We’re proud to announce that we have deepened our commitment to environmental sustainability by becoming one of largest solar-powered outdoor professional theaters in the country.

“Our decision to go solar was more than just economically motivated,” commented Cal Shakes Managing Director Susie Falk. “With our home sitting on a protected watershed, environmental stewardship is in Cal Shakes’ nature. Our recent renovations at the Bruns created native plant habitats, a living roof, bioswales, and other sustainable features. We are also committed to responsible scenic design and building practices that reuse and recycle materials. The addition of solar power was therefore a natural but nonetheless tremendously exciting step in our environmental evolution.”

The Turn Key 37.4 kilowatt DC solar electric system was designed by CC Energy of San Rafael, CA and installed by Pacific Solar Energy of Pleasanton, CA with cooperation from East Bay Municipal Utitilies District (EBMUD). The 144 260-watt panels and four 9000-watt inverters are designed to supply up to 98% of the power needs to the recently-renovated Bruns Amphitheater.

So the next time you’re up at the Bruns, remember that the sun isn’t just making the grass grow on the living roof and hills—it’s powering the sound board and warming the hot chocolate, too.