Check out our Teaching Artists for Session B.

At Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp, our amazing teaching artists are the beating heart of our regular program and our Kid City program! These talented individuals bring a sprinkle of magic to every class, infusing each session with creativity, passion, and joy. Whether it’s exploring the nuances of theater, dancing to the rhythm of their imaginations, or creating masterpieces in art, our artists guide campers of all ages with enthusiasm and expert knowledge.

Session B | Kid City Team

As legacy and tribute to our late leader, Rosemarie Richie, our youngest campers are enveloped in a world of creativity and exploration, guided by nurturing and experienced teachers. In the vibrant realm of Kid City, these caretakers cultivate a magical environment where imagination reigns supreme. Through playful activities, engaging stories, and hands-on experiences, our dedicated team, under the direction of Iris Deserio, works to make every child feels seen, heard, and cherished in their own little world under the redwoods.

Dr. Shadi Seyedyousef

Dr. Shadi Seyedyousef (she/her) is an Iranian immigrant, educator, and activist based in Los Angeles, CA. She has taught for over 10 years, finding particular joy in teaching young children how to read. Her research focuses on liberatory teaching and learning in early grades, and she believes in the power of young children as changemakers in our world. Some of her favorite things include sunshine and the ocean, bright colors, trivia nights, karaoke, and creating digital and mixed media art.
Kid City, directed by Iris DeSerio, is a place for our youngest campers ages 2.5 to 5 (0 to 2.5 with a parent) to create. Our programming is available alongside our regular programming and transition time. Kid City was created by our late, much-missed leader Rosemary Richie.
Kid City is centrally located in the shady redwood grove right across from the dining hall. Teaching Artists comes to teach classes in music and dance, adult classes come to perform and present throughout the week-- the camp comes to us at Kid City. Parents are always welcome to join in, and are especially invited to share a quiet moment in the book corner before signing their children in to Kid City.

Melissa Shah

Melissa (she/they) deeply believes in applying the culture and teachings of yoga to bring to light the long standing disparities in wellness spaces. She is passionate about bringing yoga and Ayurveda back to its roots, and reclaiming representation within the wellness community. Originally from Munsee Lenape land (Queens, NY) she currently lives on Tongva, Chumash and Kizh land (Los Angeles) where she works to make yoga accessible through yoga therapy, mentoring yoga teachers, and mantra. Melissa also utilizes her background in public health to integrate yoga into schools and clinical settings.

She has been practicing yoga since she was a child, thanks to her mother, and has been studying it deeply since the age of 18. Melissa firmly believes in continuously adapting the practice to the individual as they move through human experiences. Melissa has had asthma since she was 2 years old, and has seen firsthand the positive effects that yoga and pranayama can have not only on chronic illnesses, but how we perceive the world.
Melissa has had the deep privilege of having over 2000 hrs of training in yoga and yoga therapy. She holds certifications from SVYASA, Yoga Works, Integral Yoga Institute (Prenatal), Ritam Healing Arts, and the Yoga Well Institute, where she recently completed their 1000-hour Professional Yoga Therapist Program. She also holds a Master in Public Health, with a focus on health policy.
Kid City, led by Iris DeSerio, is a place for our youngest campers ages 2.5 to 5 (0 to 2.5 with a parent) to create. Our programming is available alongside our regular programming and transition time. Kid City was created by our late, much-missed leader Rosemary Richie.
Kid City is centrally located in the shady redwood grove right across from the dining hall. Teaching Artists comes to teach classes in music and dance, adult classes come to perform and present throughout the week-- the camp comes to us at Kid City. Parents are always welcome to join in, and are especially invited to share a quiet moment in the book corner before signing their children in to Kid City.

Session B | Teaching Artists

Get ready to dive in and let your imagination soar! These talented individuals are not just masters of their crafts; they’re also passionate guides ready to inspire campers ages 6 and up. Whether you’re venturing into the dazzling world of dance, the vibrant hues of visual arts, or the magical realm of theater, our artists bring a playful spirit to each class. They encourage exploration and self-expression, helping every camper discover their unique voice.

Ainka Fulani

Ainka Joy Fulani is a dedicated Development, Wellness and Strategy Coach, known for her holistic approach to personal and professional growth. She is the owner of BreakThrough, a coaching practice where she helps individuals and organizations achieve their full potential by promoting healthy habits, productivity, and overall well-being. Ainka's unique blend of varied work experiences, broad and deep education and a talent for creating environments that encourage people to utilize their authentic strengths, make it possible for her to nurture creativity, curiosity and fun - whether it is when teaching a Pilates or yoga class, facilitating a corporate offsite or having a coaching conversation with someone on a job search.

With a passion for supporting people through life's challenges, Ainka has developed a reputation for being empathetic, visionary, and deeply committed to her clients' success. Her work extends beyond mere goal setting or symptom treatment, focusing on comprehensive strategies that foster a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Ainka's students appreciate her humor, playfulness, innovation and dynamic approach, which not only enhances their physical health but also boosts their mental and emotional resilience
It is with much gratitude that Ainka delivers instruction. Grounded in yoga, utilizing Pilates, this class isn't a fusion, it is more of an exploration. While Pilates and yoga come to us from different lineages and traditions there are a few key components that they share (1) Movement with mindfulness (2) Focus on breath (3) And the opportunity to stretch muscles as they grow strong! Both adjust easily to meet you where you are - providing a physical practice that is as rigorous or as gentle as needed. Ainka tends to like to make you sweat and calm your nervous system all in the same class. Please come with your requests, questions, aches, stiffness, imbalances and fatigue and likely leave feeling limber, open, rested and with peace of mind. AGES 6 AND UP
(Tue - Thur) Whether you are new to The Method or an experienced practitioner, this class has something for you! Mr. Joseph Pilates was radical in his approach to movement and wellness during his time and brilliant in his approach. He wanted good health and ease to be available to the masses. In this 2-part class we will go through some of the foundational practices and movements in Pilates. If you have never practiced before this could help you feel confident to step into a Pilates mat class anywhere in the world and feel more confident. It you consider yourself an expert this will challenge you to take a beginner's mindset and check for any un-useful habits that you may have developed and support you to finesse your approach to the movements. There are 37 original movements in Mr. Pilates' mat series. We will cover some of them as well as preparatory movements in an environment that is welcoming of all bodies - all shapes, color, sizes, ages, experiences and abilities. Warning: You may be challenged, you will be encouraged to be playful and you may laugh. Please come with your questions and requests!
A grounding meditation for you and your family. ALL AGES.

