Events

Since 1999, The Crucible has brought our community of artists, neighbors, families, students, and makers together for events ranging from artists’ talks and demos to fire performances, benefits, and community open houses. In-person events are all currently suspended due to the shelter-in-place mandate. For updates about all upcoming events, subscribe to our newsletter.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Bike Shop: Free Events and Education

See our Bike Shop event page for upcoming event dates.

The Crucible is offering free, community bike maintenance and education to West Oakland and neighboring community members through our quarterly Bike Fix-A-Thons, Open Bike Shop Hours, Femme Bike Night, and Flat Fix Clinics. Drop off your bike for a tune-up or learn basic bike maintenance skills from our faculty and volunteers. We are also leading offsite events at other West Oakland locations.

Read More

The Crucible’s Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction

Saturday, May 20, 2023, 6-10pm, The Crucible

Join us for an unforgettable evening full of delicious food, craft cocktails, fiery demonstrations, captivating performances, and a live auction featuring luxury experiences and stunning work by local artists.

Read More

Watch Past Virtual Events

Have Your Event At The Crucible

When We Re-Open—We have spaces big and small

Learn More

Browse Past In-Person Events

Read More

Stravinsky’s Firebird – 2008 Fire Ballet

Stravinsky’s “L’oiseau de feu” April 9-12 and 16-19, 2008 The Classic Story: Firebird The Crucible’s version of this classic Russian folktale begins in the enchanted garden of the evil sorcerer, Kashchei. A group of beautiful maidens have discovered a magical orb, whose power lures them to it, trapping them just as the evil Kashchei appears. The maidens struggle to break free of the orb’s power, but cannot release themselves, and Kashchei leads them away. Suddenly, a fire ball explodes, and the mysterious Firebird appears in its wake. She is enjoying herself in the forest when Prince Ivan, who is out hunting, spots her. He is entranced, and gives chase. After a wild pursuit, Prince Ivan finally captures the fantastic creature. The Firebird pleads for her freedom, and finally Prince Ivan grants it. In return, she presents him with a magic feather, telling him it can be used to summon her if he is ever in need. Prince Ivan climbs the wall into Kashchei’s garden and spies the group of maidens frolicking and dancing. Hiding in the trees, he watches them, and quickly becomes smitten with the maiden Tsarevna. He reveals himself and much merrymaking ensues. Ivan and Tsarevna have fallen in love at first sight, but all too soon trumpets and fire herald Kashchei’s return. Kashchei is furious that his garden has been invaded and his guards attack the group, capturing Ivan. Tsarevna pleads for mercy, but Kashchei only revels in her despair, calling for his henchmen to torture Prince Ivan. Remembering his gift from the Firebird, Prince Ivan pulls out the feather. The Firebird comes to the rescue, and emboldens the maidens to put up a fight. Working together, Ivan and Tsarevena discover that the secret to Kashchei’s immortality lies within the orb; they smash it and break all his evil spells. Good triumphs over evil, prince and princess declare their love in a wedding ceremony, and live happily ever after. The Music: Sergei Diaghilev commissioned a complete score for his ballet for the 1910 season of Ballet Russe. The resulting Firebird score was the fruit of close collaboration between librettist and choreographer, Michel Fokine, and Igor Stravinsky, and marked the first time music was created specifically for, and as an integral part of a ballet. Diaghilev was a great talent scout and a visionary who promoted collaboration between the arts. Stravinsky became celebrated as one of the greatest composers for the ballet. While they may be rolling over in their graves, we beg their forgiveness for the creative liberties taken with their music and libretto for this unique production. Photo Gallery – Click Here Complete Firebird Production Credits: Designed and Directed by: Michael Sturtz Choreography: Viktor Kabaniaev Stage Direction: Mark Streshinsky Music Direction: Scott Sterling Lighting Direction: Ben Davis Fight Direction: Jonathan Rider Technical Director: Danny DillonEvent Coordinator: Sean Orlando Production Assistant: Wendy RolónPerformers: Firebird: Tina Bohnstedt Aerial Firebird: Janine Fondiller Prince Ivan Tsarevich: Easton Smith Moto Prince Ivan Tsarevich: Darius Khashabi Tsarevna: Haley Henderson Kashchei: Iron Monkey […]

