Zendaya Makes $100K Donation To Cal Shakes Theater Program

ORINDA, CA — A recent $100,000 donation from Cal Shakes' alumna Zendaya, 27, will go a long way for the theater where she spent many a summer.

Zendaya's support of the North Star Fund through the Women's Donor Network moves the California Shakespeare Theater company forward in a big way toward upgrading sound and lighting systems, enhancing the café, and of course, funding the 50th Anniversary production of "As You Like It," Cal Shakes said on its website.

When Zendaya was a young girl growing up in Oakland, her mother, schoolteacher Claire Stoermer, worked summers as the house manager at Cal Shakes' theater, The Bruns Amphitheater in Orinda. Zendaya would often help out by seating patrons and selling fundraising tickets. A star was born when Zendaya, 8, started taking acting classes at Cal Shakes.

"We are deeply grateful to Zendaya and the WDN for their partnership, and their generous grant of $100,000 to the North Star Fund," said Clive Worsley, executive director of Cal Shakes."This gift helps keep Cal Shakes going strong as we prepare for our 50th Anniversary season!”

In a Feb. 20 statement, the Women Donors Network confirmed the $100,000 donation from the star actress.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer this general support grant in partnership with Zendaya," said Leena Barakat, president and CEO of Women Donors Network. "We hope that our funding supports your work and helps further your strategic vision, wherever funds are most needed."

In addition to maintaining and improving The Bruns, the North Star Fund will also help launch a workforce development program for at-promise youth at Cal Shakes' venue and Scene Shop.