Ben Thomas

Ben has been making music and educating for over three decades as a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter & storyteller. He also uses the physicality of the human body to develop connections between being a creative artist and an athlete. That translates to preparing your mind and body to make music like it’s second nature. As a multi-instrumentalist & vocalist, Ben has performed with many amazing bands and artists. He was the lead singer, trumpeter, trombonist & rhythm guitarist of the Grammy-award winning and Dweezil Zappa-led Zappa Plays Zappa for 7 years (which performed the brilliant works of his father Frank Zappa). He still performs those amazing songs with an L.A.-based reunion band of ZPZ alums called One Shot Deal.
Ben plays hand percussion and sings background vocals with international neo-soul star Aloe Blacc. He also lead sings for the Danny Carey Band, led by the drummer of the iconic hard rock band Tool. And for the Trekkies out there, he’s been a Klingon, Borg, Romulan, Vulcan and various other voice-characters in Netflix’s Star Trek Prodigy.
This class will teach the fundamentals of preparing your voice and body to vocalize and create music from its most basic forms. Beginning with physical head, neck, lungs and diaphragm stretches as body warm-ups, Ben will lead students towards finding and unlocking the natural space in which they are most comfortable making music. The students and Ben will collectively create and compose music together (to be performed at the end of the week) with their desired instrument - be it voice, percussion, guitar, horn or any other instruments that resonate best for them. This class will incorporate elements of rhythm, melody and harmony with singing, chanting, body percussion, Latin and African rhythms and percussion, Tuvan throat singing, whistling and other forms. This class will be very unique! AGES 12 AND UP
Rockin' out is amazing! (we all know that :)) , but have you ever wanted to rock out in an ensemble with your new favorite buddies playing songs that stir your soul and enlighten your musical mind to a higher space (think: above the tops of the redwoods)?!? This mega-band will do just that - combining rock history, rock music theory, perfecting your part, rehearsing efficiently and performing a mini-concert of classic, modern and recent favorite rock songs.
The 'Deros are looking for intermediate skill-level guitarists, bassists, drummers, percussionists, keyboardists and vocalists with some knowledge of chords, scales, progressions and grooves as well as a general concept of melody and harmony. As a super-group, we will dissect the songs, learn and execute our respective parts and rehearse together like the fine-tuned and well-oiled musical machine that we are. When we put it all together, we shall rock so hard that they'll name a comet after us. AGES 13 AND UP

Rachel Rodriguez

Rachael Rodriguez is a professional Vihuela player specialized in Mariachi music. She relocated to Los Angeles to join multi-grammy winners Mariachi Divas in 2015 and since then has also played with groups like Mariachi Flor de Toloache, The Mexican Standoff and The Outlaw Mariachi. Rachael now manages her own project called MariaChingona, a Cumbia fusion experience that blends genres, instrumentations and cultures under one common, undeniable rhythm.
Rachael studied Music Theory at Long Beach City College but like many Mariachi musicians, Rachael's teachers passed on their knowledge orally and she honed her skills on the job outside of a school. She is currently a Mariachi Coach at a middle school in Long Beach.
This class is for intermediate/advanced Musicians that want to explore the rhythm and style of Mariachi.
Melodía Section - Violin, Viola, Flute, Trumpet. Melodic instruments led by Hector Ortiz
Armonía Section - Vihuela, Guitarron, Classical Guitar, Harp. Harmonic instruments led by Rachael Rodriguez.
We will learn classic Mariachi pieces to perform at the end of the week. AGES 12 AND UP.
This class is for intermediate/advanced Musicians that want to explore the rhythm of Cumbia and level up their stage presence. We will learn classic Cumbia pieces and put on a show at the end of the week.
Learn about the history of Cumbia and all the different flavors in this beautiful genre. AGES 12 AND UP.

Mark Rosenthal

Mark has been teaching steel drum classes in the Bay Area since 1996. He has been co-director of Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp, where he also teaches. After earning his BA in Music Performance at Humboldt State University in 1992, Mark traveled to Trinidad and performed with Phase 2 Pan Groove during the 1994 annual Panorama competition. He is also currently teachiing for Living Jazz’s Children’s Program, Jam Camp West, and Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp. Mark continues to perform throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
(This class will be offered 2x each day with different music taught in each class) We will be jamming from day one. It takes very little time to get our collective groove on. For one thing the instruments provided have all the notes written on the drums. Also all parts are taught by wrote. Steel pans are not only a unique addition to the world's catalog of instruments, they are also really fun to play. If you enjoy the sound and have never played you need to check it out. One Trinidadian saying I like is: "Not I, "We!" and it is very much a community feeling playing in the steelband. In the class we’ll explore different styles of music. Students will be given parts to play according to their level. Classes often prepare one or two pieces for a Friday performance. AGES 10 AND UP.
Join us as we mix traditional and contemporary rhythms played on found sound and percussion instruments. We'll deepen our listening skills as a percussive ensemble, as we explore polyrhythms, improvisation, time and timing, musical colors and textures, sequences, patterns, dynamics, call and response, plus more... A fun, relaxed percussive party focusing on groove.
There will be some instruments and found sound provided, but we invite you to bring any any percussion instrument or sound makers you enjoy playing. AGES 12 AND UP.
With special guest instructor Bryan Dyer.

Molly Evered

Molly Evered is a co-founder, vocalist, and synth-player of The Apricots, Portland-based indie-folk-rock band. She also performs with the dream-pop group Night Heron. When she's off the stage, Molly works for Love My Switches, a small business sourcing parts for guitar pedals.
She will be co-teaching with her sister Rachel, and together, Together these long-time Caz camper sisters love exploring vocal harmonies, songwriting, and jam sessions with their friends and family.
This class will explore the powerful medium of a cappella singing, using only our voices to create beautiful harmonies and dive into different music genres. We will explore vocal health, collaboration in performance, tips and tricks for memorization, and more! Over the course of the week, we will learn pre-arranged songs and prepare to share at the final performances. AGES 12 AND UP
Join us for some time to hone in on your skills singing with someone else. We will have time together to work closer with dynamics, style, variation, balance and dive into why we like to sing. Whether you've been crooning with others for years or want to try singing with another person for the first time, we invite you to join us sin forming new connections through music. Singers who’d like to bring instruments is a plus. AGES 12 AND UP

Brandy Davis

Brandy Davis is a classically trained pianist, piano teacher, author, and advocate for the transformative power of music education. She teaches the FUNdamentals of piano playing to young beginners; specializing in teaching children how to read sheet music, play confidently at the piano, and develop critical skills like discipline, focus, and resilience. She dedicates her career to helping children unlock their musical potential while building life skills that extend far beyond the piano.
In this one-week introductory piano class, students will explore the basics of piano playing through a sound-to-sight approach. They will first learn where notes live on the keyboard and develop their playing skills through rote learning—listening, imitating, and playing patterns—before gradually introducing simple sight-reading pieces. This method helps students build confidence and musical understanding in a natural and engaging way. By the end of the week, they will have a solid foundation in piano basics, rhythm, and hand coordination, setting them up for continued musical growth. AGES 6 AND UP.

