Thanks to the City of Oakland staff for stopping by The Flight Deck's Opening Festival, and capturing this wonderful video of Jeriel Bey's TURF Dancing event.

The Flight Deck's host company, Ragged Wing Ensemble, is mentioned in Theatre Bay Area's article, New Plays New Ways: Redeveloping the New Play Development Model, written by Lily Janik, appearing in their May/June 2014 issue. To read the entire article, please click here. An excerpt, including the section about Ragged Wing, is highlighted below.

Written on May 29, 2014 by Amanda Bornstein, Flight Deck Manager

When does something come to fruition? For me, the Flight Deck fully came to life last night, on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 7:00 pm, when I saw images of our first public event. That was the moment when, what we discussed over the past weeks, months, years, started to have an actual physical presence, with weight and walls, texture, color, form, and even smell (and by looking at the pictures of the cupcakes from Township, I can only imagine the taste). I almost don't believe it, even though I have been in the gritty details of its realness for some time now.  My head is still stuck in the budgeting, fundraising, strategic planning, painting, cleaning, chaos. Especially lately, I have been focused on the next task and not dropping "that" important piece. I almost forgot that we were building a thing. A place that other people can see, visit, and experience; that's not just an idea in an architectural drawing or a feasibility study, or in our musings on what could be.  A thing with a life of its own. Today the pictures reminded me. 

I am proud. Beyond proud. Amazed. Stunned. In disbelief. Worried (well, that's just my personality). Tired.  But more energized than anything.  And grateful. The Flight Deck couldn't have happened without each of us. All of us. As Amy Sass said to me yesterday, "It takes a village to raise an art space." 

As we sat at dinner, working out the latest in an ongoing series of unexpected challenges -- which, in my opinion, we are becoming very good at doing -- we talked about the collective story of the Flight Deck. Ragged Wing, as a theater company that has been around for nine years, is in the business of telling good, original, engaging, sometimes quirky, stories. It's what we do, one might say. But how do we tell this narrative when it is outside the confines of a two hour performance? Who tells this story, and where does it begin? 

Does it start with the founders, Amy Sass, Anna Shneiderman, and Keith Davis on the day they decided to band together to create their unique style of theater and performance? Or does it begin with the conversation to look for a space and bring ensemble practice to a larger scale of community building? Was the idea birthed when Amy found the vacant building at 1540 Broadway, and put in motion our relationship with the developer (our now landlord). Was it when the board voted to sign the lease? How about the moment when Ragged Wing hatched out of the incubator program at Intersection for the Arts and gained its own 501c3 status? Was it when we signed our first contract with one of our Resident Companies? Or was it when we achieved unprecedented success by raising $300,000 in one year (and then spending it)? Was it when we realized, we (well mostly Anna) are kind of sort of pretty good at managing really big construction projects and coming in on budget and on time (more or less). Or when we were moved by the many many volunteers who came in to paint the walls, lay the floor, and build furniture with us?

Well, I think it is all those things. The story of this space, true to its collaborative spirit, is one that must be told by each of us with our own beginning and unique lens. As a place for artists with purpose, the story, undoubtedly will be told with lots of authenticity, through multiple artforms, and at least some messiness or mischief.

I want to take this moment to recognize this achievement. Before the party next week and the celebration, and before the conversation about the next challenge, I want to recognize the birth of this space and many metaphoric parents, doulas, lamaze coaches and doctors who helped bring it into the world. It is a beautiful thing to hold. 

I also want to invite you to help us tell this story. More on that later.

Friday, June 6th

5-7 pm  “Just Ripe” group exhibition and reception in The Flight Deck Gallery from 5-7 pm. Meet the founders of The Flight Deck and local dignitaries and view artwork from East Bay mixed media artists. FREE

5-7 pm Outdoor performances at Latham Square, just across the street from The Flight Deck FREE

7:30 pm performance of After Juliet, Gritty City Youth Repertory Theatre (ticketed separately) LINK www.grittycityrep.org

7 pm-midnight The Flight Deck and Township Grand Opening Party. Starting in Township, limited dinner menu, no-host bar, art in the mezzanine gallery, and pop-up performances from Ragged Wing artists until 10 pm, when The Flight Deck will open so guests can move back and forth between the two spaces for art tours, performances, and acoustic music in the various areas of The Flight Deck and a dj dance party in Township until midnight. $25 at the door.

