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The Crucible
Categories: Education Specialty Schools Art Schools Local Services Community Service/Non-Profit Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Art Schools, Community Service/Non-Profit, Art Galleries [Edit]
1260 7th St(at Union St)
Oakland, CA 94607
Neighborhood: West Oakland
(510) 444-0919
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 6 pm
Fri 10 am - 2 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
Salonje R. said: "I have not been inside of here but from the outside (water fountains) and what my friend have told me, this place totally rocks!" read more »
82 reviews for The Crucible
82 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole L.
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
"Oh for a Muse of Fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention- a kingdom for a stage, princes to act, and monarchs to behold the swelling scene!"
I couldn't think of any line save the opening one from Shakespeare's Henry V better to describe my experiences at the Crucible. To say that the artwork here is incredible is like saying the Sistene Chapel is pretty. The words fail.
I remember when this collective was off of Ashby, and my first experience there involved viewing things like Dance Dance Immolation and a fire fountain that blew me away...
This year I went to The Machine: A Fire Opera, on the gala night, and was astounded. I took a friend, a fellow Burner (one who attends Burning Man, for those who don't know), and was thoroughly overwhelmed in the best way possible. I think I'll be attending performances here from now on. What an amazing, amazing experience.
The gala night included cocktails, drinks, and an energy of people that buoyed us up and kept us floating all the way through the evening.
The performance itself included lots of fire (naturally), a live bronze casting and costumes that are worthy of the Playa itself.
The Crucible offers classes in welding and glass, and is just a center of awesomeness in general.
Go here. -
Review from Delya S.
2/1/2012
What a total trip! This place is something else. What that is exactly, I don't know! ;o)
I had the tremendous good fortune of attending a dress rehearsal for 'Machine: A Fire Opera' recently through Yelp. I wouldn't dare hold any snafus against those skilled and lovely performers. It was their night to sort details. the only thing that I will say is that the piece was written with a certain amount of unease built in. My companion, who studied music, explained that had to do with something down notes, or low notes? I forget. (Okay, we know who is not a theatre critic here!) Anyway, there are a lot of different things happening at the same time, and some tension from that continues to develop in the performance. It's gorgeous and unsettling: a truly strange combination.
The really special part of a performance here is that the fire is a cast member itself. As you watch, you feel its heat and your eyes are constantly drawn to its light on stage. It's mesmerizing.
On a practical note, the seats are so uncomfortable. this would be a good place to bring a little cushion with you for greater ease. Fortunately, you're attending to see the thrilling red stuff and its luscious human cast mates. What's a firm bench seat to that? ;o) -
Review from Constance D.
San Leandro, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here for the dress rehearsal via Yelp! event; my bf is Elite...lucky me, so we were able to come an hour early for a cocktail/pizza hour. The show, Machine, was amazing!!! A MUST SEE!! The art and technical skills you could learn here are pretty awesome, I can see myself returning to take a class or two.
Also, it's near West Oakland BART station. Short 5-10 minute walk, not in a super great area to be in during the late evening. -
Review from Regina W.
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
What's going on here? Fire? Really?
Like seriously. I had no idea The Crucible existed until I was there for a Yelp event. I was so impressed. They have all sorts of programs and events to inspire creativity. Here is their mission statement: "The Crucible is a non-profit educational facility that fosters a collaboration of Arts, Industry and Community. Through training in the fine and industrial arts, The Crucible promotes creative expression, reuse of materials and innovative design while serving as an accessible arts venue for the general public."
That's really amazing and I'm so pleased to see it in West Oakland. Their schedule has over 30 pages of different classes and workshops. I'm seriously thinking I've got to enroll and get to blacksmithing!
I was there for the premiere of "Machine", subtitled "A Fire Opera". I've been to an opera before and even have a few favorite arias, but huh? It ends up it was definitely creative and different. It was essentially a dress rehearsal and it needs a bit of work, but I was very impressed with the space and the production.
I'll definitely be coming back as a student or to an event. -
Review from Eric B.
12/11/2011
My first experience with The Crucible was a preview event I attended as part of their Fire Arts Festival a few years ago. It was a lot of fun, although as a Health and Safety professional, I cringed at some things that I saw, particularly as it related to fall protection.
I regularly receive email updates from The Crucible and am particularly interested in some Industrial Arts education opportunities for my Son. However, the various schedules have not yet aligned, although there's plenty of options to choose from. Their Corporate Team Building Workshops Program is also an intriguing proposition.
