Spring 2021 | Online Performing Arts Institute - APRIL 26 - JUNE 18, 2021 ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 22, 2021
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WHAT IS OLD IS NEW AGAIN
Spring 2021 | Online Performing Arts Institute
APRIL 26 - JUNE 18, 2021
ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 22, 2021
(510) 210-3773
register@stagebridge.org
stagebridge.org
Spring 2021 Performing Arts Institute
At-a-Glance
After a full year of online classes, the Performing Arts Institute’s Spring 2021 session is a true
return to form with beloved Stagebridge instructors exploring the world of Broadway & beyond!
With multiple production opportunities, we’re ensuring that students are taking the lead in
the rehearsal room and on stage—even online. Welcome back a familiar Stagebridge with
performances like never before!
Workshops
Listen to Your Voice | Ellen Robinson | NEW! The Director’s Eye Workshop | Ely Sonny Orquiza
May 3 - 24 May 10 - June 3
Mondays, 1 - 2p | $74 Mondays + Thursdays, 1 - 3p | $218
Mondays
Writing Your Best Life | Jeff Lee Imagine, Illuminate & Illustrate | Jim Brulé | NEW!
10a - 12p | $231 1 - 2:30p | $204
Singing with Scrumbly | Scrumbly Koldewyn
10a - 12p | $227
Tuesdays
Singing with Scrumbly | Scrumbly Koldewyn Tap in Time* | Sam Weber
10a - 12p | $227 2 - 3p | $128
Compassionate Tappin’, Level 1 | Lucia Fanelli Playback Theatre | Martin Holtz
11a - 12p | $132 3 - 5p | $218
Compassionate Tappin’, Level 2* | Lucia Fanelli Fairytales, Folklore & Social Justice | Sheila Arnold
12:30 - 1:30p | $128 3:30 - 5:30p | $218
Wednesdays
Joy of the Game | Radhika Rao A Chorus Line | April Axé Charmaine | NEW!
10 - 11:30a | $194 10:30a - 12p | $208
The Hagen Technique | Ely Sonny Orquiza | NEW! Radio Play Workshop: Noises Off | Radhika Rao |
10a - 12p | $218 NEW!
2 - 4p | $242
2
Thursdays
Dynamic & Effective Storytelling | Masankho Stand-Up Comedy | Corey Rosen
Banda 1 - 3p | $218
9:30 - 11:30a | $218
Singing with Scrumbly | Scrumbly Koldewyn
10a - 11:30 | $203
Fridays
Your Story, Well Told | Corey Rosen | NEW! Now Presenting: The Dell | Joanne Grimm &
10a - 12p | $218 Scrumbly Koldewyn | NEW!
Introduction to Theatrical Performance | Bruce Fridays, 1 - 3p | $242
Bierman | NEW!
1 - 3p | $218
All Winter 2021 class times are set in Pacific Time (PDT).
*Registration includes pre-registration for all 2021 Performing Arts Institute sessions. Read class descriptions for more
details.
Don’t
Give Us
Your
Money!
All you have to do is bring two new students to Stagebridge and you’ll get a
class for free! We are continuing our Refer-a-Friend offer as a thank you for
keeping Stagebridge strong.
VISIT STAGEBRIDGE.ORG/REFER-A-FRIEND FOR MORE INFO
Short-term Workshops
1. Listen to Your Voice | Ellen Robinson | NEW!
May 3 - 24 (4 weeks) | Mondays, 1 - 2p
Strengthen your vocal muscles from the inside out with Ellen. This workshop is designed to
help you improve and maintain vocal habits for singing, performance and public speaking.
Students will walk away with a crash course in skills for better breathing & breath support,
increasing your vocal range, making song choices, body alignment & stretching, and so
much more! Maximum Enrollment: 10
Note: Students should be familiar with Zoom online conferencing, be able to use a computer when taking the
class and also have access to a smartphone.
Price: $74
2. The Director’s Eye Workshop | Ely Sonny Orquiza
May 10 - June 3 (4 weeks) | Mondays + Thursdays, 1 - 3p
If you missed The Director’s Eye from the Winter 2021 session, now is your chance to
participate in an adapted workshop! This workshop combines text and performance
analysis from scenes of your favorite plays to establish yourself as a digital director,
performer, and would-be producer. Welcoming new and returning students, this class is an
interesting mix of performance and inquiry—perfectly crafted for those looking to evolve their art form! Maximum
enrollment: 20
Price: $218
Writing & Storytelling
3. Writing Your Best Life | Jeff Lee
Mondays, 10a - 12p
Jeff Lee returns with this memoir-based writing course to help students explore their unique
experiences and to voice their rich histories, journeys, and legacies in our community.