Les Ogilby

Les was an elementary school teacher for 38 fabulous years. and every year he would teach all of his students to play harmonica. Les played blues harp with the Blues Street Band in the Southern California area. He is a big fan of harp players Sonny Terry, Bob Dylan, Annie Raines. and Sonny Boy Williamson II.
Find out how fun and easy it is to play this amazing little and powerful instrument! Join me in a class designed to teach beginners to play tunes on their own by the end of the first lesson! This is a great class for the whole family! You’ll learn to play several songs and you will experience accompanying a guitar and playing along with cool recorded music. All you need to bring is a harmonica in the key of C made by Lee Oskar, Suzuki, East Top, or Hohner (avoid a Hohner product called the BluesBand). After I get the class roster, I will email you detailed info about the many excellent harmonicas to choose from in a wide range of prices. If you don’t bring a harmonica, I will have some inexpensive, and quality, Suzuki Folkmaster harmonicas available for purchase. AGES 10 AND UP (Kids younger than 10 years old are welcome if accompanied by a parent!)
Are you itching to go to the next level with your harmonica playing? If you can already play a few simple tunes on your harmonica, then you are ready for this course. We will be learning to warble, bend notes, and other fun harp techniques. You’ll have the opportunity to accompany the guitar and play along with blues, folk, and rock recordings. You’ll also learn a few famous solos by artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elmore James, Bruce Springsteen, and Jimmy Reed. IMPORTANT: In addition to the C harp you already own, you will need to bring three more harmonicas in the keys of G, D, and A. After I get the class roster, I will email you detailed info about the many excellent harmonicas to choose from in a wide range of prices. AGES: 12 AND UP

Keith Berger

Keith is a member of the acclaimed mime theatre duo, The Chameleons. The Chameleons have performed together since 1985 delighting a wide range of concert audiences (over one million children and adults) throughout the world including at venues ranging from New York City’s La Mama to L.A.’s Disney Concert Hall, from L.A.’s House of Blues to the iconic Troubador, from the world-renowned Edinburgh Arts Festival in Scotland to world cruises that have brought them to such far reaching places as Romania, Istanbul, Ukraine and China. Gifted teachers as well as performers, Keith and Sharon have been two of the most popular and in demand arts educators throughout Southern California. They were honored with the PASA award for their excellence as professional artists in the schools, which was presented by the County of Los Angeles, California Arts Council, and the California Department of Education. They are both Master Teaching Artists with The Music Center of L.A. County, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and video artists with The Kennedy Center. Keith and Sharon have two grown children and reside in Los Angeles, California.
The art of mime dates back to the earliest humans. Before there was spoken language, primitive people used mime as a way of sharing their experiences with one another and imparting stories. Participants will learn skills in handling invisible objects (pantomime) to create a sense of “place” and “detail”, characterization, and creative movement. At times funny, at times poignant, students will explore the vast array of human experiences through theatre that is at once telling and beautiful.
OFFERED TWICE:
- AGES 16 AND UP
- ALL AGES

Aurora Vaughan

AURORA VAUGHAN (she/they) is currently a freelance movement artist based in NYC. She graduated in 2021 with a BFA in Dance from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Since then, they have worked with artists such as Alan Lucien Øyen, Madi Hicks, Alyssa Myers, Eamon Foley, and FangTing Yeh, performing in many of New York’s independent venues. She is a company member in alma Collective and Moving Forward Dance Collective, as well as a teacher of ballet, Jazz, lyrical, contemporary, improvisation, floorwork, and Pilates in New York. They are an avid collaborator and enjoy working with creators of all disciplines to make art that speaks to people’s humanity. She believes that artists have a special place in the world to help people access their indescribable feelings, start difficult conversations, and prompt different pathways of thinking. She is super excited to teach for the first time at Caz, having been a camper most of her life!
Enjoy dancing with the trees! We will be visiting a few different styles, all through the lens of improvisation and community. You'll touch contemporary/modern, Ballet, Jazz, and other somatic-based practices. Be ready to investigate your natural patterns of movement, push your comfort zones, be seriously silly, and sweat! There will be no performance. Just come and be you! AGES 16 AND UP

Bryan Dyer

Bryan S. Dyer is a multi-talented musician who not only sings but plays and teaches several instruments including bass guitar, percussion and piano; writes and arranges music, conducts choirs and groups, and works in television, radio and film. A veteran of some of the Bay Area’s top vocal
groups including Street Sounds, SoVoSo, Slammin All Body Band, Linda
Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir, CHELLE! and Friends and Bobby
McFerrin & MOTION. He also performs with The Funk Revival Orchestra,
Rankin Scroo and Ginger, Juke Joint and the percussion and dance ensemble, Crosspulse.
His musical experiences have him taken around the globe including several trips throughout Europe, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Jamaica and many legendary stages including Montreaux Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and Lincoln Center in New York. Bryan’s talents have landed him alongside such artist as Al Green, Carlos Santana, Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the soundtrack for the movie “La Mission” with Benjamin Bratt, and recording and performing with Huey Lewis and The News to name a few. He is also a member of The Recording Academy and a voting member of The Grammy Awards.
Welcome! Are you sometimes a little tentative when it comes to being creative vocally? Are you comfortable singing beyond the melody of a song?
In this class, we'll look at different ways to approach improvising and techniques to help us become more creative. We'll also utilize Circlesinging – made popular by Bobby McFerrin in our learning process to help expand our vocal boundaries. We'll also spend time exploring rhythm and the role it plays in vocalizing thru different exercises and games. AGES 14 AND UP (some vocal experience preferred).
Let's form Caz's first official Reggae band! We will learn the different elements of a reggae band and how they work together to get that sound. Covering the music of Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and others. Vocalist and horn players welcome to join outside of rhythm section instruments. AGES 14 AND UP.
Join us as we mix traditional and contemporary rhythms played on found sound and percussion instruments. We'll deepen our listening skills as a percussive ensemble, as we explore polyrhythms, improvisation, time and timing, musical colors and textures, sequences, patterns, dynamics, call and response, plus more... A fun, relaxed percussive party focusing on groove.
There will be some instruments and found sound provided, but we invite you to bring any percussion instrument or sound makers you enjoy playing. AGES 12 AND UP.
We'll swing through eras from the 1940's through the 2020s, playing and improvising on music by the likes of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Sun Ra, Carla Bley, Joshua Redman and maybe you. Collaborations with other Caz teaching artists will fully bring the now. We'll be learning by ear and doing some improvisation, but even if that's not your strength, you'll find your way in this friendly, fun musical romp! AGES 13 AND UP.

Gery Moore

Chicago native Gery was born and raised in Rogers Park. He's been training in dance since 16 but was casually dancing at home since 3. In 2012, Moore graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a major in Dance, concentration in dance studies, and a minor in Cultural Studies. Trained in a variety of styles, vogue and modern are the forms used most when he’s creating work. Gery has worked with music artists Dani Deahl and Big Dipper, choreographers Darrell Jones, Pia Hamilton, Lin Shook, J'Sun Howard, Jarret Rashad Kelly, Kirby Reed, and Pedro Mercado amongst others. Moore has been a panelist and taught at the Columbia College Dance Center, co taught at the University of Chicago, and taught at the School of the Art Institute Chicago. He currently teaches yoga at Texture Dance Studio and youth hip hop at Dovetail Studios.
Learn to move to the rhythms of one of the biggest street dance forms in the world. Students will learn to utilize concepts like isolations, full body, movement, fluidity, groove, and level changes to visually display what's happening musically. These explored concepts will give dancers a number of tools to express themselves on the dance floor. AGES 10 AND UP
Dance can become queer, when the person is intentionally disrupting the status quo or the norm.This can only be achieved going into spaces with refined intentions. This class will teach you the philosophy, symbolism, and meaning behind the movement and gestures of dance from a place of queerness, more so than the dance itself. AGES 13 AND UP

Dre Magix

Andre Echave is a Los Angeles magician that eagerly wishes to blend the concept of what is real and what is illusion. Based out of Southern California, this modern day wizard distorts the boundaries between the stereotypical magician with his own style of hard hitting, in your face magic.