My first visit to Crucible HQ today was part of their annual Holiday Open House. There were a wide variety of artists represented, including welding, forge, glass making, and ceramics demonstrations, as well as samples of The Crucible's good work. My prize purchases were an inexpensive glass wreath that will probably hang from our home window and a two piece heart welded together (I'm big on symbolism). Otherwise, it was fun and educational to walk around this large and impressive facility and ponder all the future possibilities. -
Review from Jen R.
12/6/2011
I don't know how to give The Crucible anything less than five stars because where else can you learn glass blowing, wood working, arc welding and neon making? This is as good as places that do all that get!
I suppose the way they could get lower stars would be if I had wounded myself or one of my classmates over the course of my weekend welding sculpture class but I didn't so there you go. What I DID do was learn how to arc weld (sexy but frustrating), use an oxy-acetelyne torch to cut as well as heat and bend metal (want to feel extra awesome about yourself? make a horseshoe glow red and then bend it like it's taffy), and play in the grinding room (which is as fun as it sounds).
Of course it's expensive - imagine the insurance risks involved with letting any old someone walk through the door and play with any one of those things listed above. My instructor was knowledgeable, patient, attentive, and encouraging. He was a career welder and you could tell he loved having the chance to teach his trade to people who wanted to do something fun with it.
And at the end of the weekend, I had not one but four hand-crafted, one of a kind presents to give to my four closest (as in nearest in proximity - because shipping metal sculptures ain't cheap or easy) friends for Christmas. So not really expensive, if you think of it that way.
And I do. -
Review from Anne K.
12/27/2011
I recently attended a glass fusing class at the Crucible. It was a lot of fun. The instructors were very clear and helpful. At the end, one gave me the suggestion of using green frit instead of clear or black, which turned out wonderfully. I went as part of a corporate group/ holiday party which divided itself into three classes - glass fusing, glass blowing, and blacksmithing. Everyone seemed to enjoy their classes and it was fun to see what everyone made while we socialized in the lobby afterward. Since the glass tiles we made had to be fired, we safely received them a few days afterward. I will definitely keep the Crucible in mind for taking classes in the future and would also recommend it to anyone looking to do an event like ours. It was definitely a holiday party to remember.
Listed in: Five Stars
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Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
6/3/2011
My very awesome sister got me a groupon for a blacksmithing class here.
Our dad is a metallurgical engineer and we grew up in Pittsburgh, home of the STEELers so metal and oxides MUST run in the family right? Apparently this may be a male gene b/c neither Van nor I were very proficient with the hammer or fire. Ahhh hell, when I was little, I was afraid to blow out candles b/c I thought they would explode or pop.
I wonder if Crucible has a business development department ... their typical average class costs are pretty expensive ... which makes it a huge commitment for people. Even the groupon deal making this a $200 class (half off) was definitely a splurge. Unfortunately, the class was more "self promotion of the Crucible and other ways you can spend your money here ... er I mean How to safely use our equipment" than Intro to Blacksmithing and tools.
Our instructor (Chris) was a nice guy and he knew his stuff. But this felt less Intro (undergrad) work and more 3rd year graduate school work. The Crucible has a lot to offer ... I think it's trying to strike a balance between open workshop for craftsman (which is so awesome that such a place exists) vs trade school to teach, develop and foster the learning of some of these arts. For the teaching part, it already assumes you have accepted your trade and are ready to enter into your apprenticeship rather than still trying to find your craft. -
Review from Van W.
Oakland, CA
6/3/2011
The Crucible is the place you go to or the place you send people to when they want to do something weird - blacksmithing, glass blowing, fire dancing (anything burning man). They also put on impressive performances that should be checked out.
I came here from a groupon coupon for intro to blacksmithing tools. I'd give that specific class (5 hour workshop) probably a 2 - 3 star review. The instructor is awesome and the space is fantastic, but the course itself was lacking. The first hour was safety and getting a tour of the place. The next two hours were turning on equipment ourselves safely (although I still don't know what the torch was for)
when it came to the actual dangerous stuff and the part that required more technique, (what you might imagine for a class) there was no more guidance. Maybe I'm just more project oriented than a free for all type person. Unfortunately, the class was not worth the heavily discounted amount we paid ($210)
Anyways, I'd go back to the crucible for a proper class (the weekly classes) and not an intro class. The instructor (Chris) is really friendly and skilled. I just don't think the course was right for me. -
Review from MacKenzie S.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2011
EXPENSIVE EXPENSIVE EXPENSIVE!
DID I MENTION E_X_P_E_S_I_V_E_!
Theres lots of cool stuff to learn here but the classes are EXPENSIVE!
I did volunteer stuff here but didnt get the discounts I wanted for the classes I wanted because the fee for this place EXPENSIVE! It was for the Basic Flame effects class and the Electronic Controlled Flame Effects class......which I might say is very EXPENSIVE!
