We are Cal Shakes
In an effort to prioritize the well-being of staff, artists, audiences, and the greater Bay Area community and adhere to the public health priority stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, California Shakespeare Theater has had to cancel and suspended all work on the 2020 season.The necessary decision means Cal Shakes will suffer a loss of more than $1.2 million in earned revenue. Ticket sales only accounting for 1/3 of production and operating expenses, we have had to furlough the majority of our year-round employees, and our small remaining team is valiantly working to bring you authentic and to some extent virtually participatory experiences of theater and story, in ways that will remain close to what you've come to expect from and love about Cal Shakes.
We know you can imagine what an enormous loss this is to so many. Not only our staff, the additional 150 actors, technicians, artisans, and seasonal staff we hire each season, but also to you—a member of our community and audience. We long for the days when we can reunite up at the Bruns, enjoying a picnic, performance, and each other's company.
But frankly, it is going to take an upswell of collective support for us to get to that day. The "hit" we are experiencing severely damages our future sustainabiity. This is why we are asking all of our community to help us, to the extent possible. We know that many of you are also experiencing financial instability, but if you are able to make a donation of any amount, from $5 to $500 to $5000, or even $50,000 (!) we are graciously asking you to do so.
Help be a beacon, the shining light that gets us all back together in a healthy and creative and celebratory community.
WE ARE CAL SHAKES.
Thank you!
Sarah Williams, Managing Director
Eric Ting, Artistic Director