Saturday, June 7th

10 am-1 pm workshop Shamanik Improv II with Doktor Robert: Drop In, Tune In, Turn On. Your fortnightly dose of deep play begins! Imagine, connect, dance, create. $20-35 LINK www.shamanikimprov.com

2 pm & 8 pm After Juliet matinee and closing night performances, Gritty City Youth Repertory Theatre (ticketed separately) LINK www.grittycityrep.org

Sunday, June 8th The Flight Deck is closed

Monday, June 9th

12-1 pm workshop Singing for Speakers with Jenny Holland $15-25

1:30-4:30 pm workshop Slapstick with Michael Cavanaugh. Choreograph slaps, punches, kicks, stomps, pokes, head butts, etc. Ages 13 and up. $20-35 LINK www.everybodylaughs.com

5-6:30 pm Yoga Class with Jennifer Biddle. Yoga is the affirmation that through practice and joyful focus you can enjoy your health, your body, and, more importantly, rehabilitate from previous traumas, bringing together your positive mental and physical states.

5-7 pm panel discussion The Faces Behind Oakland’s Thriving Food Businesses: hosted by Abeni Ramsey, moderated by food journalist Sarah Henry. A chef, an edible entrepreneur, and the moneymen helping fuel Oakland’s culinary revival. $10-25

6-8 pm Just Ripe Gallery open hours. See the artwork on display in the gallery, rehearsal studio, and office. A group show of local mixed media artists including: Mateo Hinojosa, Eric Bohr, Erik LaDue, Amalia Korczowski, Aidan Fraser, Nani Toda, Colin Koz, Juila Robertson, John King, Marlene Tobias, Amanda Bornstein and Amy Sass. Curated by Ragged Wing Ensemble Artistic Director, Amy Sass.

8 pm variety show hosted by Doktor Robert and Mister Livingston of the Knights of Revery. Acts from Chick Flick (www.improvchicks.com), foolsFury (www.foolsfury.org), Wendi Gross, DeCoy, and Emma Jaster, songs from 2013 Best of SF Fringe award-winning O Best Beloved, music from Aharon Wheels Bolsta. $15-30 LINKS www.knightsofrevery.com, www.foolsfury.org, www.improvchicks.com, 
www.aharonwheelsbolsta.com, www.emmajaster.com, www.obestbeloved.org

Tuesday June 10th

11 am-1 pm Music workshop with Aharon Wheels Bolsta. Indian, Balkan and Middle-Eastern rhythms and singing our hearts out. $20-35 LINK www.aharonwheelsbolsta.com

11 am-1 pm Belly dance workshop with Natalie Nayun $20-35

1:30-4:30 pm workshop Clown with Michael Cavanaugh. Circus, Whiteface, Red Nose, Character, Tramp and other types. Ages 13 and up. $20-35 LINK www.everybodylaughs.com

5-7 pm panel discussion Creative Co-Working In Oakland: Come meet the faces behind Oakland’s co-working boom. $10-25

6-8 pm Just Ripe Gallery open hours. See the artwork on display in the gallery, rehearsal studio, and office. A group show of local mixed media artists including: Mateo Hinojosa, Eric Bohr, Erik LaDue, Amalia Korczowski, Aidan Fraser, Nani Toda, Colin Koz, Juila Robertson, John King, Marlene Tobias, Amanda Bornstein and Amy Sass. Curated by Ragged Wing Ensemble Artistic Director, Amy Sass.

8 pm performance Dana Lawton Dances presents Silence Of and pieces from Beyond this Moment followed by music from Little Jonny and the Giants, Bay Area’s favorite blues band. $15-30 LINKS www.littlejonny.net, www.danalawtondances.org/dana/home/html

Wednesday June 11th

11 am-1 pm yoga class with Treina Alexander of YogaLove $10-15 LINK www.YogaLoveOakland.com

1:30-4:30 pm workshop Mask with Michael Cavanaugh. Neutral, Larval, Commedia, Red Nose, and expressive body. Ages 13 and up. $20-35 LINK www.everybodylaughs.com

1:30-4:30 pm workshop Making Creative Sock Animals with Lisa Drostova. Turn sad socks into whimsical creatures. Materials provided but feel free to bring (clean) socks. Ages 10 and up. $20-35

5-7 pm Music with Laura Inserra a fusion of musical genres followed by Virago Theatre’s staged reading of absurdist Daniil Kharms: A Life in One Act and Several Dozen Eggs by Nancy Cooper Frank. $10-25 LINKS  www.laurainserra.com, www.viragotheatre.org/home.html

8 pm performance Knights of Revery. Into the Realm of Dreams we go! Adults and their inner children welcome. Featuring a journey from colorful Bollywood to fanciful Hollywood with Rudrayana’s Honey Gatherers and music from True Life Trio. $15-30 LINKS www.knightsofrevery.com, www.facebook.com/pages/Rudrayana/1399156343687815

Thursday June 12th

11:00-1:00 pm Yoga Class with Charles Poon. Join Charles Poon for an all-level class based on a progressive form of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Detox, strengthen, stretch, and develop inner body awareness and spaciousness through this wonderfully complete practice which emphasizes the mindful linking of breath and movement, energy locks, safe alignment, and drishti.

