Founded in 1974, the California Shakespeare Theater began as an artistic collective and has evolved into a fully professional theater known for its productions of classic theater. From 1983 to 1995, it was guided by the leadership of artistic directors Dakin Matthews and Michael Addison. During its 15 years at Berkeley’s John Hinkel Park, such actors as Annette Bening, John Vickery, Douglas Sills, Julian Lopez-Morillas and Lura Dolas appeared in more than 50 productions, primarily of the plays of William Shakespeare. In 1991, the theater built its performance venue, the 545-seat Bruns Memorial Amphitheater between Berkeley and Orinda, Calif., following a capital campaign led by philanthropist, Clarence Woodard and supported by foundations and community leaders. California Shakespeare Theater s mission is to imagine and deeply entertain interpretations of Shakespeare s plays, fresh rediscoveries of important works of world theater and new plays inspired by classic literature. Located in Orinda, California Shakespeare Theater is a nonprofit theater that employs nearly 100 people.