New Works/ New Communities

Launched in 2003, our New Works/New Communities projects bring disparate communities together to engage directly in the creation of new works of theater inspired by classic literature. In partnership with other arts and community-based organizations, we aim to make concrete connections between the work of classical writers and marginalized communities that do not see themselves reflected in those plays, or in theater itself. Through this inclusive and collaborative artistic process, we also hope to help nourish a cultural ecosystem that truly reflects the extraordinary diversity of the Bay Area.

In October of 2010, we received a three-year, $300,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support the creation of a sustained partnership with San Francisco-based Intersection for the Arts and its resident theater company, Campo Santo. This partnership, born of both companies’ desire to further develop their common vision for the creation of new theatrical works, aims to build on the shared goals of fostering community through theater and a desire to increase each organization’s impact in disparate communities.

Cal Shakes’ first three play development efforts—The Steinbeck Project, Hamlet: Blood in the Brain (a partnership with Intersection) and King of Shadows—reflect a new level of engagement with communities who have had little access to the Bay Area stage. Through additional projects like The Lear Project (Love Test), we sustain and deepen our relationships with NW/NC project participants, particularly organizations serving youth, and expand their connection to Cal Shakes at large. A variety of community-based workshops and residencies—known collectively as Community Residencies—use Shakespeare’s text as a jumping off point for writing and performance, honing the capacity of marginalized teens and young adults to find and express their own artistic voices.

This program is generously supported by: