Oakland Arts Nonprofit ‘The Crucible’ Shuts Down Amid Financial Problems, Staff Turmoil

The Crucible, a longtime West Oakland arts institution known for its hands-on industrial arts classes and fire performances, abruptly closed Sunday amid financial problems, leaving employees and the community uncertain about its future.The Crucible s closure took effect Sunday, October 25, after Interim Executive Director Douglas Yeiser emailed employees instructing them not to report to work, answer calls or emails, or perform any other duties during the shutdown, as the Chronicle reports. Board President B. Astrella said the board was meeting daily to determine what comes next but has not announced a timeline for reopening. Astrella said the board was trying to find a way for people to retrieve belongings from rented studios but did not know when access would be possible. Yeiser told employees they might qualify for unemployment benefits through the California Employment Development Department.According to the Chronicle, the shutdown follows years of financial difficulties at the non