Rent the Bay Area's Best Kept Secret - Cal Shakes

Nature provides the setting so you can plan your event in style! Throw a unique party, host a corporate retreat, or book your magical wedding at the Bruns Amphitheater.

Located in Orinda’s Siesta Valley watershed, the Sharon Simpson Center supports the artists, artisans and patrons of the California Shakespeare Theater; encouraged by environmental stewardship, inspired by the landscape, and influenced by the innovative theater productions, the Sharon Simpson Center merges site, program, and architecture.

Please email rentals@calshakes.org to discuss venue rentals and event planning.


OWNER: California Shakespeare Theater
LOCATION: Orinda, CA
SIZE: 7,850 sq. ft. (new structure)
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Bruns Memorial Amphitheater

With rolling hills as the natural backdrop, our 540-seat outdoor Amphitheater is inspired by Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. The Amphitheater is named in the memory of Lt. George H. Bruns III (1942-1967).

George loved to ride horses through the land where the Amphitheater now sits. If you are looking for a venue for your group’s music, dance, or theater performances, the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater is a unique alternative to traditional theater space.

The Bruns Memorial Amphitheater and grounds are available for rentals from May through October. “Off Season” Rentals (October through April) must be reserved at least 3 months in advance to ensure the space is prepared.

FOR PERFORMANCES:
Rent the Bruns for your next show! Includes the rental of the entire Bruns Amphitheater and grounds. If you need help running your performance, we can provide stage managers, technicians, and house staff.

FOR NON-PERFORMANCE EVENTS:
No need to be a performer to enjoy being the star on the Bruns stage. Get married on stage, host a corporate.

Contact our rentals team at rentals@calshakes.org.

FOR PERFORMANCES:
Rent the Bruns for your next show! Includes the rental of the entire Bruns Amphitheater and grounds with the current mainstage show’s set and lighting intact. If you need help running your performance, we can provide stage managers, crew, and house staff.

FOR NON-PERFORMANCE EVENTS:
No need to be a performer to enjoy being the star on the Bruns stage. Get married on stage, host a unique dinner party, or even host an awards or honors ceremony.

Contact our rentals team at rentals@calshakes.org.

SITE PLAN
1. Amphitheater 2. Sharon Simpson Center (includes Cafe, Restrooms, and Green Room) 3. Landscaped Meadows, Paths, and Plaza
4. Secondary Stage 5. Picnic Groves 6. Road 7. Walking Path 8. Ticket Booth 9. Parking 10. CA Highway 24

Bruns Grounds

Our grounds cover 4.5 acres of East Bay Municipal Utility District park land, featuring three eucalyptus-filled groves with picnic tables and perimeter lighting, an accessible switch-back path through native plants, a paved plaza lobby with cafe seating, and the Sharon Simpson Center with permanent restrooms, a cafe/bar, and a living roof.

To get more information or inquire about our space please email rentals@calshakes.org.

North Star GroveThe North Star Grove

Featuring picnic tables in your choice of shade or sun during the day. The North Star Grove’s crowning jewel is Bruce Johnson’s North Star sculpture with a seat allowing intrepid climbers to peer through a hole and view the North Star at night. The North Star Grove may be rented as part of the full Grounds Rental or alone.  DETAILS.

The Talking Grove

The Talking Grove includes a small platform for speaking, picnic tables, benches, and an ADA-accessible table with ramp. The Talking Grove is available with the full Grounds Rental.   DETAILS.

The Upper Grove

The most quiet and peaceful of the groves is also the one that’s best for large groups to meet. It’s shaded by eucalyptus and features a fabulous view of the Amphitheater and the Orinda hills. The Upper Grove is available with the full Grounds Rental.  DETAILS.

The Bruns Plaza

The Plaza is an ADA accessible paved area with pistachio trees, string lights, and cafe tables, located close to the restrooms and Amphitheater. The Bruns Plaza may be rented as part of the full Grounds Rental or alone.  

The Green Room

The Green Room is a beautiful windowed, wifi enabled space that easily accommodates 20+ people for corporate retreats, small workshops, and meetings. It also includes small break-out spaces off the main room.  

The North Star Grove

Featuring picnic tables in your choice of shade or sun during the day. The North Star Grove’s crowning jewel is Bruce Johnson’s North Star sculpture with a seat allowing intrepid climbers to peer through a hole and view the North Star at night. The North Star Grove may be rented as part of the full Grounds Rental or alone.  DETAILS.

The Talking Grove

The Talking Grove includes a small platform for speaking, picnic tables, benches, and an ADA-accessible table with ramp. The Talking Grove is available with the full Grounds Rental.   DETAILS.

The Upper Grove

The most quiet and peaceful of the groves is also the one that’s best for large groups to meet. It’s shaded by eucalyptus and features a fabulous view of the Amphitheater and the Orinda hills. The Upper Grove is available with the full Grounds Rental.  DETAILS.

The Bruns Plaza

The Plaza is an ADA accessible paved area with pistachio trees, string lights, and cafe tables, located close to the restrooms and Amphitheater. The Bruns Plaza may be rented as part of the full Grounds Rental or alone.  

The Green Room

The Green Room is a beautiful windowed, wifi enabled space that easily accommodates 20+ people for corporate retreats, small workshops, and meetings. It also includes small break-out spaces off the main room.  

RENTAL FORM

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