{Post by Patsy K. Eagan}

In the midst of next week's filing deadline for the mayoral race, Oakland political theater is acting up. Rebecca Kaplan held an exploratory fundraiser yesterday to test the voting audience and City Hall braces for a tough crowd at its budgetary meeting tomorrow. Meanwhile, one community voice gives a less-than glowing review of City Council for Oakland Local.

This afternoon, the politically weary may enjoy theater in its purest form. Oakland playwright Judith Offer will host the third of her four-part series, "Scenes from the Life of Julia Morgan." Raised on Fourteenth Street, Morgan became an influential architect, leaving her mark on the Oakland cityscape and making a worldwide impact. Come to the Berkeley City Club at 2 p.m. to attend the free reading, or take up the script and play the part yourself!

In other news, Oakland's own improv troupe, Pan Theater, takes the stage at 2135 Broadway. Every Saturday night Pan actors run two shows of unpredictable comedy that plays off audience participation. Also an improv school, Pan Theater runs workshops for the aspiring thespians. Next month, the New York City based Upright Citizens Brigade will roll into town and offer their expertise. Their weekend classes are nearly sold-out, but you can catch them at the Oakland Metro next month; UCB tickets for July 23 and 24 are on sale now. Pan Theater tickets for Saturday performance are available online for $10 and at the door for $12.