California Shakespeare Theater

Cal Shakes, originally founded as the Berkeley Shakespeare Festival in 1974 by a group of actors, has been a cornerstone of Bay Area theater for nearly five decades. The company, now known as California Shakespeare Theater, built the Bruns Amphitheater in Orinda in 1991, which remains its primary performance venue. Under the leadership of various artistic directors, including the current Artistic Director Eric Ting, Cal Shakes has expanded its repertoire beyond Shakespeare to include new works and reinterpretations of classic plays. The organization emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to dismantle systemic biases and engage with diverse communities. Cal Shakes also focuses on education through its Artistic Learning initiative, offering programs for both youth and adults. Notable productions include the ambitious "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" and the record-breaking "black odyssey." The theater is committed to creating art that reflects the complexity of the world and fostering a culture of lifelong learning and community engagement.