Stagebridge Performing Arts Summer Camp 2025
Where Curiosity Takes Center Stage!
Welcome to a summer bursting with creativity, connection, and a whole lot of heart! At Stagebridge, we believe in the joy of lifelong learning through the performing arts. Whether you're here to belt out folk ballads, tap dance your heart out, clown around, or take center stage in a Tony-winning musical, there's a spotlight waiting just for you. Join us for unforgettable classes, joyful discoveries, and a grand finale that celebrates your unique voice. Let's make magic together—one laugh, song, and story at a time!
July 14th - 18th
Stagebridge: 2501 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA
Daily Schedule:
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. – Morning Gathering & Refreshments
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Morning Classes
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. – BYO Lunch & Social Time
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Afternoon Classes
Final Showcase: Friday, July 18, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
MUSICAL THEATER
(NOTE: Both morning and afternoon classes are required for Musical Theater.)
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
By Rachel Sheikin: Score by William Finn
Director and Choreography: Kim Saunders
Music Director: Kevin X. Dong
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. An eclectic group of six teens ( played by adults) vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the teens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.
Summer Camp will include an introduction of the spellers as well as the judges for the Bee in the opening number “The Spelling Rules/My Favorite Moment of the Bee”. Next, we get to meet all the spellers with solo and group numbers. We will end with a fond farewell to the spellers as they continue their lives with the Finale.
(NOTE: Both morning and afternoon classes are required for Musical Theater.)
SINGING
Morning Class
Exploring Folk Music
Instructor: Scrumbly Koldewyn
We’ll bring in our favorite folk songs and together explore the origin and subsequently related songs in the genre. From songs passed down orally, generation to generation, to 20th Century folk songs written by Woody Guthrey, Pete Seeger, the Weavers, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, etc., and contemporary folk songwriters like Jesse Welles. The topic is as broad as we want and can include foreign language folk songs, songs from 19th-century small stages, American travelling variety acts, and British music hall.
STORYTELLING
Morning Class
A Story in Your Pocket
Instructor: Wayne Harris
A fun and empowering class utilizing story prompts and improvisation to allow participants to create stories spontaneously or improve existing work. Whether it’s telling stories to your grandchildren, WOW’ing folks at the backyard barbecue, or going onstage, this workshop is tailored to new and seasoned storytellers!
IMPROV
Morning Class
Let’s Laugh - Improv for the Giggles!
Instructor: Radhika Rao
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 emerge from this kind of creative play. No improv experience needed, but a willingness to play is appreciated.
CLOWNIN
Morning class
Clowning 101
Instructor: Sara Toby Moore
It’s all about the foundations of funny and the fun in foolishness. In each class, we will warm up, play some improv games, and then learn some ridiculous skills, routines, and gags from vaudeville and circus. We will also explore your own individual clown characters and create some original sketches and stories incorporating all we've explored during the week, culminating in our own Slapdash Talent Show!
DANCE
Morning class
TAP Dancing for Everyone!
Instructor: Daphne Wong
Unleash your hidden Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire! Learn basic tap vocabulary with an emphasis on a strong technical foundation to have you looking and sounding your best. Through combinations that challenge both your feet and your mind, we’ll cultivate our skills, memory, and musical sense.
CHORAL SINGING
Afternoon class
Songs from Across America
Instructor: Terrance Kelly
Instructor: Paul Daniels
Explore a variety of songs highlighting African American history and cultural traditions. Gospel, Jazz, Blues, and Folk Songs from across America will be featured. We will strengthen our voices with warm-ups and vocal exercises each day and take part in a choral symphony as we lift our voices together.
ACTING
Afternoon Class
Be Who You Want to Be! Star in Your Own Scene!
Instructor: Radhika Rao
Five power-packed days of acting instruction will lead to short scenes for everyone. Through a series of writing prompts and creative acting games, we will draw upon devised theater and forum theater to explore principles of acting and performing original work. No prior acting experience necessary.
PLAYBACK THEATER
Afternoon class
PLAYBACK THEATER
Instructor: Martin Holtz
This class explores Playback Theatre, where performers dramatically reflect the true personal stories of audience members. By developing each performer’s skills of deep listening, emotional risk-taking, creative movement, and improvisational forms, students will honor each teller's personal stories as they dramatically bring them to life in performance.
Ready to Take the Stage?
Spots are limited, and the spotlight is calling—don’t miss your chance to join the fun!
Register now for Stagebridge’s Summer Camp 2025 and be part of a week full of creativity, connection, and unforgettable performances.
Let your inner performer shine—we can’t wait to see you there!