The Performing Arts Institute (PAI)
Are you ready to take your talents to the stage? Our Performing Arts Institute (PAI) 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 training 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. Our program includes the following:
Acting
Dance & Movement
Improv
Directing
Playwriting
Musical Theatre
Singing
Storytelling
...and more!
Whether you’re looking for an extra dose of fun, or are seeking employment as an actor, director or teacher, PAI is an exciting and affordable way to develop a wide range of performing arts skills. For more information, read below.
abouT Storytelling
“Storytelling is empowering for all ages. It’s challenging in a fun and personal way.” - Karen G., elementary school teacher.
Before everyone was glued to their screens, they were captivated by storytellers. In fact, a good story still has the power to move and delight. A great story can connect people across generations.
Discover the joy that comes from telling your story. Whether you’re sharing your own personal tale or retelling a classic, our storytelling classes give you the tools you need to engage your listeners. Our Professional storytellers help you explore the skills needed to keep your audience engaged, from developing your characters’ voices and gestures to successfully weaving personal stories into traditional tales.
Once you’ve mastered the skill, you can join other storytellers and take your show on the road to local schools and senior centers.
Have questions or want to know more? Contact our Director of Storytelling, Clara Kamunde.
abouT Song & Dance
“When I was a kid in elementary school, my chorus teacher told me to just mouth the words. I never sang again. Then two years ago, I did Musical Theatre with Stagebridge. I don’t have a great voice, but I missed out on 60 years of singing for my own pleasure, and Stagebridge opened that up for me.” - Marcia, 68, performing arts student
Are you a “secret singer?” Does closing the shower curtain mean it’s time to let ‘er rip? Well, it’s time to dry off and bring your voice to out in public. Studies have long shown that singing is good for your physical, mental and emotional health. Singing brings more oxygen to your lungs and more alertness to your mind. Beloved singer Ella Fitzgerald’s praise was even better: “The only thing better than singing is more singing.” We couldn’t agree more! Designed for non-singers and gifted crooners alike, Stagebridge’s music classes help you broaden your repertoire, develop your vocal techniques and discover the electrifying rewards of harmonizing.
Regular dancing can support sensory, motor, and cognitive health as we age. Our dance classes offer a range of techniques and skill levels, all taught by accomplished professionals.
Like to sing and dance? Well, then put on your dancing shoes and come join the fun at Stagebridge!
abouT ACTING
“Stagebridge is warm, welcoming, and fun. It gives elderly people an opportunity to come out of their shells and become another identity.” - Mona S., Oakland Asian Cultural Center
Shakespeare noticed that “All the world’s a stage,” but even the great bard would have been impressed with Stagebridge’s warm welcome of each and every player. Our acting and playwriting classes are exhilarating as well as supportive, customized for both beginning students and advanced actors. Our schedule indicates whether a class is beginning, advanced, or all levels.
Stagebridge's acting instructors include renowned Bay Area artists such as L. Peter Callender, Bruce Bierman, Martin Holtz, Ely Sonny Orquiza, Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe in addition to many more over the past four decades. These notable performers, directors, and innovators will guide you through role play, text analysis and movement skills to help you make strong and connected acting choices. Enjoy the camaraderie of other players as you create engaging characters, enhance your sense of timing, and learn how to project complex emotions.
abouT IMPROV
“Fun! It’s fun and collegial. You meet so many interesting and vibrant people… you look around and say we’re not old, we just have old bodies.” - Marcia, performing arts student
Some of life’s best moments are unplanned. The same is true on the stage: the spontaneous power of improv has been known to unleash some serious joy. Put down your cliff notes and take a chance. Jumping off the deep end is easier with a group of supportive, giggling cohorts surrounding you. Improv classes are designed to help beginning and advanced students explore a range of characters, scenarios and emotions. Experience improv’s giddy and unpredictable energy in a supportive, yet challenging environment.
To ensure that you receive personal attention, we’ve limited class size, which means that some classes do fill. If a class you're interested in has a waitlist, we encourage you to sign up and attend the first day of class, as we often have spots open up in the first week. For more information about classes or registrations, contact us today.