Dremagix' high energy, original magic has astonished people from around the world. His shows are full of audience involvement and are the perfect addition to any event. Dre currently performs hundreds of shows a year ranging from strolling magic at restaurants to high end corporate stage performances and public speaking engagements.
Unleash your inner magician in this exciting, low-pressure magic workshop designed for kids and families alike! Over the course of the week, you'll learn a variety of beginner-friendly magic tricks that will amaze your friends and family. We'll explore the fascinating history of magic, practice fun tricks together, and even get the chance to show them off to each other (only if you want to!). This class is all about connecting, sharing laughs, and experiencing the joy of magic in a supportive environment. Whether you're 8 or 80, you'll leave with a few tricks up your sleeve and memories to treasure forever!In this dance workshop, participants will engage in movement-based game prompts designed to foster deeper connections with one another and expand their imagination for a shared future. AGES 8 AND UP
Are you ready to step into the spotlight? In this performance-based magic class, teens and adults (ages 12+) will dive into the art of entertaining with magic! From beginner to intermediate-level tricks, you'll learn not just how to perform but how to captivate an audience. We'll cover techniques, presentation tips, and confidence-building exercises to prepare you for a thrilling end-of-week dinner performance. This class is perfect for anyone who loves the idea of wowing a crowd and wants to elevate their performance skills. Challenge yourself, make new friends, and experience the thrill of taking your magic to the next level! AGES 12 AND UP

Shannon Matesky

Shannon Matesky is an Actress, Writer, Producer, and Director. As a poet, Shannon was featured on the final season of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and has performed in venues and colleges across the country including the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and The Kennedy Center. Shannon is a core writer for Chicago’s annual hit, The Fly Honey Show and is the author of five solo performances, She Think She Grown, We Gotta Eat, The Saga of the Return, Heartbreak Hotel: Whitney, and What You Mixed Wit? Shannon recently made her Broadway Debut in 6 time Tony Nominated, Ain't No Mo' by Jordan E. Cooper. Shannon has also been seen at Steppenwolf Theater, La Jolla Theater, BARS at The Public Theater, and was a member of the 2018 Directors Lab at Lincoln Center. Shannon has produced live events and festivals such as Urban Word NYC’s Grand Slam Finals at the Apollo Theater (NYC), Brave New Voices International Teen Poetry Festival (Multiple Cities), and the Life is Living Community Festival. Shannon also successfully accomplished a three year run of Queer Abstract, a monthly QTPOC variety show in Brooklyn, NY which featured over 300 performers that she created and hosted.
If you’ve ever been to theater festivals and love the thrill of 24 hour play projects where actors and playwrights team up to create unforgettable work that graces the stage in record breaking time— take this journey in Caz’s first ever Mini Plays project where during the course of 10 hours you can unleash your creativity and dive into the magical world of theater with the 10 Hour Plays Project! Over the course of five exhilarating 2-hour classes, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey where you'll either pen your own original script or step into the spotlight as an actor in just 10 hours!
Acting: In this class you will practice vocal and physical warm ups, improv, and scene study to prepare us to collaborate with the playwriting class at the end of the week, where you will perform in a reading of their newly developed 10 minute plays. Our focus will be sharpening our personal practice so that we can better contribute to an ensemble and be flexible and professional when approaching new work. Look forward to fun, imagination, and collaboration as we prepare for our final performance! AGES 14 AND UP.
This class runs in conjunction with Gill Sotu’s playwriting class.

Mike Vargas

Michael Vargas is a two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker and visionary artist based in Los Angeles, celebrated for his innovative and collaborative teaching style. He believes in fostering creativity and connection through art, encouraging students to embrace mistakes as part of the process. Michael’s workshops inspire participants to see the world differently while exploring their unique artistic voices.
Discover the joy of creating abstract portraits and nature-inspired collages using colored paper, scissors, and glue. In this class, students will explore the power of form and color while learning that art is more than drawing or painting—it's about expression and experimentation. Collaboration is key as students pair up to share ideas and help each other craft unique masterpieces. Inspired by the beauty of camp, participants can also create collages as visual journals, capturing the essence of their surroundings. AGES 10 AND UP

Mark Bell

Mark has been working with his hands since he was a little boy building with blocks, then models, then woodshop, then fixing things, then building things. I get a great sense of satisfaction from working with physical things, and helping others find they can too. I always found that using my hands was a great balance to the sit-down office job that paid the bills.
Using hand tools, students will find what is hidden inside of their pieces of soapstone. Tools include saws, rasps, riddlers, sandpaper, files, pics, steel wool and more. I often see my students finding themselves in the process thinking that the class barely started when we approach clean-up time. Students can focus on a single piece or create multiple smaller works during the week. AGES 8 AND UP

Kyle Blaze

In this hands-on ukulele course, students will focus on traditional chord progressions, vamps, and turnarounds while exploring the rich history and legends surrounding the ukulele. Several tunes will be introduced, with the goal of mastering at least one by the end of the term. Emphasizing maximum playing time, this course minimizes lectures to keep students actively engaged. Transpositions and additional challenges will be available for advanced players seeking to push their skills further. The ultimate goal is to equip each student with the tools and confidence to continue their ukulele journey independently.
Join the ultimate music experience where young rockers can explore their inner superstar! In this class, students will have the opportunity to try out different instruments—guitar, bass, drums, and more—if they haven't chosen their favorite yet. We'll dive into the essentials of rock music, including rhythm techniques, bass grooves, and guitar riffs. Together, we’ll learn rock standards and, depending on the group's skill level, even create and perform an original song. This class focuses on building instrumental skills, teamwork, and the joy of making music as a band. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this is your chance to rock out!
This class is designed to give students a strong foundation in bass playing by focusing on technique, musicality, and the skills needed to grow as a musician. Students will explore how to create music with confidence, using an understanding of theory, fretboard navigation, and rhythm to bring songs to life. Emphasis will be placed on developing a solid sense of groove and timing while shaping the instrument's tone to suit different styles. The course encourages a hands-on approach to learning, ensuring players feel ready to take their bass playing to the next level.

