CELEBRATING A MILESTONE--Dick Johnson, executive director of Conejo Players Theatre, reads a proclamation signed by Thousand Oaks Mayor Dennis Gillette. The Padilla family looks on. Charles E. Padilla died three years ago, but his work in Conejo Valley drama production is not forgotten. Musicians will no longer be tucked in a corner backstage at the Conejo Players Theatre. They now have a new underground home in front of the stage, due to the efforts of one dedicated man.

The Conejo Players Theatre has presented more than 300 shows since it was founded in 1957. The little theater's live shows, which have included dramas, comedies, and musicals, offer audiences affordable yearround entertainment while giving local performers of all ages a venue for refining their skills in fully staged productions.

Located south of the 101 Freeway on Moorpark Road, the theater was equipped with comfortable seats and many of the amenities that make a visit to see a show welcoming and entertaining. But it lacked a place for the musicians, who had to make do wherever they could-in between sets and the hustle and bustle of activities backstage-during the shows.

"It's nice to have the musicians in their place, said Dick Johnson, executive director for Conejo Players Theatre, during an orchestra pit dedication ceremony last Saturday.

The pit was dedicated to Charles E. Padilla, a talented music director, conductor and performer who died three years ago. Padilla's accomplishments at Conejo Players were celebrated by friends and family during the event.

Several performers sang show tunes from plays that had featured Padilla, who contributed to the Conejo Players for more than a decade. He served as musical director and conductor for many productions, directed many shows and was a member of the theatre's board of directors, acting as business advisor.

The Charles E. Padilla orchestra pit will expand the Conejo Players' ability to provide quality productions for the community for many years to come, said T.O. Mayor Dennis Gillette in a city proclamation given to the theater.

Pit grants were provided by Padilla, his partner, Marc Grisez, and other benefactors. "Charles would be amazed that the pit actually got built," Grisez said. It cost about $60,000 to complete.

When Padilla died, he made the initial contribution through a provision to give $10,000 toward the orchestra pit, according to Linda Stiegler, the theater's executive producer and conductor.

The city of T.O. contributed a $57,000 grant because the improvements to the theater will make the entire facility accessible to handicapped people.

The funds were provided for the theater remodeling program, which includes the pit, said Johnson. The group also plans to remodel the lobby, which will cos$800,000. Upgrades to the rehearsal hall, the dressing rooms and more are also planned and will probably cost about $2.5 million, Johnson said.