Cal Shakes in Orinda to shut down: Bay Area theater where ‘Euphoria’ star Zendaya got her start to close after 50 years [Video]

ORINDA, Calif. (KGO) — Despite fundraising, and a huge show of support in the East Bay, a beloved community theater group will have its final curtain call after 50 years.

On Thursday, California Shakespeare Theater or “Cal Shakes” in Orinda announced it is suspending operations, beginning layoffs, and taking steps towards what will be the ultimate closure of the company.

The theater suffered a serious financial blow due lack of funding, low ticket sales and the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Executive Director Clive Worsley told ABC7 on Friday, the closure is a longtime coming and made the difficult decision after months of fundraising.

“Myself, my staff, the board of directors in the community worked very hard to keep these doors open and keep this institution …