Winter 2025 | Stagebridge Class Registration | January 13 - May 1

Mondays, 10a-12p | In-person at First Congregational Church of Oakland | No matter your skill level or experience, our resident maestro, Scrumbly Koldewyn, will build up your confidence by providing one-on-one singing coaching in a supportive class environment.

Registration completed via the Downtown Oakland Senior Center | Tuesdays, 10a-12p | In-person at DOWNTOWN OAKLAND SENIOR CENTER | No matter your skill level or experience, our resident maestro, Scrumbly Koldewyn, will build up your confidence by providing one-on-one singing coahing in a supportive class environment.

Thursdays, 10a-12p | In-person at First Congregational Church of Oakland | No matter your skill level or experience, our resident maestro, Scrumbly Koldewyn, will build up your confidence by providing one-on-one singing coaching in a supportive class environment.

Wednesdays, 1-3p | In-person at the First Congregational Church of Oakland | What does it take to put together a show-stopping performance? Here’s your chance to find out, as you create and perform your own. Students may develop an original solo scene and song or collaborate with other class members. During the Winter quarter, the instruction will focus on songwriting and comedic performance techniques. Rehearsals for a June musical revue are the focus of the Spring quarter. Students should register for both sessions. This is the fourth production of GrimmWyn Productions.

Thursdays, 1 - 3p | In-person at the First Congregational Church of Oakland | This class will delve into the roots of spiritual gospel music. Spiritual music can be expressed in different ways. Some of the spirituals will be familiar and some may not. However, just a love for singing and love for music is required. Terrance Kelly and Paul Daniels, award-winning choral directors, will teach musical arrangements. They will bring people in the community together, enjoying each other, choir-style, in song.

Tuesdays, 10a - 12p | In-person at the First Congregational Church of Oakland | If you love theatre, here’s a unique opportunity to see behind the curtain and learn what it takes to create a stage production. Even if you’ve never been on stage before, you will experience the excitement of the actor’s process, understand why the director’s vision is the engine to everything that happens, and why theater is the beating heart to a healthy society. Included in this class is a group field trip to a Bay Area theatre to see all that you'll learn in the classroom on the stage. The class will culminate with students performing a script-in-hand showcase for family, friends, and our Stagebidge community.

Thursdays, 1 - 3p | In-person at the First Congregational Church of Oakland | Rehearse scenes from your favorite plays, engage in scene readings and analysis, and receive one-to-one acting coaching. Working in pairs, we will study plot, characterization, dialogue, stage directions and the arc and climax of a play and scene. Bring in your favorite scenes or work on new scenes supplied by Radhika. Your work will culminate in a showcase performance open to your friends/family/Stagebridge community.

Thursdays, 10a - 12p | In-person at the First Congregational Church of Oakland | Immerse yourself in the all-American art of improv! Play improv games, make up stuff on the fly, challenge your imagination and experience the joy of spontaneity. New worlds and characters will emerge from this kind of creative play. You can be who you want to be! New connections and friendships guaranteed! No improv experience needed, but a willingness to play is appreciated.

Wednesdays, 10a - 12p | ONLINE via Zoom | Whether you are new to playwriting or would like to develop your work-in-progress, this is the class for you! Explore the different aspects of writing a play, using exercises from the curriculum of renowned playwright, Jeffrey Sweet. Students will be inspired using stimulating prompts to write scenes and solo pieces. Choose from ten minute, one minute, or full-length play formats. We will study plot, characterization, dialogue, stage directions, and the arc and climax of a play/scene. Learn how to choose a great title and where you might submit your work.

Tuesdays, 1 - 3p | In-person at First Congretional Church of Oakland | *No classes held on February 25, March 4, and April 1 |  This Lab offers experienced tellers a safe, fun, and supportive place to hone your stories and your storytelling techniques. You can prepare for a one person show, a group showcase, a school setting, a library, a pub, or around the kitchen table. Under the guidance of an international storyteller and in the midst of a group of experienced fellow storytellers, you can shoot for the moon, preparing for gigs you have already booked, or you’re hoping to book.

Wednesdays, 1 - 3p | In-person at the First Congregational Church of Oakland | There are moments in our lives that define us, that speak to who we are as an individual. Through story prompts, improvisation and class participation, you will tell your story. In this class you will work in a collaborative, supportive environment that encourages you to try new ways of thinking of your life stories and unleash your creative juices. No experience with storytelling necessary - welcome all! The end result will be stories that can be shared with family, friends and in performance!

Saturdays, February 22, March 1, and March 8, 10a - 3p | In-person at the First Congregational Church of Oakland | Explore the creative process of storytellers, poets, writers and performers. Learn about the brain science behind imagination and the new research on human creativity. Experience the magic and power of our imaginations at work, collaboration with others, and experiments in play. All participants are guaranteed to come away with a new story or two, turning inspiration into reality.