This intimate class will explore how to paint personal stories—both large and small—with
powerful, vivid prose. Maximum enrollment: 8
Price: $231
4. Imagine, Illuminate & Illustrate | Jim Brulé | NEW!
Mondays, 1 - 2:30p
With an emphasis on illustrating powerfully personal stories, this class will translate
memoirs into beautiful short videos for a one-of-a-kind showcase. Jim Brulé will
lead students in producing 5-minute digital versions of personal stories—combining
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narration, sound & images. Through small group work and one-on-one feedback, students will leave class
with a diverse and fun toolkit of voice work, storyboarding, and digital storytelling! Maximum enrollment: 10
Note: Students must have access to either a Mac or PC laptop or desktop computer. Tablets or phones are
discouraged for most classwork. Also, a microphone on the computer is highly desirable, although students can
record their voice narration onto their smartphone for transfer. Additionally, the instructor will provide an in-class
tutorial on WeVideo, the program used to create the final projects.
Price: $204
5. Fairytales, Folklore & Social Justice | Sheila Arnold
Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:30p
Fairytales engage our imagination, and folktales give us glimpses into diverse cultures.
Designed for those who want to build bridges through difficult conversations, this
discussion-based class utilizes stories to address social issues including poverty,
immigration, race reconciliation, PTSD, and more. Students will use folklore and fairytales
to brainstorm how the world’s oldest narratives can be today’s vehicles for awareness and change. Maximum
enrollment: 16
Price: $218
6. Dynamic & Effective Storytelling | Masankho Banda
Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:30a
In this 8-week course, Masankho will teach using the tools of InterPlay (interplay.org) and
a lifetime of storytelling skills learned from his Elders in Malawi, Central Africa. Perfect for
beginning storytellers, students will boost their self-esteem, improve their speaking abilities
in all arenas of life, and grow into confident storytellers. Masankho will share with you the
secrets to being the storyteller YOU have always wanted to be. Maximum enrollment: 14
Note: This class will lead to an end-of-session showcase, optional for students.
Price: $218
7. Your Story, Well Told | Corey Rosen | NEW!
Fridays, 10a - 12p
Newly published author of Your Story, Well Told and host of The Moth, Corey Rosen will
share his techniques for turning heartbreak, humiliation, and tragedy into riveting five-
minute performance pieces. Through learning performance essay structures, finding the
humor in your foibles, and connecting with your audience through improvised storytelling
drills, students will craft two incredible stories ready for the mainstage. Maximum
enrollment: 12
Note: This class will lead to an end-of-session showcase, optional for students.
Price: $218
5
Theatre & Acting 8. The Hagen Technique | Ely Sonny Orquiza | NEW! Wednesdays, 10a - 12p Escape into the world of one of the greatest Broadway performers. Ely will lead students looking for a new performance challenge through the teachings of Uta Hagen and the acting style inspired by her illustrious career. This intensive will blend introductory discussions and engaging physical performance exercises to explore the technique asking you to dig into your experiences to make characters explode off the stage. Maximum enrollment: 12 Note: This class will work through aspects of Uta Hagen’s A Challenge for the Actor and Respect for Acting. Price: $218 9. Radio Play Workshop: Noises Off | Radhika Rao | NEW! Wednesdays, 2 - 4p Radhika Rao will lead students in translating acclaimed Broadway darling Noises Off into a radio play performance. Emphasizing fun collaboration & character creation through voice, all performers are invited to build a new production from the ground up. Welcome to a world of big and bold humor unlike anything you’ve done before! The radio play performance itself will cover the first act of Noises Off. Maximum Enrollment: 10 Note: Radhika will hold office hours outside of class time each week for additional coaching; day/time TBD. An informational & audition session will be held on April 12 at 1pm PDT to discuss casting and the production process. All who register are required to attend the informational session. Price: $242 10. Introduction to Theatrical Performance | Bruce Bierman | NEW! Fridays, 1 - 3p Your dreams of getting on that stage are a few moments away! Bruce will spark your imagination and creativity in your first steps towards mastering acting and performance. Designed perfectly for acting beginners, students will explore a practical and fun craft and unlock their creative mind & soul. Maximum enrollment: 12 Note: While not required to read prior, this class utilizes Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet to explore non- denominational artistic practice. Price: $218 6
Music & Singing
11. Singing with Scrumbly | Scrumbly Koldewyn
Mondays & Tuesdays, 10a - 12p | Thursdays, 10 - 11:30a
Got a passion for singing, but want to feel more connected to it? One of our favorite
Stagebridge instructors, Scrumbly Koldewyn, will help bring that feeling of singing in the
shower into the real world! With individual attention and a supportive group environment,
students will transform into vocalists performing material that resonates with them.
Maximum enrollment: 12 - 15
Note: Students will need to play accompaniment music while in class using a computer or an additional device.
Computers are optimal; however, devices like tablets or smartphones work as well. It is encouraged to have high-
speed internet. New Zoom students are recommended to take Scrumbly’s audio Zoom Workshop.
Price: $227 (Mon, Tues), $203 (Thurs)
12. Now Presenting: The Dell | Joanne Grimm & Scrumbly Koldewyn |
NEW!
