After sitting empty for an entire year, a well-known East Bay hillside amphitheater is finally preparing for its return. The Bruns Amphitheater — once the home of Cal Shakes — will officially reopen in April 2026 under its new identity, the Siesta Valley Bowl.
A New Nonprofit Takes Charge
On November 12, a newly created nonprofit, the Siesta Valley Foundation, signed a 15-year lease with the East Bay Municipal Utility District, which owns the amphitheater’s 9-acre property in Orinda. According to chairman Campbell Foster, the foundation was formed specifically to take over and operate the venue.
Concerts, Arts Events & Community Programs
The Siesta Valley Bowl is expected to host 40 to 60 ticketed concerts each year. Foster believes its tucked-away location near Highway 24 will help limit noise concerns for nearby residents.
As a mixed-use performing arts venue, the bowl will also be available to nonprofit arts groups across the East Bay at an affordable rental rate, though the exact pricing is still undecided.
Shakespeare Set to Return
Honoring the amphitheater’s long theatrical history, the foundation plans to bring back Shakespeare performances. Foster shared that the organization has been in contact with former Cal Shakes board members and is currently discussing future productions with multiple Shakespeare companies.
Cal Shakes’ Legacy and Closure
For five decades, California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes) operated the amphitheater. Notably, actor Zendaya began her career there while her mother, Claire Stoermer, served as house manager. Zendaya even contributed $100,000 to support the theater during a financial crisis.
Despite efforts to remain afloat, Cal Shakes ultimately dissolved last year due to what former executive director Clive Worsley described as an “insurmountable financial impasse.”
Long-Term Renovation Plans
The Siesta Valley Foundation hopes to secure grants and donations to renovate the venue in the future. Their goals include doubling the current 540-seat capacity, expanding parking, and possibly adding an indoor facility to allow year-round programming.
However, Foster emphasized these upgrades are still several years away. Initially, the venue will operate largely as it is, with only minor improvements.
Serving the Broader East Bay
Foster explained that the foundation’s mission extends beyond running the amphitheater. It aims to support the wider Siesta Valley region, stretching from Orinda’s El Toyonal neighborhood to the community of Canyon.
He also noted that Cal Shakes operated with a “Berkeley-centric” focus, whereas the new organization intends to serve a broader East Bay audience — including Oakland, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, and Walnut Creek.
The transformation of the Bruns Amphitheater into the Siesta Valley Bowl marks a new chapter for East Bay arts and culture.
With a fresh nonprofit at the helm, revived Shakespeare performances, expanded community access, and long-term renovation plans, the historic venue is poised to become a thriving cultural hub once again.
Its reopening in 2026 represents not just the rebirth of a theater, but a renewed commitment to serving the wider East Bay community.
