Mission Statement
Ohana Theatrical Productions is dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to reach their full potential by building confidence, character, and creativity through the performing arts. We believe that theatre is for everyone, that we all have incredible stories to tell and learn from and that it is a place where we can come together to practice the powers of compassion and understanding so that we can make the community a better place. One show at a time. Welcome to Ohana...where theatre is like family and we are glad you are here.
by Founder and Artistic Director Ruthe Baez
About Us
Hi, my name is Ruthe Baez, the artistic director and founder of Ohana Theatrical Productions. We provide theatre educational programming to the local community emphasizing on building confidence, creating community, enhancing communication skills and creating meaningful connections in our local youth - both on stage and off. By providing affordable, high-quality training in the arts, we help young people find their voice and develop skills that last a lifetime.
As an extremely shy child, I always looked for a place where I could be seen, feel safe, and belong. When I stepped onto the stage at a very young age, I knew I was home and have been performing on the Bay Area stage since.
Throughout my journey, I have had truly inspiring teachers who have shown me how empowering the arts can be and I made it my life’s purpose to give others the same opportunity through theatre education.
I hold a B.A in Performing Arts - Theatre and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in education both from St. Mary's College of California and with that I have taught, directed, performed, and advocated for theatre throughout Contra Costa County. Most recently, I have been the drama, technical theatre, and choir teacher at Walnut Creek Intermediate since 2016. In 2017, we received the California Exemplary Arts Education Award from the state of California.
As a 20 year public school theatre teacher, I have seen first hand the profound impact the arts have had on my own students and now am focusing on continuing my mission and teachings in my own studio.
Opening in 2023, we began with our first five week summer camp for teens that was a wonderful success and we knew we were on to something special.
Since then, we have added community theatre productions that are open to all, which kicked off with our well received first two main stage productions of "The World According to Snoopy" and "Into the Woods."
We are so excited to open our own studio doors as of February 2025 so we can continue our mission and provide theatre education programming for students K-12 year round.
We are so excited for our future and can't wait for you to check us out.