And even when u get a discout, the remainder fee is still soooo EXPENSIVE!!!
As for welding...you can go to community college for that at a FREE cost if you qualify.
Id like to learn kinetics and plasma sculpting here but its kind of EXPENSIVE.
It is very very very E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
But I like the skills and knowledge you can get here.
Did I mention that it is very very very EXPENSIVE? -
Review from Tim G.
Danville, CA
3/21/2011
I'd always wanted to get some experience and training on welding as I like to tinker with motorcycles and would like to begin to do some metal fabrication.
I signed up for the weekend intensive MIG class at the Crucible as it looked like it would give me a good balance of instruction and lab activities without doing a full bore welding program at a local community college.
The class more than met my expectations. The instructor was very knowledgeable, the equipment was in good working order, and we had lots of time to do our lab project.
If you're looking for a quick intro to welding, I'd highly recommend the Crucible. As others have mentioned, this is a really cool place with lots of different activities and studios that I'll be coming back to explore. -
Review from Michelle S.
Brookline, MA
Updated - 6/28/2010
Look everyone, I've given The Crucible 25 stars! The Crucible is now my highest-rated business on Yelp. Rightfully so too.
Yelpers and pyros, it is with bittersweet feelings, choked tears, and taught heart strings that I write this review. I love The Crucible more than I love unicorns and taco trucks; it is a one-of-a-kind place that provides one-of-a-kind experiences. People outside the Bay Area are always awestruck with my stories of Crucible events. This place is amazing.
Upon my decision to leave the Bay Area, I started looking forward to my last Fire Arts Festival with The Crucible before I move. Unfortunately, there will be no festival this year. Judging from their calendar, it looks like they're saving their fuel (literally) for a kick-ass 2011 season though! Of course, I will be a broke-ass grad student on the East Coast during these events. That said, I turn to you, Michelle S. fans, to make this suck less for me. I am looking to you to save all your Elevate or True Blue points to fly be back to the Bay Area for their ballets and festivals next year!
But don't be super sad! You know The Crucible always has something crazy up their sterno-protected sleeves! They are doing their first fire caberet this summer! I will still be in town for it too! I'm so excited! http://thecrucible.org... I will still have my chance to say goodbye to The Crucible; I will find nothing nearly as awesome where I am going. The Crucible will always be a special place to me that will be held sacred in my heart...more sacred than the abandoned North Livermore field where I lost my virginity...THAT'S LOVE!
I'm not kidding about the saving your miles for me, btw. I love this place so much that I would find a way to actually get married here...and it would be double love...and the non-existent Mr. Michelle S. would be very insecure because, knowing me, I would love The Crucible than I would love him.Listed in: 510 Represent, Allow me to entertain you....
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/18/2009
Disneyland is lying. The Crucible is the happiest place on Earth.
I just got back from the Fire Arts… Read more »
Comment from Jennifer H. of The Crucible 8/31/2009
Michelle S. Your comments rock! They crack us up and we… More » -
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Review from Dan W.
Emeryville, CA
7/18/2010
Lots of interesting classes BUT TOO EXPENSIVE
Laney College is much cheaper and you get more classroom hours -
Review from Drew D.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2010
I've taken more than thirty classes at The Crucible including classes in the Blacksmithing, Welding (arc, MIG, TIG, torch), Electronics, Kinetics, Fire Arts and Jewelry departments.
The classes are pricey, but you can reduce the cost by getting discounts for volunteer work.
The entry level classes that are taught every semester are well organized and well taught. Anything beyond entry level is frequently canceled for lack of enrollment, disorganized, sometimes without needed materials or tools or even a lesson plan or instructor.
Please take into consideration that The Crucible is run by artists and not academics. There is hippie-skippy roll with the punches vibe rather than a well planned/well organized mantra. Sometimes it takes a great deal of patience and deep breaths for me to let go of expectations and roll with the class. -
Review from Alan S.
Sacramento, CA
7/18/2010
This is a great location and they do important work...getting people to learn about art and metal-smithing in a hands on fashion. I haven't taken their classes and probably won't to be honest but I really have to respect what they do here.
My main experience with this place was going to the Fire Cabaret Heat. It was a great show, four main stage acts interspersed with about a dozen "side-show" acts scattered throughout the space. They were all great; pole dancing, burlesque, glass blowing, fire poi, aerial acts with the trapeze, etc.
I had a great time (as did my girlfriend) during the intermission acts. But I was very perturbed at what amounted to either very poor planning or indifference on the part of the Crucible staff to their clientele's ability to see during the main acts. It was standing room only, and unless you were in the first few rows of standees it was near impossible to see much of anything that was going on during the floor level main stage acts.
