California Shakespeare Theater

California Shakespeare Theater, better known as Cal Shakes, is a nationally recognized theater that produces new works inspired by classic texts. The organization reaches more than 50,000 people each year through a three-play season at its Bruns Amphitheater in Orinda (Contra Costa County), as well as education programs in community centers, schools, and a federal women’s prison.

California Shakespeare Theater is a nationally recognized regional theater that reaches 60,000 people each year. It does this through a four-show season at its amphitheater in Orinda, California, and year-round school- and community-based programs in Oakland and Richmond. Since 2003, the organization has been investing in programs and partnerships that embrace diverse artistic voices, as well as increasing its capacity to be more responsive to shifting demographics and changes in cultural participation. Following the departure of its long-time artistic director, renewed funding will assist the organization in continuing its artistic work and strengthen its approaches to increasing audience diversity.