Evie Ladin

Wherever you’re at with your basic acoustic guitar playing, how do you want to improve? Maybe you need help with the right hand, keeping steady time, finding the right strum pattern, singing while playing steadily, or with interesting accents. Maybe the left hand is slow in changing chords, wants new runs or voices, or maybe you want to know more about how the fretboard works. Based in Folk, Americana repertoire, Evie is good at getting your playing to the next level.
No experience needed, just the desire to sing in community. Evie is adept at getting any group singing in three part harmony, in this beautiful style. Learn simple techniques for hearing and holding harmonies, improving your tone, and ability to blend with others, while exploring repertoire and traits of Southern Appalachian traditions.
A vibrant American percussive dance form, tap dance gives us the opportunity to create our own music with our feet, as well as add percussion to the music we hear. Rhythm tap is the style popularized by African-American dancers in the Jazz age, and we will dance to blues and swing with this low-to-the-ground style. Starting from scratch, we will loosen-up our instruments and learn the Shim Sham, a popular vaudeville dance known to tappers everywhere. Students can learn just the basics, or add detail, depending on skill level, but all can dance together. I will provide a bag of tap shoes of assorted sizes, but if all you’ve got is your tennis shoes, you can still learn basic skills – you just won’t hear yourself!

Elle Walters

From exploring the depths of the ocean as a marine biologist to redefining fashion sustainability, Elle’s journey is a fusion of passion, purpose, and innovation. As the creative force behind the sustainable fashion brand ELLERALI, Elle envisions a world where fashion and environmental responsibility intertwine seamlessly. Driven by a deep-rooted connection with the ocean and a profound understanding of our environmental impact, Elle transitioned from marine biology to fashion with a mission—to recreate the created. ELLERALI thrives on upcycling fabrics, reducing textile waste, and reshaping the fashion industry's narrative. Elle's achievements extend beyond the design studio, having clinched victory as the Simple Challenge Winner on Upcycle Nation, a transformative competition show featured on Fuse TV. With each stitch and creation, Elle challenges the status quo, proving that fashion can be both comfortable and environmentally responsible. Through ELLERALI, Elle is crafting a movement—a movement where fashion gets altered, refashioned, and reimagined into a statement of eco-conscious uniqueness and style.
Unleash your creativity and transform everyday "junk" into unique, functional, and stylish pieces! In this hands-on upcycling class, you'll learn how to repurpose discarded materials into eye-catching home decor, fashion accessories, and practical items.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, an eco-conscious creator, or just looking for a fun way to express yourself, this class is for you! AGES 6 AND UP.
Express yourself with style by creating your own custom patches! In this hands-on class, you'll learn the art of designing and making unique patches using creative techniques. Whether you want to personalize your clothing, upcycle old fabrics, or add flair to your bags and jackets, this class will give you the skills to make it happen.

No prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity and a passion for DIY! Join us for a fun and inspiring session where you’ll craft your way to one-of-a-kind patches that showcase your personality. AGES 6 AND UP.

Amy Brown

AMY BROWN (she/her) is an artist and soft goods designer based in San Jose, CA (but if you notice an accent, that's Mississippi!) She has over a decade of experience bringing people of all ages into the joy of sewing. She loves to fix things, in case you get a tear in your favorite hoodie. Amy is the owner and lead designer of Jumbo Jibbles, a company focused on creating giant soft things that make people smile. Her work has been seen on Nickelodeon, The Tonight Show and Germany's Next TopModel and in the coolest shops in the Bay Area.
Learn a poky-poky technique to create a very spiky plant. Needle felting uses a special barbed needle to poke poke poke and compact loose wool into defined shapes. We will take a cloud of green wool and make it into a cactus that will live forever. You choose- make it simple and cartoony or detailed and scientific. No experience necessary-- needle felting is a relaxing and rewarding craft. The transformation of formless fluff to a solid object will amaze you. AGES 8 AND UP.
Sew a silky and fluffy moth using a combination of sewing, embroidery and needle felting to craft beautiful realistic (or fanciful) insects. Beginner hand sewing expertise is necessary. Each day we will try a different method to create our specimen-- patchwork, sewing, embroidery, needle felting and beading. You may study books or bring your own (non-living) specimens for inspiration, but realism is not necessary. Please bring a small container, such as a cookie tin or cigar box, to keep your moth in between classes so it doesn’t fly away! AGES 10 AND UP.
Trash Sculpture - This low-sew class uses wire armatures and fabric scraps to create a 3D sculpture. Each student will create 1-2 pieces of their choice, using the myriad scraps, threads, beads and bobs from a working artist’s studio. I will teach you how to take glorious fabric confetti (scraps) to cover and stitch your sculpture. Skills
covered: sewing, mending, patchwork, embroidery, wrapping, beading! While no sewing experience is necessary, it does require a bit of dexterity to create. AGES 13 AND UP.

Maya Jupiter

Maya Jupiter grew up in Sydney, Australia and fell in love with Hip Hop at the age of 14 when she began writing rhymes. She was signed to an all female Hip Hop label called Mother Tongues by the age of 20 and released her first album in 2003. Her first single “Never Say Never” received national radio airplay and was featured on numerous television programs. In 2007 she joined with fellow MC Trey and DJ Nick Toth and released their album “Foreign Heights.” Their single “Get Yours” was nominated for an ARIA award. Maya was also a member of a 12 piece latin/jazz/hiphop band called Son Veneno who played across Australia.

Maya follows the Hip Hop ethos “each one teach one” and has facilitated song writing workshops with youth and adults for the last twenty years through community centers, schools, universities and non-profit organizations, at times culminating in the production and performance of music. Currently she mentors young artists through the Music Forward organization.

Her passion for hip hop lead her to be the producer and host of Australia’s premier Hip Hop show on triple j radio and a music presenter on Channel [V] hosting numerous music shows including Soul Kitchen and Freestyle Countdown, interviewing the biggest music stars in the world from 2002-2009 including Alicia Keys, 50 Cent and Kanye West.

Maya is excited to share her deep-rooted connection with hip hop culture and passion for empowering people to share their authentic voices at CAZ Family Camp.
(Will. be taught 2 times a day) Represent! is a Hip Hop lyric writing workshop, you will be taken through exercises that will bring out your authentic voice and ideas. We will work on flow, delivery and style alongside DJ Jedi who will help you choose a beat to perform to at the end of the week. No experience necessary.
It's highly encouraged (although not necessary) to sign up for Represent 2! to have more time with your verse or song, to go a bit deeper into the songwriting and performance aspects. ALL AGES

Melanie Green

Melanie, a longtime queer yoga/meditation/wellness guide, creates a space in her classes that welcomes students of all levels. While encouraging students to drop into the present moment with breath and sensations, she also teaches her students to deepen their practice as they understand their bodies. Yoga, at its roots, is a means for liberation. Melanie values the spiritual aspects of yoga integrated with the asanas as a way to become better humans and to create a more just world. She is dedicated to social equity in her teaching and life. Melanie has been practicing and teaching for over 25 years. Her yoga background includes Ashtanga, Iyengar, Pre/Postnatal and Vipassna Meditation.

For nearly two decades Melanie has volunteered her time teaching yoga to children, teens, and young adults. The spiritual path of yoga informs her guidance in wellness, nutrition, spiritual embodiment, meditation, private instruction, and workshops.
Come join a class before your day begins at Caz. We will spend most of the class time in seated poses and stretches for the hips, shoulders, hamstrings, neck, back, and chest. AGES: 7 AND UP (under 10 with a care-giver)
Join for meditation (at the family grove deck) for the first 20 minutes of mindfulness time each day. This meditation time will help you transition into a rejuvenating mindfulness time with a guided meditation followed by silence. Each day we will focus on a different anchor for our meditation.