Tickets were pricey; I feel that they put on a very good show but the Crucible did not deliever on the full promise of the evening and did a disservice to both the patrons and the performers by making it hard for all but a few to see the amazing acts that were occuring on the main stage. -
Review from Jessica t.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2008
One of my mom's favorite picture's of me and my sister - is both of us finger painting in the backyard.
I must have been about 3, and my sister 5. We're both wearing yellow rain smocks and yellow rain boots. My sister has a shower cap over her hair to keep her shaggy locks from getting into her eyes. My mom has placed a paint covered pair of My Little Pony kids underwear over my head, tufts of red hair sprouting out of each leg hole. My ears closed in by the underwear elastic (I still managed to get dried up pieces of multi-color paint in my hair.)
I've always loved art. Sometimes to a detriment - like the time, I took it too far in first grade and to the walls (I was grounded for a week)
So when we went to the Crucible for our Yelp off site, I couldn't have been more excited.
I was in the woodcarving class. We each were given a small square of mahogany wood and were trained on how to use both high-powered wood tools and hand tools such as chisels, to carve out, build upon, and create a simple wooden square of art.
At first I was apprehensive and nervous about using such sharp tools, with such brief instructions, but once I started, I felt more than comfortable asking our Crucible instructors for help.
Both of the staff, were patient, helpful, and eager to assist.
The Crucible is like another world. Inside the large Oakland space, exists a world of fire, glass, wood, metal, and creativity.
Everyone on the Yelp off site really enjoyed their classes. The Crucible staff were both relaxed and professional. They encouraged us to walk around and check out what everybody else was doing, throughout the our time there.
It was so refreshing to bond over art. To reach back into our minds for our hidden art talents, or lack of - and just let go.
If you're ever looking for a fun trip for a company outing or for just a group of friends - I couldn't' recommend Crucible more. Even if you're just interested in taking a class or two for yourself.
Check out their website and impressive list of art classes!Listed in: Places and Businesses that I…
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Review from Nicole G.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/14/2009
I was almost tempted into the depths of hell during tonight's Crucible's production of Dracul. I had to restrain myself from running up to the stage and laying my neck bare to offer my blood for the cause and become a vampiress!
I had heard the Crucible's annual fire ballet was incredible, but nothing prepared me for the sensual freakishness of the actors, the luscious limber bodies of the contortionists, the death defying aerial acrobatics and the fierceness of the pyrotechnics.
And when Dracul and his zombies busted out with their rendition of Thriller? Oh, baby. I can still feel the heat.Listed in: Down with Oaktown
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/17/2008
Since hearing about its pyrotechnic ballet antics, I've meant to visit The Crucible. But you know… Read more »
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Review from Michelle B.
Seattle, WA
2/10/2008
The best spot for a company off site - EVAR!
Watching my coworkers learn to blow glass, weld, cut with torches, and various other amazing skills was absolutely surreal. Especially since one of the classes was fire eating! Yes, fire eating!
I opted for the resin casting class. I have been obsessed with learning to cast resin ever since I discovered these amazing pieces of jewelry/art: http://www.fernworks.org/
The facilities are a huge warehouse so temperature can be a bit of a problem, but other than that they seem to have every single thing a shop dork could dream of...I mean, they even let me use a belt sander!!! -
Review from Jeremy S.
Updated - 6/18/2008 2 photos
We were looking for a unique company outing for our entire Yelp staff (then probably 100ish people) and I remembered seeing The Crucible at the Fire Arts Festival and wondered if they do corporate events. All it took was a quick phone call to find out in fact, yes they do!
The event was a hit with the team and remains my personal favorite in Yelp's 4 year history. Everyone got to participate in a hands on class of their own choosing, ranging from flame swallowing to stick welding. Each person also walked away with some sort of creation or new super cool skill.
Their teachers were fun and interesting folks and were very safety conscious too. I'd say this is about the coolest and least corporate event you could do for a fairly large group.Listed in: Company Offsites / Team…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/23/2005
I haven't taken any classes here, but learning something at The Crucible is on my list of things to… Read more »
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Review from Rosa L.
San Jose, CA
1/17/2009
Dracul: Prince of Fire
Fire!
In Mediterranean cultures, fire possesses a protective nature to ward men from evil spirits. To this day it still is the mainstay of legends, traditions and midsummer celebrations.
Well, Dracul overturns this concept: here vampires, zombies and other evil forces are the ones in absolute control of fire which constitutes all together their shield and their weapon; their shelter and their ruin. Fire becomes the core of a battle between sinister beings in an eternal cycle of killing to exist and existing to kill, surrendering to their curse: they'll never die; yet they'll never quite live anymore.
