Zendaya donates $100,000 to the theatre where she trained
Dune: Part Two star Zendaya has donated $100,000 to the theatre where she got her start in acting, establishing a path for her to reach Hollywood superstardom.
For Zendaya, it all started at California’s Shakespeare Theater, also known as Cal Shakes. As she was born and raised in Oakland, California, the theatre was local to the actor and also operated as a community hub. Her mother worked as the house manager for the venue, and eventually, Zendaya enrolled in improvisation classes there, which led to her love of performing.
As she discovered her passion for acting, the theatre became a vital space for fostering her passion and talent. Before breaking out, she studied at Cal Shakes Conservatory program and performed in several shows there.
Ahead of her next blockbuster, Dune: Part Two, entering cinemas on March 1st, she’s given back to the place that started it all. Cal Shakes has revealed that the actor has donated $100,000 to the theatre’s North Star fund via the Women Donors Network.
“We are deeply grateful to Zendaya and the WDN for their partnership, and their generous grant of $100,000 to the North Star Fund,” the theatre’s executive director, Clive Worsley, said in a statement. “This gift helps keep Cal Shakes going strong as we prepare for our 50th Anniversary season!”
As times continue to be tough for cultural spaces and venues, Zendaya’s donation plays a vital role in helping the theatre keep operating. Cal Shakes have said the donation will be used for upgrading sound and lighting systems, enhancing the café, and funding the upcoming production of As You Like It.
The Women Donors Network, an organisation that helps pair women with charitable opportunities, also commented on the donation. “Women Donors Network (“WDN”) has approved a 2024 501(c)(3) grant of $100,000 for California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes). We are very pleased to be able to offer this general support grant in partnership with Zendaya,” they said. “We hope that our funding supports your work and helps further your strategic vision, wherever funds are most needed.”
In a four-and-a-half star review of Dune: Part Two, Far Out wrote: “Dune simply has to be seen on the big screen to be truly experienced; any lesser viewing negates its Lawrence of Arabia-indebted cinematography, captivating action sequences and a score of a stultifying, almost deafening quality.”
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