DJ Jedi

Jedi is an Emmy Award-winning Los Angeles-based DJ, admired for his eclectic style of mixing, song-selection, and sublime turntablism. He's toured the world as the resident maestro for a Tony Award-winning Broadway production, with Grammy Award-winning hip hop pioneers Digable Planets, and even a 50 piece hip hop orchestra. He is a co-founder and current resident at the Los Angeles installment of Motown On Mondays, in addition to producing several longtime weekly dance parties in prestigious venues all over the city. Since 2014, Jedi has been instrumental in developing and launching the DJ/Production program at Musicians' Institute in Hollywood, CA. He also contributes regularly to Downbeat 720, a Santa Monica-based performance workshop for high school students that is now in its 20th year.
Come try your hand at an art at the root of Hip Hop and American music for the past 50+ years. Bring your deep knowledge of genres or begin a new chapter in your musical career. Build your skills in making a playlist, scratching, and establishing a smooth set that all crowds will enjoy. The art of DJing has shifted from analog to Digital making the artform accessible to anyone and everyone who wants to learn it. We will cover the basics from cueing and fading, beatmatching and blending, using basic effects and some basic scratching techniques. No experience necessary. AGES 12 AND UP.

Ruth Halpern

Ruth Halpern has been making up stories and keeping a journal since she was a kid. Now she performs and teaches storytelling all over the world, telling a mix of personal stories, myths and folktales, and improvised stories made up on the spot. (You may have heard her tell stories at Caz Open Mic in years past.) In her own journaling, "anything goes"--words, pictures, scribbles, whatever captures the feeling of the moment.
Join fellow Caz storytellers of all ages to learn to craft your personal stories into funny, compelling narratives. We'll listen our stories out of each other, refine by retelling, and end by sharing our polished stories just with each other, not on the main stage. Lots of improv games, lots of experimentation. ALL AGES.
Keeping a journal is a great way to savor passing moments, reduce stress, and create a dialog with yourself. And it can be quick and easy! Bring a notebook and something to write with, and each day we'll explore different types of journaling, with prompts. After each experiment, you'll be invited to share your experience of journaling, discoveries along the way, and general inspirations. You will not be asked to share what you have written. No judgments about spelling/grammar/literary merit. Your journal is just for you and yourself! Come and explore! ALL AGES.

Sharon Diskin

Sharon is a member of the acclaimed mime theatre duo, The Chameleons. The Chameleons have performed together since 1985 delighting a wide range of concert audiences (over one million children and adults) throughout the world including at venues ranging from New York City’s La Mama to L.A.’s Disney Concert Hall, from L.A.’s House of Blues to the iconic Troubador, from the world-renowned Edinburgh Arts Festival in Scotland to world cruises that have brought them to such far reaching places as Romania, Istanbul, Ukraine and China. Gifted teachers as well as performers, Keith and Sharon have been two of the most popular and in demand arts educators throughout Southern California. They were honored with the PASA award for their excellence as professional artists in the schools, which was presented by the County of Los Angeles, California Arts Council, and the California Department of Education. They are both Master Teaching Artists with The Music Center of L.A. County, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and video artists with The Kennedy Center. Keith and Sharon have two grown children and reside in Los Angeles, California.
The Chameleons’ Story Mime is a way to use creative movement to bring young imaginations to life. Students will learn the magical illusions of handling invisible objects (pantomime), characterization, and physical comedy to engage in a super fun form of theatrical storytelling that goes beyond the spoken word. Children are encouraged to perform what they’ve learned for their families, so don’t be surprised if you see a small person pulling an invisible rope, struggling to put on invisible tight pants, or taking an imaginary trip to the beach! AGES 6 AND UP

Jessica Jones

We'll swing through eras from the 1940's through the 2020s, playing and improvising on music by the likes of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Sun Ra, Carla Bley, Joshua Redman and maybe you. Collaborations with other Caz teaching artists will fully bring the now. We'll be learning by ear and doing some improvisation, but even if that's not your strength, you'll find your way in this friendly, fun musical romp! AGES 13 AND UP.
With special guest instructor Bryan Dyer.

Ethan Grossman

A documentary filmmaker and producer currently residing in Queens, NY, Ethan is a lifelong member of the Caz community. Dating back to 2005, Ethan considers 5385 Cazadero Hwy a true second home, the only place where he is able to combine his love for many artistic disciplines for 1-2 weeks every year. He can't wait to join Caz Staff once again as the host of both Open Mic and the second annual rendition of Next In Show!
Next In Show is BACK! After an exciting inaugural performance last year, we’re putting even more into the show for 2025 by introducing this companion class. Next In Show is a special showcase for our campers ages 16 to 26 that will take place on Thursday night. This is an opportunity to feature and support the up-and-coming generation of Caz talent in a more formally produced environment than other performance spaces like Open Mic or the Untalented Show. We welcome all types of artists to the stage whether they are comedians, dancers or musicians; you name it, we can probably perform it.

Mandatory to enroll if you plan on participating in the show, this class will offer performers a dedicated time to develop, collaborate and rehearse their acts. Additionally, we’ll engage in discussions and mentorship around how to successfully create a well-rounded, engaging performance for an audience. There will be a cap of 10 acts total. While you don’t need to come into our first class with a fully ironed-out plan, it will be helpful to pre-conceptualize and know who you want to collaborate with in advance to make sure everyone you plan to work with is enrolled.
Collaboration is a necessary element of each act, so if you don’t have any collaborators in mind before our week together, that’s okay too! I will work with each act to find suitable creative partners. AGES 16 - 26.

Gill Sotu

Gill Sotu is a Navy veteran, poet, playwright, DJ, and performing artist. He is a 2x Grand Slam Poetry Champion, 2x Raw Performing Artist of the Year, and 5x TEDx San Diego presenter. Currently, he is a teaching artist and a commissioned playwright with The Old Globe Theatre & La Jolla Playhouse, and the official Poet in Residence for the San Diego Writer's Festival. He has over 10yrs of experience teaching written and performing arts within the penal system, working directly with incarcerated persons & in recovery settings, as well as with veterans and students from junior high to college.
If you’ve ever been to theater festivals and love the thrill of 24 hour play projects where actors and playwrights team up to create unforgettable work that graces the stage in record breaking time— take this journey in Caz’s first ever Mini Plays project where during the course of 10 hours you can unleash your creativity and dive into the magical world of theater with the 10 Hour Plays Project! Over the course of five exhilarating 2-hour classes, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey where you'll either pen your own original script or step into the spotlight as an actor in just 10 hours!
Playwriting: In this interactive class, you will learn the fundamentals of playwrighting and storytelling, team up with other writers, and gain tools to keep you motivated while writing stories that connect with audiences. We will be working on the skill of writing plays that are 10 minutes or less. The culmination of the class will be a team-up with the acting class, where they will perform a reading of your play at the end of camp. AGES 14 AND UP.
This class will run in conjunction with Shannon Matesky’s acting class.