We were honor guests to a party at the very Vulcan's smithy. The muses, Saint George and the dragon, Dracula, vampires, Marilyn, and the Thriller zombies among other somewhat dark celebrities were there as well. The fire, the light, the darkness, the music, the choreography, the acrobatics... oh, the fire! created the perfect sensual and gloomy atmosphere.
The performers present an outstanding show where they defeat the most basic laws of gravity, human flexibility, physical endurance, and ignition (kudos to the flame-proof costumes!). From the very first moment the audience was completely into it. We heard us laugh, sigh in aw, and clap in unison. Silence was so overwhelming that we could even perceive that single, full of relieving satisfaction, "yeah!" when our favorite and deadly attractive vampire finally conquered the gorgeous woman who was playing hard-to-bite...
It's incredible how the studio next to the stage and the audience is an exhibit of traditional fire-related art!
Dracul is a must see production! The performance, the visual and mechanical effects are magnificent. Captivating, amazing, the best show I've seen lately. -
Review from Andrea R.
2/11/2008
When I first found out that our company outing was going to be here (how cool is that?) I immediately went to sign up for fire eating. Then my fiance reminded me that I've been having some random esophagus issues lately and maybe eating fire wasn't the best idea. Blah.
And so I switched to jewelry making. I had images of beading myself a necklace so when they handed me a copper square that I was supposed to saw, drill, and hammer I was a little disappointed, but hey...always up for something new!
Let's just say I'm not the most artistic person you've ever met...and by that I mean I have absolutely no artistic ability. Yelp, nada. I can't even cut in a straight line. There were about 10 other coworkers in my jewelry making class and I was by far the trouble maker....the very sweet instructors kept running over to show me what I was doing wrong. My copper square turned out pretty sad- in fact I had to change my valentines day heart to a broken heart after having a little bit of difficulty.
Fun times though and 4 stars just cause they let me play with saws/drills and I still left with all 10 fingers!Listed in: Planning a Trip to SF!
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Review from Sam P.
New York, NY
2/11/2008
Kick. Ass.
Yeah, I'm sure you could find classes in Jewelry Making, welding, resin casting, glass blowing or even fire eating in any city in America, but could you find them all in the same place? And with an awesome staff? And a cool industrial (duh), garage cum warehouse feel? Probably not.
And would your company take you there on an outing and let you try out tons of different classes? Probably not. Unless you work for Yelp! Woohoo!!
I signed up for Jewlery because it was the only thing left (gotta get more on the ball with those things...), and it turns out it was stuff I had done before - mostly with copper. But still, it reminds you that working with your hands is noble and wonderful, and you can make cool stuff! Big yay for The Crucible!Listed in: Sam does SF
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Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2008
This place will up your appreciation for just about anything material in life. Through their classes you'll learn the basics of welding, glass blowing and torching, copper cutting, fire eating, blacksmithing and loads of other crazy awesome things to use for Burning Man (and if not, will just make you a better human being). You'll look at objects with such wonder because you'll have experienced the precision and effort it took to make them and man is that a cool feeling!
Situated in a huge warehouse in Oakland, The Crucible may be a bit intimidating upon entry (and chilly so bring a sweatshirt), but the staff is welcoming and helpful even when dealing with the lot of us that trekked over for a company outing (great place for big groups btw). Clear instruction, organized facilities, good stuff.
Anyway, I put on my goggles for hammering metal. The goal was to shape a rod of metal into a coat hook (complete with nail hole) as told to us by Instructor Ben (who was extremely rad and patient) and his trusty sidekick, Jared (who blatantly rolled his eyes at me many times). Turns out, I'm not so bad with tools, an anvil and iron at a thousand degrees.
I want to try EVERYTHING!Listed in: Architecture/Design Pr0n, East Bay's Unconventional…
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Review from elle b.
Oakland, CA
11/1/2007
Pretty much porno for pyros, this is the non plus ultra for industrial arts education in the Bay Area. This place has it all, including MIG, TIG, arc, and oxyacetylene welding; wood; neon; cast metals; moldmaking; glass; and stonecarving.
It's newbie-friendly, girl-friendly, dork-friendly -- score for me, three times over! -- with a learn-by-doing philosophy that tears into high gear with an all-hands-on-deck kickstart at the first class. The facility occupies a huge warehouse space in West Oakland, and the place is always abuzz and ablaze with the sounds and smells and "hot damns!" of saws ripping, fires roaring, and sparks flying.
If you're interested in exploring your sweaty, splintery, saw-wielding side, stop by for a look-see: Free tours of the facility are offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 6. -
Review from Aaron V.
