Cal Shakes, the beloved Orinda-based theater company, has announced plans to suspend operations and begin the process of closing after 50 years of serving the East Bay community.
Citing an insurmountable financial impasse, Cal Shakes’ Executive Director Clive Worsley shared the news in a heartfelt message to supporters, stating that the company will begin layoffs and take steps toward a full closure.
Cal Shakes has been a vital cultural institution, known for its Shakespearean performances under the open sky at the Bruns Amphitheater. However, despite efforts to find alternative solutions, financial challenges have made it impossible for the company to continue its work.
The announcement has drawn an outpouring of emotions on social media. Many longtime supporters of Cal Shakes shared their sadness on social media following the closure announcement. Linda H. reflected on the company’s personal impact, saying, “Cal Shakes was an important part of my life for 20 years. I served on the board for 6 years while making the move from Hinkel to Bruns.”
Paul C. lamented the loss of another vital arts institution, writing, “When our arts institutions are left to die, what kind of country are we even in anymore?”
M. Graham S. expressed devastation over the theater’s closure, noting, “We are losing the artistic spaces that make our region great.”
Kathe F. shared her fond memories of attending Cal Shakes for over 30 years, saying, “We treasured our front row seats, watching amazing actors perform under the starry skies on sets that dazzled and inspired.”
More information will be provided in the coming weeks as the closure process unfolds. Join our free 925 News newsletter so we can keep you in the loop on this developing story.
We loved going to the performances of Shakespeare under the stars! However, the liberal agenda overarching the performances and announcements from the stage assumed that the entire audience was like-minded. For example: After a performance some years ago of “Fences”, as the audience was standing to leave the house lights went up, an actress came center stage to speak about the wonders of inclusive, gender-bending choices that had been made “for the audiences pleasure”. This tirade ruined the evening for us and we have not returned. So sorry for the loss of this great place to see Shakespeare !