Fridays, 1 - 3p
The directors behind Never Too Late are leading a fully-digital production in which fictional
characters inhabit a senior living facility, facing its potential demise. With Joanne and
Scrumbly leading this musical collaboration, students will transition into actors in a show
like never before. Culminating into a performance at the end of the Spring session, this class continues the
collaborative effort of creating a piece from the ground up. Maximum enrollment: 12
Note: This is a continuation of the Winter 2021 course Becoming Rodgers & Hammerstein; however, new students
are welcome to audition. An informational & audition session will be held on April 16 at 1pm PDT to discuss
casting and the production process.
Price: $242
Improv & Comedy
13. Playback Theatre | Martin Holtz
Tuesdays, 3 - 5p
Even with social distancing, we can blend our needs for artistry, service, and ritual. This
class explores Playback Theatre, where performers reflect the stories of their colleagues or
audience members in real time. By developing each performer’s skills with deep listening,
emotional risk-taking, creative movement, and improvisational form, students will honor
each participant’s personal stories to extend our sense of digital community. Maximum
enrollment: 12
Price: $218
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14. Joy of the Game | Radhika Rao
Wednesdays, 10-11:30a
Students will learn about character development, creating plot lines, and writing dialogue
while connecting through creativity & playfulness—the building blocks of improv. This is
a welcoming space where “we say yes” to our ideas, our laughter, and our joy! Maximum
enrollment: 12
Price: $194
15. Stand-Up Comedy | Corey Rosen
Thursdays, 1 - 3p
With a mix of improv games and group / partner work, The Moth host and BATS improviser
Corey Rosen will teach you how to blend comedic writing and real-life sourcing into a
5-minute set you can take on the road. Ready to laugh out loud? Let’s do it together!
Maximum enrollment: 12
Note: This class will lead to an end-of-session showcase, optional for students.
Price: $218
Dance & Movement
16. A Chorus Line | April Axé Charmaine | NEW!
Wednesdays, 10:30a - 12p
Enter the world of Broadway through this movement class focused on jazz and musical
theatre. Axé will lead the group through a choreographed dance culminating in a
communal sharing on the final day of class. Students will leave this workshop learning new
dance techniques, building physical strength, sustaining their mental & emotional health,
and having fun along the way. Maximum enrollment: 12
Note: This is a continuation of the Winter 2021 course New York, New York!; however, all students are welcome.
Price: $208
17. Compassionate Tappin’ Level 1 | Lucia Fanelli
Tuesdays, 11a - 12p
This is a class designed specifically for those who have always wanted to tap dance with
no previous training—a true beginners’ class! Lucia Fanelli will use this class to move slow
and easy, laying down a structured foundation of basic moves and stability for students to
experience the joy of tap dancing! Maximum enrollment: 12
Note: Closed-toe, leather-soled shoes (no rubber soles) are a substitution for tap shoes in this class. Also,
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students concerned about dancing on their floors can use a piece of plywood or masonite from a home
improvement store during this class.
Price: $132
18. Compassionate Tappin’, Level 2* | Lucia Fanelli
Tuesdays, 12:30 - 1:30p
This class will help students learn more intricate tap moves and rhythms to add to their repertoire. As this class
builds on the foundation established in Lucia’s previous session, aspiring tap dancers will awaken their bodies,
uplift their spirits, and experience the innate heartfelt joy of dance. Maximum enrollment:
13
Note: Students who feel comfortable and confident in Level 2 should inquire about the
intermediate class with Sam Weber, Tap in Time.
Price: $128
19. Tap in Time* | Sam Weber
Tuesdays, 2 - 3p
The heyday of tap dance is no longer behind us! Tap has re-emerged as a vital, creative art through the work
of the Jazz Tap Ensemble, Gregory Hines, and Dorrance Dance, most recently. In this intermediate class, you’ll
learn how to build on the fundamentals, add sounds to the basic steps, and create fast and intricate rhythms.
Maximum enrollment: 10
Note: Interested students should have previous experience with tap dance or have taken Lucia Fanelli’s tap
classes. Sam will provide students with music and video instructions prior to class. During class, Sam will give
further explanation, then students will repeat the step or combination. Sam will incorporate feedback and
corrections as well as address questions from students.
Price: $128
*Students currently registered in Tap in Time & Compassionate Tappin’ Level 2 are automatically
registered for the Spring (April 27-June 15). Sam and Lucia encourage students to continue with their
classes in order to develop routine and practice throughout the year. Invoices will be transmitted on
April 20, 2021. Students may opt out anytime before May 4 to avoid being charged.
