Where are you located?
The Glitter & Razz Dramatic Play Space is located at 5951 College Avenue, Oakland, CA in the heart of the Rockridge neighborhood. We are in the basement of the College Avenue Presbyterian Church near the corner of Claremont Avenue. Many people remember our space as “where the Gymboree used to be.”
Is your space wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, no. The church is an historic building designed by famed architect, Julia Morgan, in 1914. Although, there is a ramp that allows people to attend church service, there is currently no accessibility to the basement.
Are you affiliated with the church or the school next door?
No. Glitter & Razz Productions is an independent small business who rents this space from the church. And although we are good friends with the church and with Rockridge Little School (who is also a tenant), we are not officially affiliated with either of them.
Can I stop in and check it out?
Please do! Marilyn Stanley, the Glitter & Razz Administrator, is on-site Mondays and Wednesday from 9am-2pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm-6pm. The Play Space is closed on Fridays. You can also feel free to call us at 510.654.7166 to arrange a special time to come in and see the space. We also invite you to attend any of our original shows from the kids who attend our camps. This way you can learn more about what we do and see creative kids in action. You should also come to one of our community parties where we celebrate kids and families from all over the community.
Does that big space belong to you exclusively?
Not anymore. As of January 2011, we have expanded our Dramatic Play Space community to include 3 other sub-tenants. We are very excited to welcome Active Imagination, Work It Out, and Teaching Artists Organized as our partners in the Dramatic Play Space.
Can I rent your space?
Maybe! If our space is not being used, we are pleased to rent it out for family-friendly parties and events as well as classes and workshops for artists and healing practitioners.
My creative kid is shy/has never performed before. What will it be like for him/her?
At Glitter & Razz, we are committed to teaching and reinforcing social/emotional skills through theater. Because of this, our main goal is for all kids to feel safe, heard, and respected and for them to have the skills to treat others in the same way. In addition to drama classes, we incorporate visual arts and creative movement into all of our programs so that kids with a diversity of interests, personalities, and learning styles find their way into the group.
We never force anyone to perform in the final play if they don’t want to. However, this is rarely a problem. Since the kids make up the plays themselves, they are very invested in them and are usually quite passionate (a.k.a. jumping off the walls) about sharing their final product with a loving audience.
What about my outgoing kid? My daughter/son has done a lot of theater. Will Glitter & Razz build their skills?
Certainly. Glitter & Razz founders Lynn Johnson and Allison Kenny are both professionally-trained actors with many years of experience both performing and teaching theater to people of all ages. They have designed Glitter & Razz camps to teach BOTH performing skills AND collaborative skills.
One concept we teach kids is “The secret to acting is Listening.” We believe that practices like active listening, generosity, and self-discipline make us better actors as well as happier people.
You are called “Glitter & Razz” and I see a lot of girls on your site. Do boys sign up too?
Yes, indeed. With the exception of our Go Girls! Program, boys are very welcome at Glitter & Razz. We have worked with many boys over the years and they love Glitter & Razz as much as the girls do. And now, we have partnered with Phil Weglarz and Active Imagination to bring camps and classes just for boys!
Of course, everybody has different interests and not every kid will be interested in spending a week or celebrating his birthday doing theater. The same is true for girls. However, you know your kids and if you think they will really thrive in a creative, loving environment, then you should give Glitter & Razz a try.
You’re programs are for kids 4-10. My child isn’t quite 4, can s/he still come?
With the exception of the camps and classes that we bring to your pre-school, our programs are specifically designed to be developmentally appropriate for kids ages 4-10. When kids younger than 4 have come to one of our camps (even when they are just a few weeks shy of 4), more often than not, we find that they are more challenged and not able to fully grasp all of the concepts and activities. Because of that, we require that all children have turned 4 by the first day of the program in order for them to participate.
What is your kid/adult ratio?
Our main goal is that every child feel safe, heard, and respected. To that end, our camps are intimate – 30 kids max – with a minimum of 3 full-time adult staff members present for the full duration of the camp. In addition to those staff members, there will most likely be a part-time specialty teaching artist, an administator, and/or youth interns present helping to create a loving environment. Ratios are even lower for our Itty Bitty Arts Programs.
Do you offer financial aid?
As a small business, we understand that times are tough. Believe us. Please just feel free to simply contact Lynn – lynn@glitterandrazz.com – and explain your situation. If there is something we can do, we will do it. We also offer payment plans and sibling discounts on all of our camps and classes.
Is Glitter & Razz a non-profit organization?
No. Glitter & Razz is a small, for-profit, social venture committed to using business as a tool for community-building and world-changing. We are always learning about new and innovative ways that businesses are involved in making real change happen and we are always interested in partnering with other businesses, non-profits, and individuals in the work of making this a happier and healthier world.
What is your Tax EIN Number? I need it along with a receipt for my taxes.
20-5363284. Just contact Lynn with your name, your child’s name, and the date(s) of the camp(s) he or she attended (if you remember) and she will be sure to email you a record of your payment.
What is your cancellation policy for Summer Camps?
When you first complete your registration, we require you pay a deposit to hold your place. This deposit is non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation before June 1st, we refund your balance in full (less the deposit). If you cancel after June 1st, we refund your balance less an extra $50 cancellation fee and your initial deposit. If you cancel within 30 days of the first day of your summer camp, we will issue you a credit in the full amount of your balance (less the deposit and cancellation fee) for you to use towards a future Glitter & Razz camp or class. This credit is non-transferable and will be valid for 365 days.
