Stagebridge began in 1978 as an acting class at a senior center taught by Stuart Kandell. Within a year, the actors began performing original collaborative plays at senior centers and in elementary schools. Audiences responded strongly to seeing their peers or grandmas and grandpas on stage.

In 1991, an annual play of “Grandparent Tales” began by adapting popular children’s books about grandparents and performing for large school audiences. This expanded to include storytelling programs in local schools.

The company receives support from the “Friends of Stagebridge” and grants from government agencies, foundations, and corporations.

Meet the Staff

Managing Director:
Gary Osteraas
Phone: 510-444-4755 ext. 118
Email: director@stagebridge.org

Artistic Director:
Josiah Polhemus
Phone: 510-444-4755 ext. 113
Email: josiah@stagebridge.org

Founder:
Dr. Stuart Kandell
Email: founder@stagebridge.org

Storytelling Director:
Kirk Waller
Phone: 510-444-4755 ext. 115
Email: kirk@stagebridge.org

Storybridge Program Director:
Greacian Goeke
Phone: 510-444-4755 ext. 113
Email: greacian@stagebridge.org

Schools Program Coordinator:
Barbara Johnson
Phone: 510-444-4755 ext. 116
Email: barbara@stagebridge.org

TimeSlips Program Director:
Kirk Waller
Phone: 510-444-4755 ext. 115
Email: timeslips@stagebridge.org

Development Director:
Michael Stephens
Phone: 510-444-4755
Email: grants@stagebridge.org

Office Manager:
James Jenkins
Phone: 510-444-4755 ext. 114
Email: info@stagebridge.org

Administrative Assistant:
Greg Rosas
Phone: 510-444-4755 ext. 111
Email: greg@stagebridge.org

Board of Trustees

Tom Flynn – President

Sheri Davenport– Secretary

Paul Ethier – Treasurer

Kai Drekmeier

Jerry Fishman

Stuart Kandell, Ph.D.

Elizabeth Macera, Ph.D, R.N.

Olithia O’Toole

Nader Shabahangi

Morgan C. Smith.

Peter Szutu

Evelyn Wesley, Ed.D