Keith Terry

Inspired by that generation of great US jazz tap dancers he was accompanying in the 1970’s, drummer Keith Terry stood up from behind his drums and dove head-on into Body Music (a term he coined) in 1978. He regularly travels the world, performing and teaching in a wide range of settings from villages in Bali to New York City's Lincoln Center. Keith is a Guggenheim Fellow and the founding artistic director of both the Oakland, California-based arts organization, Crosspulse, since 1979; and the International Body Music Festival (IBMF) - launched by Crosspulse in 2008 to explore the language of Body Music from culture to culture. The IBMF’s full festivals and MiniFests have been produced in the US, Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, Ibiza, France, Canada, Italy, Greece and Ghana. Keith taught at UCLA's Department of World Arts & Cultures for 5 years, and has produced more than a dozen recordings, dvds, and books for Crosspulse Media. More info about Keith and his work can be found at www.crosspulse.com
Body Tjak (pronounced "chock") is a hybrid form, mixing contemporary Body Music (clap, snap,step, vocalize) with Balinese Kecak (rhythmic vocal chanting), created by I Wayan Dibia andKeith Terry, since 1980. The two have co-created and toured several large-scale pieces, ranging from 12 to 600 performers, in Bali, Java, and in the US. Body Tjak's dynamic, fun and funky interlockingrhythms and moves create an exhilarating experience for participants. All levels welcome. No experience necessary.
Entertaining and informative, we will identify cultural and historical connections while exploring a variety of rhythmic systems and concepts from around the world, including polyrhythms, crosspulses, polymeters, phasing, half time/double time, and more. The formatis an Interactive Lecture-Demonstration. Guaranteed to open ears and expand rhythmic horizons.
Join us as we mix traditional and contemporary rhythms played on found sound and percussion instruments. We'll deepen our listening skills as a percussive ensemble, as we explore polyrhythms, improvisation, time and timing, musical colors and textures, sequences, patterns, dynamics, call and response, plus more... A fun, relaxed percussive party focusing on groove.
There will be some instruments and found sound provided, but we invite you to bring any percussion instrument or sound makers you enjoy playing.
With special guest instructor Bryan Dyer.

Daria Johnson

Daria 'Shani' Johnson is one of the Bay Area’s most exciting musicians, captivating audiences with her commanding drumming, radiant smile, and electrifying energy. A versatile artist, Shani seamlessly blends jazz, rock, blues, funk, and orchestral styles, collaborating with renowned talents like Pamela Rose, Terrence Brewer, Esperanza Spalding, Kofy Brown, and members of Jazz Mafia. Her ability to infuse heart and groove into every performance has made her a sought-after drummer and vocalist in San Francisco and beyond.

A Berklee College of Music graduate, Shani honed her craft under masterful mentors and has performed worldwide, sharing stages with icons such as John Legend, Erykah Badu, Joan Osborne, and Ozomatli. From co-founding the acclaimed band London Street to shining as the star of Blues Is a Woman and igniting the stage as the powerhouse singer and percussionist of Jay and The Mayhem and leading the Daria Johnson 4, Shani’s musical journey reflects her passion for innovation and storytelling through rhythm.

Praised by critics as “a real talent” and a “ferocious badass,” Shani brings joy and precision to every stage she graces. Whether driving the pulse of a band or exploring new creative frontiers, she continues to inspire and energize audiences with her artistry and dedication to her craft.
This dynamic class invites musicians to dive deep into the world of soul, funk, and R&B, exploring music that defined eras and continues to move people today. Whether you're a budding instrumentalist or vocalist, you'll strengthen your skills, learn to play as a group, and bring iconic songs to life with passion and authenticity.
The repertoire will delve into classics from legendary artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, James Brown, Prince, and others. Participants will develop techniques in rhythm, groove, stage presence, and ensemble dynamics while discovering their unique voice and style within the music.
Bring your instrument and a willingness to groove.so we can create magic together.

Prerequisites: Must have an intermediate level (3+ years) of ability on your chosen instrument, ability to read a lead sheet/chord chart, and learn by ear is strongly encouraged. Must be familiar with a 12 bar blues form and able to and/or willing to solo. Singers: ability to and/or willingness to harmonize is encouraged. Should be familiar with 12 bar blues form. Good memory is a plus!
No prior experience reading music is completely necessary, but a love of soulful beats and a willingness to collaborate is a must!
Get ready to funk it up this summer—let’s make it unforgettable!
Horn and string players are strongly encouraged to join the fun! (I mean, c'mon. Ya can't do Earth, Wind and Fire with no horns. Duh!)
Join us as we mix traditional and contemporary rhythms played on found sound and percussion instruments. We'll deepen our listening skills as a percussive ensemble, as we explore polyrhythms, improvisation, time and timing, musical colors and textures, sequences, patterns, dynamics, call and response, plus more... A fun, relaxed percussive party focusing on groove.
There will be some instruments and found sound provided, but we invite you to bring any percussion instrument or sound makers you enjoy playing. AGES 12 AND UP.

Christopher Fortin

Born in Oakland, California, Christopher Fortin is an artist and teacher working in the SF Bay Area. Chris’ work often explores the relationships between surface, scale and form, often constructing dynamic narratives for his sculptures. Each of his forms exhibit signs of hardship and degradation, creating the appearance of a long, rich history. His love of the outdoors and nature is a constant source of inspiration and most of his work explores the intersection between humans and their impact on the environment. In 2011, Chris received his Bachelors of Arts from Humboldt State University, and his Masters of Fine Arts from State University of New York, New Paltz in 2014. Chris has been teaching both Wheel and Sculpture classes since 2015, and works at his studio in Pinole, CA.
Join this class and get inspired by air-dry clay projects! Air-dry clay is a classic material that does not disappoint. It will be a fun and relaxing opportunity to learn basic hand building techniques for pots and sculptures, press-molds, surface and texturing. You can use these techniques to let your imagination run wild! AGES 6-12
Join Chris as he shares his 20 years of experience working in the ceramic arts. From Press molds, surface texture, building methods, and possibly some wheel throwing; Chris will share a mix of projects and method bases demos. Come see what you can do with air-dry clay. AGES 13 AND UP.

Josh Willis

Josh has been improvising in Los Angeles for over 10 years. He’s a graduate of the Second City Hollywood Conservatory Program, has studied at Groundlings and most recently under Rob Watzke at the Turbine Arts Collective. He has taught at USC Marshall School Of Business, JPL/NASA, and at Turbine Arts Collective. An Actor, Writer, Filmmaker, and occasional Elvis Impersonator, Josh loves to connect with people through laughter, which drew him the Improvisational Theater. By day, he studies global warming for NASA, and he credits improv with fostering his creativity as a scientist as well as a performer.
Scared to try improv? I was. But this class isn’t scary. Improvisational theater was born out of the need to play, to connect with people, and to tap into that creative spirit we all had when we were young. In this class, we will explore theater games that help you connect with each other, and with an audience. But most of all, we’ll have fun. For this class, we welcome adults and kids AGES 12 AND UP.
So… you’re NOT scared of improv. Fantastic! In this class we will still reach back to the roots of improvisational theater in the US by exploring a few theater games theater games. But we will also work on tools to develop scenes, where we connect with our fellow players and the audience as well. You don’t need to have a ton of improv experience to enjoy this class, but if you are comfortable on stage and have a willingness to dive into the work, then you’ll enjoy it all the more. Mostly, we’ll laugh a lot. AGES 15 AND UP.

