artists in Ventura County. Through workshops, year-round community theatre, and other performance activities, PTYA helps local youth develop skills in acting, singing, dance, literacy, and technical theatre. The program also fosters self-esteem, confidence, teamwork, decision-making, and communication skills.
With its dedicated leadership and commitment to the arts, PTYA continues to provide invaluable opportunities for young performers while enriching the local community with live theatre. Audiences recently raved about the PTYA production of Beetlejuice Jr., and the cast is currently in rehearsals for Matilda Jr., which will be performed at the Poinsettia Pavilion from April 25 through May 4.
Marta Dewey’s Vision and Dedication
Dewey founded PTYA while teaching at Santa Clara Elementary School in Oxnard, where she served as the music teacher from 1998 to 2003. “As the after-school activities director, I produced two musicals each year,” recalls Dewey. “I soon realized there was a need for youth performing arts programs in Ventura County, so I started PTYA and launched a private voice studio.”
In 2003, Dewey accepted a position at Santa Clara High School as a drama instructor, where she also produced plays and musicals. “As demand for PTYA’s programs and private voice lessons grew, I decided to leave my teaching position to focus on PTYA full time,” she explained. Dewey trained in classical voice under renowned Ventura County instructor Linda Brice and has an extensive background in musical theatre, opera, and technical theatre.
PTYA’s Leadership Team
PTYA’s leadership team includes Julie Lantiegne, who serves as assistant director and costume manager, and James Lantiegne, the technical director. James is a professional magician, videographer, and sound engineer. The Lantiegnes also founded The House of MAGIC Foundation, a nonprofit educational center for the arts.
Together, the Lantiegnes and Dewey share a vision of creating an inclusive environment at PTYA, where young people feel successful, creative, confident, and accepted. “By encouraging youth to explore their talents and express themselves, our goal is to break down barriers and promote positive personal growth,” Dewey said.
Community Support for PTYA Founder
Recently, Dewey was the victim of a scam that resulted in the loss of $7,500 from her bank account. Friends and supporters are rallying to help replace the stolen funds. Those interested in contributing can donate at spot.fund/bks1d5rsc.
To learn more about PTYA, visit PTYA.org, email ptyaplays@gmail.com, or call 805-302-6441. PTYA is based at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura, CA 93003. To learn more about The House of MAGIC, visit thomagic.org.
