RENT OUR BEAUTIFUL SPACE
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.
Please fill out this rental inquiry form to discuss venue rentals and event planning.
The Bruns Amphitheater
With rolling hills as the natural backdrop, our 546-seat outdoor Amphitheater is inspired by Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.
The Amphitheater is named in memory of the late son of Sue and George Bruns of Lafayette. Lt. George Bruns was born in Hollis, NY, on December 14, 1942. He came to California with his family at the age of seven, and attended Pleasant Hill High School, where he played football and took the North Coast Championship in Greco-Roman wrestling. At the Air Force Academy, he became the AAU wrestling champion. He earned a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University. George rode Brahma bulls and saddle broncs, and loved to ride horses through the land where the Amphitheater now sits. Lt. Bruns was killed in June 1967, in an automobile accident just before he was due to ship out for service in Vietnam. California Shakespeare Theater honors the memory of Lt. George H. Bruns III.
If you are looking for a venue for your group’s music, dance, or theater performances, the Bruns Amphitheater is a unique alternative to traditional theater space.
While we spend much of the summer buzzing with Mainstage Performances, we have several “dark” weeks from May through October when the Bruns is available for rentals. Performance rentals in the off season (late 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 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.
Fill out this rental inquiry form or contact our rentals team at rentals@calshakes.org.
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 fill out this rental inquiry form. If you have additional questions please email rentals@calshakes.org.
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.