Read more →
Read More

Fashion Shows

HOT COUTURE A Fusion of Fire & Fashion January 17-19, 2008 To celebrate our ninth anniversary The Crucible forged fashion with fire arts, eco-design and “flameboyant” performances in a not-to-be-missed incendiary celebration of style. The three day fashion show featured the work of a variety of Bay Area designers, including: Bad Unkl Sista, Miss Velvet Cream, Jay Bridgland, Cheeky Sweetart, Super Sugar Ray Ray, Miranda Caroligne, Eimaj Designs, Elwyn Crawford, Lee Kobus, Megan Fenske, Auberon, and many more. The evening also included fire performances by Nekyia, the aerial artistry of Tiffany Parrish, music by DJ Delachaux and Mark Growden, as well as demonstrations in welding, blacksmithing, glass blowing, and other fiery arts. read more… INDUSTRIAL CHIC Fashion + Art Show and Preview Friday, April 13, 2007 Open House, Art & Fashion Exhibition, and Rusty Elephant Sale Saturday and Sunday, April 14th & 15th, 2007 On April 13th, 2007, The Crucible presented the hottest of haute couture in a fashion show of wearable art made from repurposed materials. The evening’s entertainment included a fabulous art show, a preview of The Crucible’s Rusty Elephant Sale (an unparalleled source of donated industrial surplus), and, of course, fire performance. read more…

Read more →
Read More

Hot Couture – 2008 Fashion Show

Hot Couture: A Fusion of Fire & Fashion January 17, 18 & 19, 2008 Doors Open: 7PM The Crucible celebrated our Ninth Anniversary with a blazing showcase of wearable art from Bay Area designers, awe-inspiring fire performances, aerial artistry, and fire arts demonstrations. It’s conflagration on the catwalk with models strutting incendiary creations from over twenty designers, and some of Oakland’s finest firefighters joining them on the runway. Designers featured include: Alexandria Von Bromssen Super Sugar Ray Ray Miranda Caroligne miss velvet cream Antoniya Ivanova Megan Fenske Bad Unkl Sista Darina Drapkin Eimaj Design Jay Bridgland Leila Bazzani Missing Piece Katie Burley Chrystie Capelli Escama Studio O’Lover Hats Lee Kobus Erin Mahoney Fluidance KAYO Lee Granberg The Von Stilt Familyand many more… Also Featuring: Music by DJ Delachaux Live music by Mark Growden ,,(Friday only) Lighting by reFRACTion Styling by SF Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Fashion Show coordinated by Missing Piece Aerial Artistry: Tiffany Parish Fire Sculptures: Jon Sarriugarte The Von Stilt FamilyAnna Prisekin Betsy Lyon Cynthia Rauschert Erika Peterson Kevin Miller Kirin Haithcox Megan Murray Allison Cohen Grag Jones Brian Walker Paul Geise VIP GALA Avant Cellist: Zoe Keating Contortionist: Serchmaa Byambaa Fire Performance: Kristina Cañizares Catering by J. Gourmet Special Thanks to: Come experience the sparks of fire and fashion in Crucible style, and support local artists and community arts education programs. This event is standing room only, 18 and over.   Hot Couture VIP Gala January 19, 2008, 7pm The VIP Gala includes catered food and beverages, and special performances by renowned cellist Zoe Keating, contortionist Serchmaa Byamba and fire performer Kristina Cañizares. Proceeds benefit The Crucible adult and youth education programs. Valet parking available.  

