Theater Where Oakland Star Zendaya Made Her Debut May Close Down

Photo of Zendaya – Credit: Gage Skidmore

There’s a place on the other side of the Caldecott tunnel from Oakland called Lamorinda. It’s basically Oakland’s Marin County. It has beautiful rolling hills and rich people who don’t want you there. It also has Cal Shakes, a gorgeous outdoor theater where Bay Area stars like Zendaya made their debut as a thespian.

Cal Shakes, quietly tucked into the Orinda hillside, is facing the risk of closure due to financial struggles. Executive Director Clive Worsley shared with KTVU that the theater needs to raise $350,000 by August 13 to avoid shutting down and making layoffs.

If you travel through the East Bay, you’ve likely seen Cal Shakes off Highway 24, though many have never visited. This outdoor theater has been nestled in the Orinda hills since 1974 and is described by Worsley as a hidden gem. “There’s no more gorgeous place to see entertainment, I think, in the East Bay, maybe in the entire Bay Area,” he said.

Cal Shakes has faced declining revenue since the 2008 economic crash and has struggled to recover. Previously, ticket sales covered 50% of operating costs, but now they cover just 30%. Despite efforts to diversify revenue with comedy and musical acts, it hasn’t been enough to secure financial stability.

“Unfortunately, we find ourselves with not enough runway to get to producing our 50th-anniversary show in September,” Worsley lamented. In response, he started a GoFundMe campaign to reach their fundraising goal. “Everybody can help. No gift is too small, and no gift is too large,” Worsley urged. “I think the community deserves this place to continue. What I really want is for this place to remain open for your kids’ kids.”

If you’re interested in keeping this piece of Bay Area culture alive, donate.

God knows we have enough rich people in the Bay Area to keep a tiny theater afloat.

Can someone hit up Zendaya? You got that Dune and Euphoria money, ballout!

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