Berkeley Community Theater
The "Bird Cage" | |||||||||||
Location | Berkeley, California, U.S. | ||||||||||
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Coordinates | 37°52′06″N 122°16′17″W / 37.86845°N 122.27147°W | ||||||||||
Type | Theater | ||||||||||
Capacity | 8,000 | ||||||||||
Opened | 5 June 1950 | ||||||||||
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Berkeley Community Theater is a
Description
The theater building, a City of Berkeley Landmark since 1992, also holds the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, a smaller venue often used for Berkeley High School music and theater performances. The Art Deco-style theater has 3,491 seats, including a balcony section. A large stage is extended by an orchestra pit that can be raised or lowered.[2]
History
The theater was designed in 1938 and construction began in 1941, but was not completed until 1950, due to delays caused by World War II. Students attending Berkeley High during the war years often called it the "Bird Cage" since the exposed metal framework was a roost for many seagulls waiting for students to finish their lunches.[5]
The theater was designed to house a
Famous speakers have included the Dalai Lama, Lenny Bruce, Bernie Sanders, Maya Angelou, Timothy Leary, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Al Franken, and Amy Goodman.[8]
Funding and renovations
The citizens of Berkeley have directed funds towards the theater on numerous occasions. Berkeley voters passed measure AA in 2000, allocating around $15 million to the theater for renovation. These funds were later taken to build the new administration building at Berkeley High School. A few of the funds came back into the building in renovating the fire alarm system. During this process the grand curtain was damaged. It was finally replaced as well as all other soft goods in July 2009.
In the spring of 2010, a new sound system was installed in the theater.
Major renovations began in July 2020 with funding from a 2010 school facilities bond measure.[9]
References
- ^ a b "Berkeley Landmarks Designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, Berkeley, CA". Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA).
- ^ a b Thompson, Daniella; Susan Cerny (2003–2008). "Berkeley High School". Berkeley Landmarks. Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
- ^ "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Berkeley High School Campus Historic District". National Park Service. January 7, 2008. Retrieved July 1, 2023. With accompanying pictures
- ^ "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Berkeley Historic Civic Center District". National Park Service. December 3, 1998. Retrieved July 1, 2023. With accompanying pictures
- ISBN 9781467132398.
- ^ "About Our Organ". NorCal Theatre Organ Society. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
- ^ "Berkeley Community Theater". Discogs. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
- ^ "The Berkeley Community Theater & The Florence Schwimley Little Theater". Berkeley Schools. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
- ^ "Renovations underway at historic Berkeley Community Theatre". Berkeleyside. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2021.