Read more →
Read More

Newsletter Jan 08

….CLASSES.. ..MEMBERSHIP… .COMING EVENTS.. ..DONATE.. ..VOLUNTEER.. ..DIRECTIONS Classes to spark up the New Year! Plan now for spring break workshops and summer session HOT COUTURE: A Fusion of Fire and Fashion: Thursday SOLD OUT, Fri. & Sat tix still available SAVE THE DATE for THE CRUCIBLE’S Benefit Fire Ballet: FIREBIRD Crucible Recommends: Hand Tool Event with Lie-Nielsen CREATE  = Crucible’s Expanded Access to Tools & Equipment   Youth Blacksmithing Classes to spark up the New Year! Whether you want to weld, bend iron, shape glass, dance with fire, create light, work with wood, or learn other skills in the industrial arts, there’s something for you at The Crucible. Classes start again January 26th — right after our Anniversary Celebration, so get ready for a year of exploration and creativity with us at The Crucible. There are some great new classes, plus we’ve expanded both our facilities and popular spring and summer programs for adults and youth. First Time Offered! Neon Letter and Pattern Bending –    March 4th – April 1 This course teaches specialized skills utilized in basic neon letter and pattern bending, and builds on knowledge developed in Neon Illuminated Sculpture I and II. You’ll work in our newly renovated neon studio and learn how to measure and create neon patterns, and techniques in mounting and wiring finished neon. Introduction to Welded Sculpture Three weekend intensives in February & March Introduction to Jewelry Two weekend intensives in March Design for the 3rd Dimension This core class for all 3D work starts in April Stained Glass Sculpture Register early for this class starting in March Intro to Mechanical Sculpture This popular class runs in January& March Classes for Youth provide hours of exciting learning and a sense of accomplishment. After school classes start January 28th in Blacksmithing, Jewelry, and Welding Weekend workshops give plenty of time for supervised learning and practicing an exciting skill, like Youth Welding, which runs February 2-3rd. Find the complete class schedule online, at your local library and other pick-up spots throughout the Bay Area, and here at The Crucible’s office.   Plan now for spring break workshops and summer session Our spring and summer workshops and weekend intensives have been a great success, and this year we’ve added even more opportunities for adults, youth and families to learn and explore.  So break out your calendars and plan an exciting spring or summer vacation with us. Adult week-long classes: March 17-21            June 16-20            July 21-25            August 4-8ccc You’ll have time to learn a new skill and be rewarded with your own creations in Blacksmithing, Foundry, Flameworking, Neon, Jewelry and Woodworking. Youth week-long classes: March 24-28            June 23-27            July 28-Aug 1              August 11-15 Choose from four morning and four afternoon classes in blacksmithing, welding, metal casting, flameworking, glass, neon, or woodcarving to customize a week of fun for your child.  These sessions fill up fast, so don’t wait too long. Family Fun Weekends: April and Junecccc A rare opportunity to explore new territory with your child […]

Read more →
Read More

Fire Arts Festival

The Crucible’s Annual Celebration of Fire, Art and Community The 9th Annual Fire Arts Festival has burned itself out — 4 days; 300,000 sq. feet; 35+ installations; 23+ performing groups; 18 merchandise vendors; 5 food vendors; 4 bars; 1,000+ volunteers; miles of barricades and fencing; probably a million BTUs expended and over 12,000 people attending — more than any previous Fire Arts Festival! The open air studios and demonstrations of Main Street drew people of all ages to see what the industrial arts are all about, with many getting hands-on with ceramics, stone cutting, electronics, and more. Many of the astounding art installations invited visitors to interact and control the action, while artists explained the physics and engineering behind their work – or just kicked up the flames higher – as the awe-struck audience watched. The Rootabaga Opera, by Dan Cantrell rocked the stage every night with song, dance, puppetry and shadow effects that set the tone for the amazing performers and musicians that followed. Saturday’s Fire & Light Soirée was an scorching success with hundreds enjoying an exquisite dinner amidst beautiful art and décor.  Our two youth representatives received a standing ovation, and the bidding for artwork was spirited. Thanks to everyone who supported our arts education programs by coming to The 9th Annual Fire Arts Festival. Live Flickr Slideshows – Click on images for more information. {morfeo 17} G4 TV – The Pyromaniac’s Crucible Art Fest (Link to Video)   The Crucible’s 9th Annual Fire Arts Festival – Inside Bay Area {youtube}qZ619MIyyHg{/youtube}   Blackmahal’s Lal Singh Bhatti and Radioactive Freestyle at the Fire Arts Festival {youtube}5QaSy7A_s8Y{/youtube} DCDT & Friends with Amanda Palmer, Fire Arts Festival 2009 – Billie Jean, Oasis {youtube}1HHQ3TiiQsI{/youtube} Fire Pendulum by PyroKenetics at Fire Arts Festival 2009 {youtube}3iM8JEP_efw{/youtube}