Ella Weiss

Ella stumbled into technical theater on a dark stormy night many years ago.... In the past 4 years she has worked in a variety of backstage positions on 13 different shows while studying in the SRJC Theater dept and working in the scene shop building a variety of wacky sets. As you are reading this she will have earned an Associates in Theater Arts, a Certificate in Stage Management, Certificate in Stagecraft and will be transferring to finish a bachelor in her actual major.... Psychology. She is so excited to be the stage manager for camp this year as well as teach her first ever course and introduce others to the wonder of technical theater and the world of backstage.
Welcome to the wonderful world of backstage and technical theater! This class will be taught by the camps Stage Manager and will serve as both a introduction to Technical theater as a whole (there is very little I have not done) as well as hands on experience as we pull from this class to crew the variety of lovely entertainment that goes on through the week. If you desire to be onstage during any of the events, fear not! I highly encourage it and we will only pull class members who are available for each event. I am also hoping this class will be a resource to those who have prop or scenic needs and we can operate as low level stagecraft for anyone needing ideas or extra hands to help fully flesh out their theatrical skits. Stage Blacks are required for this class. All that means is you will need black clothing to wear backstage, preferably a long sleeved top/jacket and pants. I recommend whatever light layers you have so we don't have you overheating backstage. AGES: 14 AND UP

Moni Vargas

Moni Vargas is a 3x Emmy-nominated, award-winning filmmaker and certified sound practitioner based in Los Angeles. Passionate about narrative change through storytelling, Moni teaches documentary filmmaking basics while encouraging students to uncover the transformative power of their stories. She emphasizes thoughtful collaboration and the importance of wellness throughout production, ensuring a Care-Centered approach to both the craft and personal well-being.
Learn the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking using the tool you carry every day—your smartphone! This class covers basic camera and equipment operation, audio, and pre-production planning, all guided by Moni’s Care-Centered Filmmaking approach. Together, we’ll document the Caz Family Camp experience and create a collaborative mini-doc to share with the world! Students will use their own smartphone. AGES 12 AND UP.

Daunte Fyall

King Daunte “Nabi” Fyall is a vibrant Cultural Arts Educator, performing artist, and choreographer dedicated to the transformative power of Traditional West African Dance. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Washington, D.C., Daunte has traveled the world, sharing his passion and expertise. As a Senior Company Member of the Kankouran West African Dance Company, he has graced prestigious stages like The Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian Museums, and The White House.

Daunte's collaborations include working with dance pioneer Debbie Allen and contributing to projects with Netflix and Amazon Studios. Currently, he serves as a Professor of West African Dance History at UC San Diego, where he educates and inspires students with his deep knowledge and experience.

As the Founder and President of DAANSEKOU Cultural Arts Collective, Daunte creates empowering spaces for communities to engage with West African culture through classes and workshops. His commitment to nurturing inner-city youth and building community partnerships underscores his belief in the power of love, knowledge, respect, and humility to foster self-awareness and empowerment.
Immerse yourself in the rhythmic heartbeat of West Africa with "Beneath the Baobab: A West African Dance Meditation / Live Drumming! This unique class blends traditional West African dance with meditative practices, offering a holistic experience that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Participants will explore the rich cultural heritage of West Africa through dynamic movement, and guided meditation, fostering a deep sense of connection to self and community. With a focus on mental health support, the class provides a safe space to release stress, enhance emotional well-being, and cultivate mindfulness. Suitable for all levels, "Beneath the Baobab" invites you to find balance, joy, and healing beneath the symbolic Baobab tree. AGES 10 AND UP
Join our Beginner's Stilt Workshop to craft your own wooden stilts, design vibrant costumes, and learn the basics of stilt walking. Guided by expert instructors, you'll gain confidence and balance in a fun, supportive environment. Elevate your skills and creativity with this unique experience! AGES 18 AND UP
Immerse yourself in the rhythmic heartbeat of West Africa with "Beneath the Baobab: A West African Drum Meditation." This unique class blends traditional West African drumming with meditative practices, offering a holistic experience that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Participants will explore the rich cultural heritage of West Africa through dynamic rhythmic drumming, and guided meditation, fostering a deep sense of connection to self and community. With a focus on mental health support, the class provides a safe space to release stress, enhance emotional well-being, and cultivate mindfulness. Suitable for all levels, "Beneath the Baobab" invites you to find balance, joy, and healing beneath the symbolic Baobab tree. AGES 12 AND UP

Hector Ortiz

Hector Ortiz He/Him/El is a detribalized Purepecha descendant, Queer Artivist, and Abolitionist who uses music as a medicinal medium for the spirit.
Hector is a child of immigrants who was born and raised in Tongva Territory, modern day Long Beach. He received his BA in music education from CSUDH and taught in the classroom and privately for over ten years.
As a Long Beach local, he elevates his community by addressing social Justice issues and using his cello as a tool to dismantle systems of oppression.
This class is for intermediate/advanced Musicians that want to explore the rhythm and style of Mariachi.
Melodía Section - Violin, Viola, Flute, Trumpet. Melodic instruments led by Hector Ortiz
Armonía Section - Vihuela, Guitarron, Classical Guitar, Harp. Harmonic instruments led by Rachael Rodriguez.
We will learn classic Mariachi pieces to perform at the end of the week. AGES 12 AND UP.
This class is for intermediate/advanced Musicians that want to explore the rhythm of Cumbia and level up their stage presence. We will learn classic Cumbia pieces and put on a show at the end of the week.
Learn about the history of Cumbia and all the different flavors in this beautiful genre. AGES 12 AND UP.

Rachel Evered

Rachel Evered is a music therapist based in Portland, OR. She has been singing and performing from a young age, and now instructs for PDX Vox, a Portland-based community a cappella group. Rachel graduated from Whitman College with a degree in music and psychology, and got her MA in Music Therapy from the University of Limerick.
She will be co-teaching with her sister Molly and together these long-time Caz camper sisters love exploring vocal harmonies, songwriting, and jam sessions with their friends and family.
This class will explore the powerful medium of a cappella singing, using only our voices to create beautiful harmonies and dive into different music genres. We will explore vocal health, collaboration in performance, tips and tricks for memorization, and more! Over the course of the week, we will learn pre-arranged songs and prepare to share at the final performances. AGES 12 AND UP
Join us for some time to hone in on your skills singing with someone else. We will have time together to work closer with dynamics, style, variation, balance and dive into why we like to sing. Whether you've been crooning with others for years or want to try singing with another person for the first time, we invite you to join us sin forming new connections through music. Singers who’d like to bring instruments is a plus. AGES 12 AND UP