Instructor Bios
Sheila Arnold has been gifted by God with performance skills reminding people to share their stories.
and has been using this talent since she was eight years old. April Axé Charmaine is a world-renowned, holistic dance and
Since 2003 she has been a full-time storyteller traveling through performing arts educator, choreographer, movement leader,
the United States and sharing a variety of stories - “whatever fits empowerment speaker and author. Axé (ah-shay) has taught,
in her mouth”, as well as doing Historic Character Presentations performed, and trained in the United States, Ghana, Brasil,
and Christian Monologues. At her core, Ms. Sheila, as she is Guatemala, Colombia, France, and Spain. She has been using
commonly called, is a Professional Imaginator with a passion, dance, expressive arts and nature as tools for healing justice
vision and ministry of healing hearts, unifying communities and for 30+ years. As the Founder of SOL VIDA™ she is a fusion
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artivist carrying embodied wisdom from the African Diaspora, with an open heart can be the basis for healing the rifts within us
SomaSource, Ecstatic Movement, Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and between us.
Spoken Word, Guerilla Theatre, Performance Art Creative Lucia Fanelli is a professional dancer who studied tap
Movement, Yoga, and Modern Dance worlds in her being and extensively with San Francisco tap master, Stan Kahn, and
is licensed Drama Teacher. She hones a gift for cultivating his protege, tap virtuoso Sam Weber. Fanelli studied ballet at
authentic expression, creating safe spaces and inspiring people Peninsula Ballet Theatre School under its founding director,
of all ages and backgrounds to activate their true life dreams. Anne Bena and jazz dance with Dancer Synectics Studio in San
Project Highlights: West Side Story, The Producers, Lion King, Francisco. Her performance career is highlighted by shows with
Out of Site: SoMA, Fab Lab, Once On This Island, Nick Cave Mason-Kahn, Peninsula Ballet Theatre, Fascinating Rhythm
H.E.A.R.D., The Denver Dance Project, Unwind + Grind, SOL Productions and industrial shows backing up such performers
BOUND and One Race Woman. as Bing Crosby, Phil Harris and Julio Iglesias. Her teaching
Masankho Banda is an international performing artist and experience includes teaching tap to children and adults at
InterPlay Leader who has been listening to and telling stories Mason-Kahn Dance Studios, Peninsula Ballet Theatre School
since he was a child. Masankho tours the world telling stories and for San Francisco Ballet Soloist, Claudia Alfieri at Studio
and teaching the craft of storytelling. Masankho is a Certified C. Fanelli loves working with the students teaching tap at
Interplay Leader, a member of the National Association of Stagebridge and is excited to be a part of this program!
Black Storytellers (NABS) and the National Storytellers Network Joanne Grimm has been a Stagebridge cast member for over
(NSN). ucandanc.org. 20 years and the director of Never Too Late for over 10 years. She
Bruce Bierman is an award-winning director, choreographer performed with Generation Theatre, a Bay Area based repertory
and teaching artist known for his special way of inviting company. She started out as a storyteller and keeps her hand
all into a safe supportive space to play, explore and create in telling tales at assisted living facilities. She has appeared in
dynamic theater using each student’s special talent and unique numerous Grandparent’s Tales plays produced by Stagebridge.
expression. He has served on the teaching faculty of Stagebridge Grimm’s background includes training in radio, public speaking,
since 2006 and began the Musical Theater program with Ellen oral interpretation, improv, acting, and children’s theater. She’s
Robinson along with the first dance and theater movement been acting in one venue or another since elementary.
programs (Joy of Dance & Viewpoints). He has directed and Martin Holtz is a veteran of more than 30 years as a performer,
choreographed several original Stagebridge productions award winning writer and artist-as-educator, in both South
including: Grandfather’s Journey, Tomas & the Library Lady and Florida and the San Francisco Bay Area. Over this span of
Sylvia’s Advice on How to Age Gracefully on the Planet Denial at time he has managed to interweave his love of teaching with
the Ashby Stage. Other productions include: Passion of Carmen the performing arts. He was a featured performer in the South
(Celebration Theater *Backstage West Choreography Award*), Florida Shakespeare Festival, Miami Beach Art Deco Festival, the
Wade in the Water (Odyssey Theater Ensemble “NFJC award), New World Festival, as well as creative director of Unexpected
The Blue Dress (New Conservatory Theater *Dean Goodman Company. He is a trainer and creative consultant for the Center
Choice Award*), Di Megillah of Itzik Manger (Berkeley Jewish for Domestic Peace dealing with domestic violence and founding
Music Festival) and Wonder (Phoenix Theater). As a dancer and member of the Bay Area Playback Theatre.
dance educator, Bruce was a member of the Los Angeles Aman
Scrumbly Koldewyn is an accomplished composer who has
Folk Ensemble and is currently in the company of East Bay’s
performed with the Cockettes, the Distractions and the Jesters
Dandelion Dancetheater. He is a celebrated Jewish dance master
Vocal Trio, touring throughout Europe. He has been musical
and travels throughout the U.S. with his Joy of Jewish Dance
director at many Bay Area theatres including Berkeley Rep and
workshops.