Read more →
Read More

Fire Arts Festival Artists & Performers

Performance Artists Amanda Palmer Axis Dance Company Aziz Abbatiello BlacKMahal Bronkar Lee Bumpitythump Capacitor Copper Lantern Fire Theater El Circo The Embodiment Project Flamenco Fury FLO-ology Fire Arts Collective Loco Bloco Lucero Loyd Family Players Nocturnal Sunshine Frank Olivier Poor Man’s Whiskey Simon Chaban Titanium Sporkestra Vulcan Crew   The Rootabaga Opera Cast     Installation Artists Rebecca Anders – Fishbug Dave Andres Michael Christian – Elevation Dan Das Mann and Karen Cusolito Department of Spontaneous Combustion Matisse Enzer – Flamethrower Shooting Gallery Exxothermia False Profit Labs Orion Fredericks Charlie Gadeken Gaspo Ryon Gesink Wally Glenn Justin Gray Kristin Hoard Interpretive Arson Jeremy Krentz Lil’ Ju Ju Pinball Catie Magee & Elizabeth Scott Mark Perez – The Life-Size Mousetrap Pyrokinetics Christian Ristow – The Hand of Man Alan Rorie – Neuron Chamber Alexander Rose and Camron Assadi Jon Sarriugarte Jack Schroll – El Diablo Patrick Scott Nate Smith – Fire Vortex Kal Spelletich Earl Stirling Mardi Storm Michael Sturtz Evan Tracy Team Gnome Maria Zhalnina Performance Artists Amanda Palmer Amanda Palmer is a performer most noted for being the lead singer, pianist, and lyricist/composer of the “Brechtian punk cabaret” duo The Dresden Dolls. {youtube}udHpzUnoHSk{/youtube} MySpace: www.myspace.com/whokilledamandapalmer page up Axis Dance Company Prepare to leave all your preconceptions at the door… AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, will change the way you think about dance and the possibilities of the human body forever. Founded in 1987, AXIS has become a jewel of contemporary dance and disability culture. AXIS has paved the way for a powerful contemporary dance form – physically integrated dance- performing in over sixty cities nationwide, as well as in Europe and Siberia. Website: www.axisdance.org page up Aziz Abbatiello Aziz Abbatiello has combined the practices of the Mevlevi Order with fire arts, a process that has led him on a seven-year path of discovery and refinement, culminating in a synergy of the fire arts and the practice of the “whirling dervish.” He trains under Postneshin Jelaluddin Loras, Pir of the Mevlevi Order of America. He also studies with Sheikh Sherif Baba, head of the Rifai Marufi Order.   page up   BlackKMahal BlacKMahal is a full band, complete with MCs and vocalists, that is based in San Francisco. Their immediate credibility is due in part to the lead vocalist and the ‘Godfather’ of the Dhol drum, Lal Singh Bhatti, an American and Indian music icon who lives in the Bay Area. The band formed serendipitously when Vijay Chattha, an active hip-hop DJ at the time, met Lal Singh at a wedding in the East Bay 5 years ago. The two began discussing music, and started toying with the idea of a project that spanned their respective tastes and experiences.BlacKMahal was formed shortly after and, with the help of some friends, they began making music that reflects Punjabi tradition in the context of timeless funk and contemporary hip-hop. They have been performing ever since at major venues including […]

Read more →
Read More

Holiday Gifty Art Sale 2007

Saturday & Sunday, December 15 & 16, 2007 10AM to 4PM • FREE ADMISSION!   Hot for the Holidays! Whatever holiday you celebrate, spark it up with a visit to The Crucible’s Holiday Gifty celebration. Shop for unique and affordable gifts created by over 75 Bay Area artisans, and experience the excitement of our 56,000 sq. ft. studio, where furnaces roar and sparks fly.   • Handmade jewelry, glass creations, sculpture, clothing, ceramics and more • Family friendly fire performers and the Von Stilt family with their flamedeer • Demonstrations of glass blowing, metal casting, and blacksmithing from 11AM to 3PM • Santa arrives at 1PM • Raffle drawing at 3PM each day; grand prize drawing Sunday • Hands-on activities for adults and kids from 11AM to 3PM • Refreshments and holiday treats • Learn about classes and workshops that will ignite your own creativity! Shopping at the mall was never like this! Support local artists and community arts education for youth and adults while you get your last minute shopping done at the Bay Area’s most unusual celebration.   Here’s just a taste of the more than 75 bay area artists that will be at the hottest gift sale of the holidays: (Click image for artist info/website) Also Featuring: Carla Hall – Blacksmithing Kristy Alfieri – Alma Flores Jewelry April Zilber – Glass Grant Diffendaffer – Polymer clay jewelry Glass by Warren Greg Pless – Wood & metal furniture Brad Adams – Wood turning VAM Pottery – Ceramics Ken Rhoades – Birdhouse art

