Support Berkeley Rep > 40th Anniversary Campaign > Artistic advancement

Artistic advancement

cultivating talent

Fund two large-scale productions each season
for 10 years

$5 million

Productions like Passing Strange, Brundibar, The People’s Temple and Continental Divide take extraordinary resources, often costing more than double what we invest in an average show. They require larger casts, more complex sets and enhanced production staff. These productions attract national and international attention and have extensive lives after their Berkeley runs. Berkeley Rep was able to commit to the landmark Argonautika because of the dedicated funds set aside for signature work. By building our artistic resources, Berkeley Rep can seize opportunities and attract important large-scale work in a competitive market.

Expand our new play development program

$4 million

Great new art must be nurtured and supported. Theatres across the country look to Berkeley Rep to invest in new work and take risks that contribute to the legacy of American theatre. Productions like Bridge & Tunnel and Passing Strange are examples of shows launched at Berkeley Rep that have since debuted on Broadway. The Campaign elevates our commitment to new work with more artistic support and commissioning funds. By 2013, Berkeley Rep plans to commission 50 works by both emerging and established artists. Our increased commitment to new play development helped us bring acclaimed director Les Waters to our staff. Les’ remarkable ability to work with emerging playwrights is a key strategy towards attracting the next generation of talent.

Build facilities to meet artistic potential

$5 million

Audiences are transported to worlds created by the talented artisans who build the sets, develop the props and create costumes. Yet, rarely do we see where and how these worlds are created. Providing a versatile physical plant is key to the Theatre’s growing artistic ambition and commitment to artistic excellence. Replacing the scene shop that was destroyed in a 2005 fire, a new scene shop will support the staff’s remarkable talents and meet the visions of our artists. Upgrading our 25-year-old thrust theatre with new sound, lighting and seating will allow us to meet the often complex production demands and satisfy audiences. We will also build two new performance spaces for readings, rehearsals, early stage productions, performances by community groups and School of Theatre youth events.

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“The staff at Berkeley Rep are the platonic ideal of a theatre staff.”
Tony Kushner, Playwright

“It is rare for a writer to feel that a theatre trusts the material so completely.”
Sarah Ruhl, Playwright

“I feel so safe here at Berkeley Rep because the people trust me.”
Sarah Jones, Performer