42nd Street Moon. His awards include the Bay Area Critics Circle
Jim Brulé is a Maggid - a transformational storyteller. His and Bay Area Cabaret Gold Awards. Revivals of his shows with
stories and students span the globe; his online storytelling school the Cockettes have been playing at Thrillpeddlers in SF for 4
has been operating for years. Stories filled with challenge and years. For Stagebridge, he has been musical director for Comedy
mysticism fill his repertoire as he inspires his audience to change. Tonight and currently codirects the touring show Never Too Late.
He also works with organizations and communities to promote He also created the music for Stagebridge’s world premiere
dialogue across perceived boundaries of faith, ethnicity, and musical Sylvia’s Advice on How to Age Gracefully on the Planet
class using stories. Jim believes that the right kinds of stories told
10Denial, based on the works of Nicole Hollander. recording projects, she has been a vocal instructor for adults at
Jeff Lee is excited to be teaching at Stagebridge this quarter. U.C. Berkeley Extension, a choral director for teenagers in the
He is a graduate of the Creative Writing Program at Stanford Oakland Youth Chorus and a Music Instructor for children at
University, and writes a monthly column of personal essays for Walden Center and School in Berkeley and Beacon Day School
Seattle’s Child Magazine. He is the author of Catch a Fish, Throw a in Oakland. Currently, Ellen teaches a beginning singing class
Ball, Fly a Kite, a book that teaches classic kid skills to parents and for women called Swingshift Singers. She is also the director
children, as well as True Blue, a middle grade fantasy novel. He and founder of Anything Goes Chorus, a community chorus
teaches at the Northwest Writers’ Weekend, the Caz NW Family celebrating 40 years in 2021, that gives public concerts and also
Arts Camp and at the Songwriters in Seattle workshop. Last year free performances at retirement homes and homeless shelters. In
he released Over That River Wide, his first album of original songs. 2011, Ellen was honored with a prestigious Jefferson Award for her
For his “day job,” Jeff works as a family physician in one of the community service through her music. www.ellenrobinson.com
most diverse neighborhoods in the United States. Corey Rosen is an Emmy-award winning writer, actor, and
Ely Sonny Orquiza is a freelance San Francisco-based theater storytelling teacher. He has hosted The Moth StorySlam
maker. Orquiza is the Director of New Works at Gritty City and GrandSlams since winning the first ever Bay Area Moth
Repertory and a faculty member at the American Conservatory StorySlam (2014). Rosen has been featured on The Moth Radio
Theater’s Young Conservatory and Education & Community Hour and “The Finch Files.” He is an on-air personality for Alice
Programs. He is a Founder and Co-Artistic Director of The Radio’s “The Sarah and Vinnie Show,” the #1-rated commercial
Chikahan Company, a new Filipinx American theater company morning show in the San Francisco area. Corey performs at BATS
based in San Francisco. Locally and regionally his directing Improv, one of the world’s foremost centers for improvisational
credits have been critically acclaimed, working in theaters such as theater. His first book on storytelling, “Your Story, Well Told”
the American Conservatory Theater, Academy of Art University, (Mango Publishing) releases in March 2021 wherever books are
Bindlestiff Studio, Playground, UC Berkeley, Theater Rhinoceros sold. www.coreyrosen.com
and more. As an actor he has appeared in select productions Sam Weber is an award winning artist who has gained
at Cal Performances, Cal Shakes, New Conservatory Theater, a global reputation in the world of tap dance and is in
Playwrights Foundation, San Francisco Opera and Studio 52nd demand internationally as a performer, master teacher and
in Amsterdam. He most recently appeared in Jimmy Kimmel Live! choreographer. A protege of tap master Stan Kahn in San
and Bank of the West national commercial. elysonnyorquiza.org Francisco, he was a principal dancer and choreographer with the
Radhika Rao is a theater performer, teacher, and Jazz Tap Ensemble from 1986 to 2009, receiving acclaim in the
communications consultant. She performs and teaches improv U.S. and abroad while touring with the company. He was the first
with Leela Improv in San Francisco. Radhika earned an Ed.D. tap dancer to receive New York’s Bessie award for outstanding
from Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she focused artistic achievement. He continues to appear at international
on theater and the performance of citizenship. Her work is based tap festivals since being at the first Colorado Tap Festival in
on the respect for life and social justice. Rao’s work partners 1986. Sam has taught and performed with such legendary tap
include organizations such as American Conservatory, Theater masters as Charles “Honi” Coles, Jimmy Slyde, Steve Condos,
Works, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Leela Improv, Enacte, Buster Brown, Gregory Hines and the Nicholas Brothers. He has
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Eth-Noh-Tec Storytelling, taught at UCLA, Cal State U. Fullerton, Cal State U. L.A and
Larkin St Youth Services, Life Theatre Services, Peers & Players, San Francisco State U. He currently teaches in San Francisco at
University of San Francisco, Santa Clara University, Samuel ODC Dance Commons and Stagebridge (Oakland). Sam is the
Merritt University, Stanford University, Adyen, and Cisco. recipient of numerous tap dance awards, including the Legacy
radhikarao.org Award from the Third Coast Rhythm Project, the Giant Steps
Award from the San Francisco Tap Festival, the Juba Award from
Ellen Robinson — jazz vocalist, composer and educator — has
the Chicago Human Rhythm Project and the Hoofers Award,
worked with literally thousands of students throughout her life.
from the American Tap Dance Foundation.