Read more →
Read More

Fire Arts Arena Directions

FREE shuttle service will be available from West Oakland BART to the Fire Arts Arena and back! Youth will not be allowed on shuttles unless accompanied by an adult.   Bicycle parking will also be available. Bicyclists must provide their own lock.   Driving Directions to the NEW Fire Arts Arena:  2020 Engineer Road, Oakland, CA From The Crucible 
(2.6 miles)  (Good directions for bicyclists) – Head west on 7th St toward BART – Turn right at Mandela Pkwy
 – Turn left at West Grand Ave
 – Turn right at Wake Ave. to enter the Fire Arts Arena – Free parking on your left From Contra Costa – Hwy 24 W
 – Take Hwy 24 West towards Oakland – Exit I-580 West
 (as if you are going to SF) – Merge left onto I-80 West (again like you’re heading to SF) – Immediately begin merging to the right to the West Grand Ave/Maritime St exit (NOTE: THIS IS LAST OAKLAND EXIT and you will go up and over the toll booths) – Continue straight
 down a long exit ramp – Turn left at Maritime St/Wake Ave (under freeway)
and into the Arena area – Free parking on your left From San Francisco 
 – Continue on I-80 East
 over the Bay Bridge – Slight right at CA-880 South (signs for San Jose/I-880/Alameda/OAK Airport) – Take the Maritime St exit toward West Grand Ave 
(Oakland Army Base) – Continue straight – Turn left at Maritime St/Wake Ave (under freeway) – Free parking on your left From the Peninsula/US-101 N
 – Take US-101 North
 – Continue on I-80 East
 over Bay Bridge – Slight right at CA-880 South (signs for San Jose/I-880/Alameda/OAK Airport) – Take the Maritime St exit toward West Grand Ave
 (Oakland Army Base) – Continue straight
 down long ramp – Turn left at Maritime St/Wake Ave (under freeway) 
into Arena area – Free parking on your left From San Rafael/Richmond – I-580 E
 – Take I-580 East
 through Berkeley (merges with I-80) – Stay in middle lanes to Take the I-880 exit toward San Jose/Alameda/OAK Airport – Take exit 44, West Grand Ave toward 7th St
 – Turn right at West Grand Ave
 – Turn right at Wake Ave 
into Arena area – Free parking on your left From South Bay – I-880 N
 – Take I-880 North
 through Oakland – Take the 7th St exit toward West Grand Ave – Merge onto (unmarked) Frontage Rd (signs for West Grand Ave) – Turn left at West Grand Ave – Turn right at Wake Ave 
into Arena area – Free parking on your left Directions to Your Phone: For directions from your location to us from your phone: – Dial DIR-ECT-IONS (347-328-4667) – Select “Event” from main menu – Say “Fire Arts Festival” – Say your starting point (it can be an address or an intersection) – That’s it! Driving directions are instantly sent via text message to your cell phone Parking: We have limited parking available in two lots. One […]

