On Saturday, April 22, over 80 OUSD students performed their hearts out for over 400 audience members at the Mosswood Park Amphitheater for our 2023 Showcase, Umbrella People. Performers consisted of Prescott Circus Theatre students from six school based programs, youth musicians of the Oakland Spirit Orchestra led by Alison Balano, Tarika Lewis, and Baba Wainwright, and participants in the Young Adult Program Choir led by Michelle Jordan.

The show was directed and MC’d by Tristan Cunningham (NCIS, CSI Vegas, Family Reunion, and All Rise) and accompanied by Spanish Language MC, Edna Mira Raia (Potatoes Mashed Comedy), and ASL interpreter, Sierra Picket with Pro Bono ASL. Umbrella People, celebrated the people in our lives who care for others and bring people together for common good. Umbrella Awards were presented to Prescott Circus Theatre’s founder and matriarch, Aileen Moffitt, and Oakland Unified School District principal and educator, Deitra Atkins – two women who have dedicated their lives to creating quality arts education experiences for children and uniting communities through the arts.

Special thanks to Terri Westbrook and the Mosswood Recreation Center, event sponsor Mechanics Bank, our dedicated teaching artists, and all of our audience members who supported our young stars.

Huge Shout Out and a showers of gratitude to Tom Holub of Totally Doable Consulting (a true “Umbrella Person”) for capturing such wonderful photos from the day.
Click here to see the expanded gallery.