Her musical journey has led her through many genres: folk, rock,
Blue Grass, Cabaret, musical theater, a cappella, and finally to Bios are provided by and written by instructors. They do not
jazz and recording three jazz CDs. Ellen is a member of National necessarily represent the views of Stagebridge or the content of
Association of Teachers of Singing and is a gifted and dedicated classes.
vocal coach. In addition to her own jazz performance dates and
11Frequently Asked Questions (updated 3/2021) 1. When will Spring registration begin? Spring registration opens online on Monday, March 22, 2021. Visit www. stagebridge.org/pai for more information. 2. How long are Spring classes scheduled for? Spring PAI 2021 Session will run for 8 weeks between April 26 – June 18, 2021. Limited workshops will also be offered within the session. 3. How do I register for classes? You can register online beginning Monday, March 22, 2021 by visiting the Performing Arts Institute page at www.stagebridge.org/pai. Once you complete and submit your registration form online, you will receive immediate confirmation of your registration via email. If you do not receive an email confirmation receipt, your form was not submitted, and you may need to register again. Check your spam folder or contact register@stagebridge.org for confirmation. 4. How do I pay for my classes? Registered students have the option to mail in a check or pay online with a credit card. Currently, we are not accepting cash payment. Payments should be submitted as soon as your registration is confirmed to ensure your spot in a class. All credit card payments will be accepted through an online invoice and will have a 2.7% processing fee. Checks should be made payable to Stagebridge and mailed to 2501 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA 94612. To avoid cancellation and to reserve your spot in a class, payments must be received before the start of the second week of instruction (May 3 - 7, 2021). 5. Are scholarships available? Yes! Visit www.stagebridge.org/pai-scholarships to fill out an application. Scholarship applications are due no later than two weeks before classes begin (Spring 2021—April 12, 5pm PDT) each session. You will be notified of your status no later than one week before the start of classes. We also offer payment plans. Reach out to Lily at lily@stagebridge.org to set-up a payment schedule. 6. What is Zoom? How do I use Zoom? Zoom is a video, audio, and web conferencing platform that allows people to meet virtually and participate in a meeting, class or working session—all in the comfort of one’s own home! Imagine you and your classmates virtually placed in individual boxes and arranged just like a Brady bunch grid. Using your own device with a camera and microphone, Zoom allows you to interact with all your instructors and classmates as if you were physically in a classroom. Stagebridge hosts all Performing Arts Institute classes using Zoom. Visit www.stagebridge.org/pai-zoom to check out our step-by-step How to Zoom guide or check out Zoom’s support page to view tutorials and even register for a live-training webinar here: support.zoom.us/hc/en-us 7. Do I need to purchase a Zoom account? No. Stagebridge Staff or your instructor will host your Zoom class(es). You will receive an invitation via email to join a recurring class meeting. 8. How do I join a Zoom class meeting? You must be registered in a class to receive a Zoom invitation. You will receive an email Zoom invitation prior to the first day of class (one on the Friday before classes begin and one the morning of your first class.) Classes will be password protected and you may be prompted to wait in the “Waiting Room” before being admitted by Staff or your Instructor. Usually, students will be able to join class 10-15 minutes prior to start time. Remember to save your invitation link or Meeting ID + password for quick access each week. 9. Who can I contact if I cannot join my Zoom class? Call our digital customer service line: (510) 210-3773 and Lily or Julius will help. Digital office hours are Mondays - Fridays, 10am to 4pm. 10. What are class minimums and maximums? Each class or workshop must have a minimum number of students 12
Joy of Dance
with Bruce Bierman
enrolled (8-10 for most classes) for the course to be offered. Enrollees will be notified prior to the first day of class if the class
is under-enrolled and faces the possibility of cancellation. Class cancellation or adjustments due to low enrollment will be
under the discretion of the PAI Director.
Class maximums indicates the maximum number of students ideal for the course. You can find this listed at the end of every
course description in the catalog.
11. What happens if I withdraw from a class or if my class is cancelled? If you decide to opt out completely of the Spring
session, you must notify staff at register@stagebridge.org by Friday, April 30 at 5p PDT to avoid being billed for the quarter
in full. Students who made a payment to the current session and face a cancelled class will be granted a full refund or opt to
transfer as a credit towards a different class or a future session.
12. When will the Summer 2021 session begin? Fall 2021? Both Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 sessions will continue online
via Zoom; dates to be announced. Stay tuned!
13. When will in-person classes and gatherings at Stagebridge resume? The health and wellness of our constituents
as well as the legal responsibility we have as an organization is taken very seriously. We understand how much students are
eager to return to Stagebridge (we are too!) and—as much as we miss interacting with everyone—the safety of our students,
instructors, staff, and the FCCO staff remains our utmost priority.