2/23/2008 ROTD 4/24/2008
I recently had a chance to take a one-day class here in torch cutting and my instructor was none other than the "Mistress of Metal" Scottie Chapman. So...it was pretty cool right from the get go.
The torch itself was both fun and scary. The first part of the rundown on torches was that the acetylene tank could blow up half the building if you knock it over. So, I tried not to do that. The cutting itself was a lot of fun. Basically, you melt the metal first and then blast it away with a burst of oxygen. You're pretty much kicking ass at that point and it feels like it.
I made a Yelp burst as my tile design. Not the most creative idea but the fact that the end result looked like anything at all is a big accomplishment for me. Big up to the Crucible for a fun time. -
Review from lenea m.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2008
During the Hot Couture Fashion show was my first time hanging out at
the Crucible. This space is pretty big. I have not taken any classes here but its so great that there is so many volunteer willing to give their time to keep this place open. Great for the community. -
Review from Bryan B.
2/8/2008 2 photos
I took a fire eating class here yesterday and it was a blast, I'd highly recommend it as a group activity since it's a very social class (more than some of the other classes I saw people taking here).
At the end of the class we were all able to "eat fire" and run the flame across our arms and hands....definitely the coolest thing I've learned at a company event. I'm seriously thinking about signing up for more classes.
Disclaimer: I came here as part of a company event and therefore didn't have to foot the bill. -
Review from Aunny D.
Los Angeles, CA
2/21/2008
I've never felt like such a badass in all of my life!
So, Aunny D went to the crucible. I can honestly say that if it were not for a company outing to this joint I would have NEVER seen myself somewhere like this in all my life. But guess what? It was SO MUCH FUN! The crucible is a workshop of sorts that teaches people how to do a number of activities, including welding, ceramics, jewelry-making, glass blowing and da da da dum....fire eating/blowing! So we were allowed to sign up for one of those activities and you would think I would go straight for the fire blowing, for obvious reasons. The first being you are automatically THE hit at parties. Because I already hold that title (kidding....not really kidding) I opted for the plasma welding. I mean how badass does that sound? PLASMA WELDING! I mean c'mon!
So I signed up for this particular activity, and it was no surprise that the workshop was occupied by a shit ton of guys, thereby making me "that girl" (See photo: http://static.px.yelp....). The one who thinks she can hang with the guys. Well, I decided that I needed to use this opportunity to be as girlie as possible, so I asked questions like, 'Can I get a welding jacket tailored to fit me properly?' and 'Where should I put my purse?' and 'Does this helmet come in any other color?' Yea, it was awesome.
So off to our workshop we went. We were instructed on the dangers of plasma welding. Like don't look directly into the light because it can burn your retinas and render you blind. OOOOooooooooK, good times. I considered bailing at that point but decided to stay. So after our 30 minutes safety training it was time to weld. Hehehe....I said weld. It makes me giddy. I have to say that the feeling of sheer exhilaration that came with welding was surprising for me. I'm not the type of gal to jump out of a perfectly good plane, but I will weld the shit out of a piece of furniture or a car, because now I know how! How cool is that?!!? -
Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
2/9/2008
Alright, I am creative...but lack patience. What better way to meld those two attributes together than to let me pound on copper with a hammer? GENIUS!
I was so impressed with this alternative art school, such a unique way to pick up a talent. Welding, glass blowing, jewelry, FIRE EATING (yes!), and a myriad of other specialties. Non-pretentious, very cool/experienced/talented staff...they even made me feel like my sad little copper plate with holes banged into it was "authentic." ha!
If I lived anywhere near here, I'd be signing up. In fact I already started searching for something of the like in Chicago.
My only advice is to wear a sweatshirt/jacket...its a bit chilly in the building. Oh, and have fun and roll with it..this is a great experience. -
Review from Deanna J.
Atlanta, GA
2/9/2008 2 photos
The only thing that caused any ill will towards the Crucible is that I don't live closer to Oakland, CA . . . if I did, I'd surely be signing up for a class every other week, and well on my way to being an industrial arts groupie.
They have classes in everything from fire eating to woodworking, and they're all housed neatly in a crazy industrial warehouse.
I went for a company outing, and I took the foundry class - where you create a design in a sand mold, pour in liquid aluminum, which then hardens.
Not only did I have the good fortune to get to make some kick arse aluminum coolness, but the added bonus of the foundry class was getting to find out what a Crucible actually is. .. we used a crucible as a receptacle for melting the aluminum.
Playing with fire, blowtorches and sharp objects to create crafts worthy of display? Sign up today and thank me later. -
Review from Hassan S.
Oakland, CA
12/27/2009
I have been in W. Oakland for what is now 3.5 years. In my time there I have witness the good, the bad, the ugly and some very upsetting times.
