Struggling California Shakespeare Theater introduced Thursday it had hit an “insurmountable financial impasse” and would shut for good.
In a quick announcement attributed to government director Clive Worsley, the 50-year-old Orinda-based firm mentioned it had “no alternative but to suspend operations, begin layoffs, and take steps towards what will be the ultimate closure of the company.”
Many theater troupes and different arts firms have been struggling for the reason that pandemic, which shut down stay performances throughout the nation and exacerbated a pattern towards smaller audiences, diminished subscription gross sales and authorities assist, and fewer donations.
Palo Alto-based TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, which this week opened a manufacturing of the basketball-themed play “King James,” almost closed down in late 2023 however was rescued by a $3 million fund drive.
Different firms haven’t been as lucky. Cal Shakes joins such Bay Space troupes as TheatreFIRST, Bay Space Kids’s Theatre, Dragon Theater, foolsFURY, Ragged Wing Ensemble, Major Stage West, Perspective Theatre Firm, These Ladies Productions, Bay Space Musicals and PianoFight in succumbing to monetary woes.
Cal Shakes started in 1974 because the Emeryville Shakespeare Firm, which produced free exhibits in Berkeley’s John Hinkel Park. The corporate, then referred to as the California Shakespeare Pageant, moved to the Bruns Amphitheater in 1991. In its peak years, as from the ’90s to the mid-2010s, Cal Shakes typically staged 4 productions throughout the summer time and fall months, that includes a mixture of Shakespeare works, in addition to comedies and dramas from different basic and modern playwrights.
The corporate and its scenic amphitheater — nestled on 4½ acres of East Bay Municipal Utility District property within the Orinda hills, with a picnic space and restaurant/snack bar — had been fashionable mainstays of the summer time out of doors theater season.
The corporate lately has been renting the amphitheater and its stage for infrequent comedy and music exhibits. It was not instantly recognized if EBMUD is entertaining queries for different attainable makes use of of the property and services.
Initially Revealed: October 10, 2024 at 7:46 p.m.