Read more →
Read More

Fire Arts Festival® 2007

The Crucible’s 7th Annual Fire Arts Festival set West Oakland ablaze and transformed the vacant lot at Kirkham St. and 7th St. into a Fire Arts Arena with a four-day run from Wednesday, July 11th, to Saturday, July 14th, 2007. Designed and produced by The Crucible’s Founder and Executive Director, Michael Sturtz, the annual celebration of fire and light featured an amazing cast of dancers and performers reflecting the diversity of the Bay Area’s arts community — from classically trained ballet dancers to hip-hop artists, musicians, outrageous fire artists and performers, and The Crucible’s own faculty of blacksmiths, metal casters, and glassworkers. The festival showcased kinetic and fire art pieces, with over 30 installation artists contributing to the event’s success. Many of the kinetic fire sculptures, like the 168-foot long Serpent Mother, created by arts collective The Flaming Lotus Girls, which encouraged hands-on participation like controlling propane jets. Another interactive display, Dance Dance Immolation, by Interpretive Arson, challenged participants to match on-screen dance steps – with the penalty for a misstep being a blast of fire to the face (fortunately dancers were suited up in Nomex firefighter suits prior to testing their skills). The Fire Odyssey Ever raising the bar for “flameboyance,” this year Michael Sturtz added something new: The Fire Odyssey, an 11-act modernized interpretation of Homer’s epic poem, performed nightly. Blending industrial fire theatre with ballet, opera, hip hop, aerial dance, fire performance and more, The Fire Odyssey brought together an amazing cast of internationally recognized dancers and performers to create one of the most technically ambitious and visually stunning productions seen in the Bay Area. Opera singer Aimee Puentes sang the role of Penelope, and Easton Smith, who played Romeo in The Crucible’s production of Romeo & Juliet—A Fire Ballet, returned as Odysseus. Mongolian contortionist Byamba Serchmaa played Circe, who tried to seduce Odysseus; members of the renowned hip-hop troupe Flavor Group played Odysseus’ men. The acrobatic team of Realis, made up of gold medalists and world champion gymnasts Shenea Booth and Arthur Davis, performed the production’s amazing finale, with original live music provided by Mark Growden and a hand-picked ensemble. The saga of Odysseus took place on an enormous 58 foot wide stage, complete with a thousand-gallon “sea;” a colossal Rube Goldberg style system of stairs, ramps and chutes; and four gigantic Greek gods, personified as 35-foot-tall welded sculptures by Dan Das Mann and Karen Cusolito, which interacted with the human performers. Recreating the elements of water, wind, fire, steam and light required a massive production crew, and included members from the Oakland Fire Department and Kinetic Steam Works. The Odyssey tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus and his long journey home following the fall of Troy. Odysseus and his crew are both protected and besieged by the gods throughout their voyage. Athena, goddess of wisdom and fire, protects them, but Poseidon, god of the sea, sends a storm to put them off course and into a confrontation with his son, the Cyclops (played […]

Read more →
Read More

Industrial Chic – 2007 Fashion Show

INDUSTRIAL CHIC Fashion + Art Show and Preview Friday, April 13, 2007, 7- 10PM Open House, Art & Fashion Exhibition, and Rusty Elephant Sale Saturday and Sunday, April 14th & 15th, 10AM – 4PM Free Admission Friday Night Fashion + Art Show and Preview On April 13th, 2007, The Crucible presented the hottest of haute couture in a fashion show of wearable art made from repurposed materials. The evening’s entertainment included a fabulous art show, a preview of The Crucible’s Rusty Elephant Sale (an unparalleled source of donated industrial surplus), and, of course, fire performance. Performances by: Urban Pointe Evocation • Miranda Caroligne • Mystress Fyre & Co. Music by: Halon Lighting by: reFRACTion and Lauren McCullough Featuring: • elmajdesign • Auberon • Spy Girl Friday • Eric Pennella • Jay Bridgland • Diana Stasko • O’Lover Hats • Helena Stoddard • Bree Hylkema • Bonnie Heras • SuperSugarRayRay • Kathleen Fernald • Hungry Panda …and much more Saturday and Sunday Open House, Art & Fashion Exhibition, and Rusty Elephant Sale On April 14 and 15, The Crucible welcomed spring with an open house and art show that included wearable art. Industrial surplus was on sale at our Rusty Elephant Sale and demonstrations of industrial arts showed how you could turn that surplus into art of your own. Admission free for all. Rusty Elephant Sale featured: • Industrial Surplus • Materials for your next work of art • Scientific glassware • Scientific stainless steel • Equipment and machinery • Bicycles • Other cool stuff Other activities included: • Bicycle Fix-a-thon on Sunday • Youth activities • Youth art • Glass blowing • Bronze pour • Fire performance

Read more →