As vaccines against COVID-19 continue to be administered throughout California, Stagebridge staff will continue to
observe virus prevention and follow safety guidelines presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pending the reopening of the First Congregational Church of Oakland and when all staff and students are vaccinated
against COVID-19, we patiently look forward to welcoming students back to Stagebridge. A date for when we will be back
to in-person is to be determined.
13To get the most out of your online classes...
• Take your online lesson or class in a distraction-free zone.
• Prepare for your lesson by having everything you need on hand (notebook, writing utensils, music, etc.).
Equipment for online learning will include:
• An internet connection – broadband wired or wireless.
• A device with speakers and a microphone – built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth.
• A personal computer, cell phone, iPad, etc. are all workable solutions.
• A webcam or HD webcam – built-in or USB plug-in. Smart phones and more recent personal
computers come installed with webcam.
• Classes through Zoom will be accessible via phone call as well.
• Get your technology set-up and your internet or Wi-Fi connected 10 minutes before the class start time.
Registration Policy
(updated 3/2021)
STAGEBRIDGE IS COMMITTED TO:
• Providing the highest possible level of instruction with outstanding professional artists.
• Offering reasonable fees and payment plans that take into account our students’ financial situations.
• Continuing to expand our programs and class offerings according to the needs and interests of our student
population.
Prospective students are encouraged to try out classes during the first week of instruction. Registration is required in order to
receive instruction on how to join class. Space is subject to availability.
Students who wish to withdraw from a class must notify Staff via phone: 510-210-3773 or email: register@stagebridge.org
by 5pm PDT on the Friday of the first week of instruction (Spring 2021—April 30th, 5pm PDT). Students who withdraw after
the first week of classes will be billed the full tuition fee.
Registered students must submit full payment by the start of the second week of instruction (Spring 2021: May 3-7). If
payment is not submitted by the start of the second week of instruction, your registration will be nulled and you will not
be admitted into class. Exceptions are considered for special circumstances and previous arrangements made with Staff.
Students are encouraged to contact Staff at register@stagebridge.org to set-up a payment plan if full payments cannot be
made by the start of the second of week instruction. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Class cancellation due
to low enrollment will be under the discretion of Staff.
Stagebridge is able to offer a limited number of full and partial scholarships. Students seeking scholarships should complete
an application at stagebridge.org/pai-scholarships. Scholarship forms are due no later than two weeks before classes begin
(Spring 2021—April 12, 5pm PDT). Applicants will be notified of their status no later than one week before the start of classes.
Registration Confirmation: Your registration is not confirmed unless you have received an email receipt. We may not
honor registrations left as phone messages or made in advance of open registration.
Waitlists: If you would like to register for a class that is at full capacity, be sure to select “Waiting List” on your online
registration form and include the class in the “Comment” section. You will be placed on the \Waiting List and will be notified
by Staff if and when you are admitted.
Class Minimums: Each class must have a minimum number of students enrolled (8-10 for most classes) in order for the
course to be offered. If a course is under-enrolled at the end of the first week, the class may be cancelled or shortened (refer
14to “Recent Updates at the top
of the page). In the event of
cancellation, students will be
refunded their tuition, or they
can choose to apply that tuition
to a different course.
Fees: Class costs ranges $12-
$20/hour. Costs may be lower
in the case of shorter classes,
and may be higher in the case
of longer classes, new classes,
classes with more than one
instructor, classes that meet
more than once a week, etc. We
do our best to make our classes
accessible and affordable while
Fundamentals of Clowning
compensating our instructors with Joan Howard
a fair rate. If you have concerns
about class affordability, contact Staff about completing a scholarship application or setting up a payment plan. Auditing
fees vary from class to class.
Discounts: We currently run a Refer-a-Friend discount—introduce two new students to Stagebridge and receive one class
of equal or lesser value for FREE. Discounts on classes are subject to availability. Discounts are not transferable nor can it be
used in conjunction with other discounts, payment plans or scholarships. For full details and restrictions, visit stagebridge.
org/refer-a-friend.
Credit Card Processing Fee: There is a 2.7% processing fee for all credit card transactions for online invoices (Visa,
MasterCard, American Express, etc. are all acceptable).
Zoom Recording: Video or audio recording (including taping, recording, photographing, screen capture and other
methods of capture) by participants for purposes other than instruction is prohibited. All participants in Zoom class
meetings must give consent to be recorded. Participants must be notified in advance if the meeting is being recorded and
given opportunity to opt out of video/audio participation. Shared recordings will be among consented participants in the
class and under the discretion of Stagebridge Staff. Recordings are owned by Stagebridge and reserved up until the final
week of class.
Liability: Stagebridge is not liable for any injury incurred during class time, performances, or related activities. By signing
that you have read our enrollment policy, you release Stagebridge from any liability in the case of injury or other harm
incurred during class time, performances, or related activities.