But The Crucible is one place that brings life to W. Oakland besides Bart. They have one of the best annual Festival Fire Shows I've ever witnessed and I have seen some shows through-out the U.S....you must come out and see for yourself. They even have a montly fix a bike-a-thon...where you can bring in your bike and have it repaired by them for free to the community...not to mention they even sell bikes as well, some old and new...this is great for a community that has a lot of kids around.
So I guess your wondering why a 4, well in this case a 4.5...they moved the fire show...you used to be able to conveniently see this show right off of BART...well now its over on W.Grand Ave before you enter the freeway to San Francisco...not sure if this was a city ordinance or The Crucible's own personal reasons...but with its previous location by the Bart Station gave people a chance to know who and what this company was about and it truly bought out people from all over the Bay Area for one of the best shows in the 415-510-707-925...do not let its location stop you...go and check it out for yourself...if you do not like it...then something is wrong with you.
As for the staff, full of knowledge, they provide a workshop for those interested in becoming a Blacksmith or learning to make fine jewelry, fire-eating, marbles, ceramic sculpture and many more fun things...check them out, its well worth it. -
Review from Winst D.
Alameda, CA
5/29/2008
When I first saw the reviews of The Crucible in Oakland I thought something was fishy. All five star reviews!?! Something has to be rigged!!! I called BS, seriously!
So I checked out their website, and their Blacksmithing course totally caught my eye. I signed up and last week we had our first class. Let me tell you, I am now a believer! The Crucible = AWESOME!!
This place is the real deal if you want to learn all the industrial arts. They have blacksmithing, glass making, mold making, welding, woodworking...it's too frickin awesome.
If you're at all interested, you have to GO!! I'm thinking of joining up and becoming a member so I can get discounts on their classes. -
Review from Dorian N.
Oakland, CA
1/8/2009
Off the Friggin chain! First visit to The Crucible. Went to "Dracul" and was quite pissy that we waited 20 minutes in a freezing cold warehouse for it to begin.
It was SO WORTH IT. Between the ballet, the fire, and the vampires...it really doesn't get any better. I'm now hell bent on taking a fire dancing class. The Crucible ROCKS! -
Review from Michele W.
Santa Barbara, CA
2/11/2008
Love, love, love (did I say LOVE?) The Crucible! I've taken glass beadmaking and gemology, and am now taking a glass fusing and slumping class. Their prices are a fraction of the cost of classes at SF Public Glass, and the instructors are just as qualified.
Their annual holiday open house and craft show is a don't miss. Unlike other the other art fairs that inundate the Bay Area, this one has truly original items that you won't find anywhere else. Plus, how many other craft shows have flaming hula hoop demonstrations?
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I wrote the first part of this review early in 2008, but had to come back to rave about the recent Fire Ballet performance of Stravinsky's "The Firebird". In the words of Borat, "WOWOWEEWOW!" Just an incredible mix of classical ballet, modern dance, hip-hop, performance art, motorcycle stunt-riding (yeah, you heard me right!), pyrotechnics, moving sculptures, acrobatics, aerialist trapeze-swinging, and did I say pyrotechnics? Suddenly, I found myself channeling Beavis..."FIRE! FIRE!"
I don't know about the one person who said The Crucible is not good for kids. They offer specific childrens' programs, and the fire ballet would mesmerize anyone from 5 to 155!Listed in: East Bay Gems
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Review from Adrienne g.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2009
OMFG - You gotta see the Crucible's FIRE BALLET
This go-round: DRACUL: PRINCE OF FIRE - the most unique, fun, mesmerizing performance I've seen in forever
Last night marked the 10th Anniversary of the Crucible. They actually opened 01/15/1999 so I was very lucky indeed to be there for such a momentous occasion. They started from practically nothing & have built an empire of FIRE.....offering all kinds of classes & workshops for kids & adults alike
Glassblowing, Blacksmithing, Neon Lights, Metalwork, Jewelry Making, & on & on & on. They have something for everyone.....& you get to play w/ FIRE. What naughty kid doesn't want to do THAT?!
Small, intimate venue looks upon this elaborate stage that hosts a huge pole (as in pole dancing), pulleys rigged up for aerial acrobats, plus all kinds of firey special effects all over the floors, stairs, doors, to showcase all kinds of feats of FIRE
And these performers do it all.....fire breathing, eating, twirling, rubbing all over their bodies, welding, blacksmithing....put a *fire* in front of any verb here & they did it
Ballet itself was superb - take an original twist to the story of Dracula, blend it w/ homages to Rocky Horror, Titanic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bram Stoker's Dracula, and the all infamous Thriller.....& you've got DRACUL
Special shout out to the Oakland Fire Dept who were on hand in case anything went awry
Easy to get to on BART. We drove & there were paid lots or street parking - all easy to find. Special note, make sure to bring something cushy to sit on - those bleachers can get hard on the bum; temp-wise, things were just right
Sound was great, views were spectacular & the performers more than earned their standing ovation!