11:00-1:00 pm Contact Improv Class with Jordan Stout. 

1:30-4:30 pm Tea performance with Aharon Wheels Bolsta. Tea music and sound-story time. $20-35 LINK www.aharonwheelsbolsta.com

5-7 pm Just Ripe gallery show artist panel discussion with Amy Sass, Eric Bohr, and other participating artists. Will move to Township for drinks at 6 pm. $10-25

6-8 pm Just Ripe Gallery open hours. See the artwork on display in the gallery, rehearsal studio, and office. A group show of local mixed media artists including: Mateo Hinojosa, Eric Bohr, Erik LaDue, Amalia Korczowski, Aidan Fraser, Nani Toda, Colin Koz, Juila Robertson, John King, Marlene Tobias, Amanda Bornstein and Amy Sass. Curated by Ragged Wing Ensemble Artistic Director, Amy Sass.

8 pm performance Fierce Plays 2014. Ragged Wing Ensemble presents short original works by Keith Davis, David Stein, and Addie Ulrey followed by dance from Adara Dance Company, contemporary with Central Asian and Near Eastern traditions. $15-30 LINK www.facebook.com/AdaraDanceCompany

Friday June 13th

11 am-1 pm Yoga class with Sylvia Burboek $10-15

11 am-1 pm workshop T.U.R.F. dancing with Jeriel Bey. Impromptu dance as sport and platform for addressing health disparities in our communities and nationally. $10-25 LINK TurfinAdvertisingGroup.com

1:30-4:30 pm exhibition T.U.R.F. dancing with Jeriel Bey $10-25 LINK TurfinAdvertisingGroup.com

1:30-3:30 pm workshop Shamanik Improv Klass: Just the Basiks with Doktor Robert. Rediscover the deep flow of playful, spontaneous creation and connection. $10-25 LINK www.shamanikimprov.com

5-7 pm music for kids and families with Your Song My Song: traditional kid songs, funny covers, and unique originals, and Jewish Folk Chorus of San Francisco: Folks songs in Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, Ladino and English. $10-25 LINKS www.yoursongmysong.com, http://jewishfolkchorussf.org

6-8 pm Just Ripe Gallery open hours. See the artwork on display in the gallery, rehearsal studio, and office. A group show of local mixed media artists including: Mateo Hinojosa, Eric Bohr, Erik LaDue, Amalia Korczowski, Aidan Fraser, Nani Toda, Colin Koz, Juila Robertson, John King, Marlene Tobias, Amanda Bornstein and Amy Sass. Curated by Ragged Wing Ensemble Artistic Director, Amy Sass.

8 pm performance Fierce Plays 2014. Ragged Wing Ensemble presents short original works by Keith Davis, David Stein, and Addie Ulrey followed by Sin Nombre, folk music from around the world. $15-30

Saturday June 14th

10 am-12 pm workshop Introduction to Acting with Michael French. Freed from self-consciousness, build a character, enjoy theatre games, and scene study. $20-35 LINK www.aluminous.org

5:30-9 pm gala Ragged Wing Ensemble Lift-Off. Annual gala featured elegant dinner catered by Grace Street Catering, silent auction, and performances. $65-100 in advance.

• Press Release
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PRESS CONTACT
Lisa Drostova, Public Engagement Manager
(510)384-2721
lisa@raggedwing.org
www.raggedwing.org
www.theflightdeck.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RAGGED WING ENSEMBLE ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THE FLIGHT DECK AND TOWNSHIP RESTAURANT WITH A GRAND OPENING FESTIVAL OF PERFORMANCES, PARTIES, WORKSHOPS, AND EVENTS, JUNE 6-14, 2014

April 10, 2014--After months of dust and ductwork, The Flight Deck performance center and Township restaurant, neighbors at 1540 Broadway in Downtown Oakland, will be opening their doors in a week-long Grand Opening celebration beginning on June 6, 2014. Starting on that First Friday, The Flight Deck, Oakland's hot new multidisciplinary arts space and theater venue, will celebrate the local creative community by featuring a dizzying banquet of events--performances from Resident Companies and friends, play readings, panel discussions, dance and theater performance workshops, artist talks, a gallery show, a fantastic opening night party in collaboration with Township, and finally Ragged Wing Ensemble's annual Gala. Below is just a partial list of an evolving week; for the most up-to-date schedule of events, visit either www.raggedwing.org or www.theflightdeck.org as more performers and artists sign on.

The Opening Party, on Friday June 6, will showcase all the energy and excitement of a burgeoning arts district and community hotspot.