Scholarships
We want Stagebridge classes to be accessible and affordable for everyone. Stagebridge classes gives older adults the space
to express themselves creatively and it is the opportune place for lifelong learners - especially for those who have always
participated or wanted to participate in performing arts classes. There will always be enough room for you; no student will
be turned away due to limited funds. Scholarship opportunities and payment plans are open year-round.
For further questions about Stagebridge’s registration policies or the Performing Arts Institute, contact Staff at
register@stagebridge.org.
15About Stagebridge
Stagebridge’s mission is to foster a
vibrant community where all lifelong
learners are celebrated and enriched
through the performing arts. For
more than 40 years, our innovative
workshops and critically-acclaimed
performances have had a dramatic
and wide-ranging impact on the lives
of seniors and their communities.
Alongside our Performing Arts Institute
is our Seniors Reaching Out program,
which brings storytelling workshops and a variety of performances to thousands of seniors in retirement communities,
convalescent hospitals, senior centers and community organizations. We also hold our Storybridge program to bring
elders trained in storytelling to classrooms throughout the Bay Area. In addition to preparing them for success in the
schools, Storybridge gives children a chance to experience empowering intergenerational relationships while building
their language skills and self confidence.
The Performing Arts Institute (PAI)
Our Performing Arts Institute will help you develop the skills and confidence in a fun, supportive community.
Stagebridge’s PAI program is the nation’s first professional performing arts program for older adults. Our classes are
customized for beginning to advanced students with instructors drawn from prestigious local theater programs such as
Studio ACT, CalShakes, the Theater Department of California State East Bay, and the Drama Therapy Program of CIIS.
Staff Board Members
Shannon McDonnell, Executive Director Claire Wahrhaftig, Board Chair
Lily Nguyen, Director of Performing Arts Institute & Eleanor Clement Glass
Seniors Reaching Out Joseph Grossman
Clara Kamunde, Director of Storytelling & Marcia Grossman
Schools Programs David Sayen
Julius Rea, Marketing & Communications Manager Nader Robert Shabahangi
Barbara Johnson, Community Outreach Coordinator Mel Terry
Ben Tucker
Digital Office Hours
Monday - Friday
10a - 4p
stagebridge.org • register@stagebridge.org • (510) 210-3773Stagebridge is supported by:
Alameda County Art Commission, Arts for Oakland Kids, Bernard Osher Foundation, California Arts
Council, Clorox Company Foundation, East Bay Community Foundation, Dean and Margaret Lesher
Foundation, Lowell Berry Foundation, Sam Mazza Foundation, Walter & Elise Haas Fund, West Davis
Bergard Foundation, and donations from individuals like you!
Our community partners include:
AgeSong, Albany Senior Center, Theatre Aluminous, Aurora Theatre Company, Alzheimer's
Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada, Bridgegood, Center for Elders'
Independence, Cornerstone Theater Company, Department of Health and Human Services Brain
Health Campaign, Elder Care Alliance, FICTILIS, First Congregational Church of Oakland, The
Flight Deck, Institute on Aging, Jack London Improvement District, The Marsh, Kindred Medical
Hill, Mercy Retirement and Care Center, Northern California Presbyterian Homes, Oakland Unified
School District, Piedmont Center for the Arts, Piedmont Players, Ragged Wing Ensemble, Real Time
Community, St. Mary's Center, Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, Shields Nursing Center,
StoryCorps, Storytelling Association of California, Strawberry Creek Lodge, Tell It On Tuesday at The
Marsh, Timeslips, UCSF Memory & Aging Center, Wee Poets, Well Connected, West Contra Costa
School District, and The City of Oakland Mayor’s Commission on Aging.
Local businesses that support Stagebridge include:
Amazon Smiles, Barefoot Wine, Books Inc. Alameda, C.L.P. Specialties, Grand Copy Center, Grocery
Outlet, Momo’s Flowers and More, Noah's Bagels, Numi Organic Tea, Oaklandish, Oakland Athletics,
Oracle, Piedmont Grocery, The Piedmont Post, Piedmont Spa, Roast Co. Coffee, RustRidge Winery,
Salesforce, Solano Express, Sprouts, The Saap Avenue, Whole Foods, Z Café and Bar, and 7-Eleven
(at 2350 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA)
Special Thanks to:
Edmund Au Yeung, Dee Bell and Nicki Chapman, The Berkeley Group (consulting), Ronnie Casey,
B. Avalon and everyone at FCCO, Creative Aging Collective SF, Gray Cathrall and Nancy Kurkjian,
Jazmin Mora and RealTime Oakland, Keye Liu, Denise Pate and Roberto Bedoya at the City of
Oakland, Sue Dichter, Mayor of Alameda Trish Herrera Spencer, Neda Thiele at Knoll, Darlene Flynn,
Scott Means, and City of Oakland Department of Race & Equity.
Stagebridge was founded in 1978 by Dr. Stuart Kandell
Supported by a generous grant from the City of Oakland Cultural Funding ProgramYou can also read