*** And for those complaining over ticket costs - I have one thing to say ***
WHAT THE *(^%$#* ARE YOU THINKING?? Not only are you paying to help this NONPROFIT stay in business, you're paying to see an incredible, professional dance & acrobatic troupe stage an outstanding performance. You would pay the same money for the Symphony or the SF Ballet & it's cheaper than Cirque, so quit yer whining & be thankful you got tickets before they were all sold out
I *think* I saw an ad for this on PBS (or maybe it was Muni) but wherever it was, I owe a huge debt of thanksListed in: Meet You At The Theeatah
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Review from Oliver N.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/16/2009 1 Check-in Here
I returned to The Crucible the other night for a showing of their Dracul: Prince of Fire production, courtesy of The Company. Really, really cool show. From the moment the house lights went out and the railing on the on-stage stairs went up in flames, I was riveted.
It's been a long time since I saw any sort of ballet, and I had forgotten how much I enjoy it. Throw in fire dancers, iron dragons belching great plumes of flame, vampires, and scantily clad women writhing their way up and down 40-foot poles, all bound to a stage equipped with pillars dripping liquid flame, and you've got yourself a real production.
So far The Crucible is 2 for 2. What an incredible community establishment.Listed in: Stuff To Do
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/10/2008
Came here gratis on a company event, and left with a totally cool chunk of aluminum with a poorly… Read more »
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Review from stacie s.
Sacramento, CA
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Took a welding class with my son and a had a great time. The studio is incredible and once there I wanted to sign up for all of the classes. We took a welding class. which was short and sweet. The instructor was very knowledgeable, laid back and since there was only a few people in the class, lots of time for questions and chitter chatter. Of course the class was only a couple of hours long so there wasn't time to make a big project but it was a "teaser" so that we would come back. Love the vibe of the cool staff there too.
Of course the location is...well it is West Oakland by the Bart station and by the projects so becareful if you are there late at night. On a Sunday we were lucky enought to street parking but if not, don't know where we would have parked.
Be warned, it is a warehouse so it gets chilly inside so dress in layers.
Would love to learn how to modify my tricycle via some cool welds.
Would love to catch their Spring Craft show. -
Review from Jennette B.
Pittsburg, CA
7/12/2008 1 Check-in Here
Went to the Crucible's Fire Art Festival last night and was so impressed! I was afraid that it was going to smell like lighter fluid really bad but it wasn't bad at all. The exhibits were awesome and the volunteers that worked there were so nice and helpful. They even gave me a band aid for a blister I got from walking around so much.
We were there from 7:30 till almost midnight and it is just constant fire shows everywhere. We bought the more expensive VIP Patron Pavilion Tickets and I have to say it was so well worth it. No line for drinks or the toilets and they pass around appetizers the whole evening (only two were vegan but they were awesome) There is a couch to lounge on and watch the live show from a viewer and bleachers to to watch the show. The staff were so nice and polite I couldn't get over it.
Nice easy walk to bart and they are still running when it ends at midnight. -
Review from Maria A.
Martinez, CA
4/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
A wonderful place to take fire performance classes. The instructors take safety and teaching very seriously-which is what you want. Fire performance is a unique field yet you have all these great classes under one roof and offered on a regular basis. I have take Poi, fire breathing, and fire eating.
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Review from Christopher Y.
Oakland, CA
6/21/2007
Fire Arts Festival!!!!!:
"From July 11 to 14, The Crucible will celebrate artistic creation inspired by fire and light at the Seventh Annual Fire Arts Festival --an amazing open-air exhibition of fire performance, fire sculpture, and interactive fire art. Here, you will see artists who work with fire, taming and shaping this wild element. Flames flicker on the antlers worn by stiltwalking performers; dancers spin flaming balls and hoops of fire. Metal sculptures blaze--and fire itself is sculpted to form a blazing tornado that towers above the crowd.
In addition to stunning fire performance, amazing installations of fire sculpture, and interactive fire art, this year's Festival will include a spectacular theatrical production. The Fire Odyssey. The Crucible's interpretation of Homer's epic poemwill be the centerpiece of the Fire Arts Festival, with performances each evening from July 11 to July 14.
[...]
If you are interested in purchasing tickets to the Fire Arts Festival Fire & Light Soiree, please click [the link] here." (Copy snagged from the Crucible website to share)
http://crucible.intick...
http://www.thecrucible.../
