Zellerbach Playhouse Facility Information
Zellerbach Playhouse is a lab and performance space for the Department of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies, and is therefore subject to restrictions on availability and use. Please contact Cal Performances for availability and policy regarding use.
Crew Information
Cal Performances manages Zellerbach Auditorium, Zellerbach Playhouse, the William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, and Wheeler Auditorium. Cal Performances is governed by a union contract between the University of California, Berkeley, and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE), Local 1, which is affiliated with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). All stagehand employees are professional, non-student positions. Please call in advance regarding IATSE labor or “yellow card” shows.
Loading Dock
Stage right, 15′ (4.57m) from stage, trailer height. Can accommodate only 1 truck at a time. Doors 12 x 16′ (3.66m x 4.88m).
U.S. Interstate 80 to Ashby Avenue exit. East two miles to Telegraph Avenue, North (left) on Telegraph one mile to Bancroft Way, West (left). One block to Dana Court. North (right) 50 feet to first driveway on right (Speiker Plaza.) Speiker Plaza is designated “pedestrians only,” vehicle access is barred by bollards. Prior arrangements must be made to have the bollards dropped in order to access the Loading Dock. If you get stuck in a truck outside the bollards, call the stage door guard at 642-0212 to try to get someone to lower them for you. No parking in Loading Dock; all arrangements for parking permits must be made in advance.
Map.
House Capacity
Audience area can be set up as either proscenium or thrust, with variable configurations.
Maximum Seating: 547
Total Fixed seating: 439
Stage Dimensions
| Proscenium | 66′ x 20′ | (19.20 x 9.14) |
| Offstage Right | varies | |
| Offstage Left | varies | |
| Curtain to rear wall | 33’10” | (10.31m) |
| Thrust (elevator) | 29’4″ x 14’8″ | (8.94m x 4.47m) |
| Height of stage from auditorium | 3’0″ | (.91m) |
| Distance to grid | 53′ (maximum out trim 47′) |
(16.15m) |
Floor
Flat black particle board floor over sprung fir. Not raked.
Black/White dance floor.
Sound Equipment
Stage Manager’s console located Stage Right.
Paging and program system to all dressing rooms.
Lighting And Electrics Equipment
Lighting Console. Company Switch.
400 Amp, 3 Phase, located Stage Right.
Lighting Inventory
Followspots.
None.
Additional lighting inventory is shared with Zellerbach Auditorium. Contact CAL Performances for available instruments.
Important Notes: Please advance an inventory and lighting plot. Zellerbach Playhouse does not maintain a gel inventory.
Dressing Rooms
Two dressing rooms one flight down from stage level. All dressing rooms equipped with monitors and page system. Dressing rooms have mirrors with lights, costume racks and dressing tables. Toilet facilities and showers are conveniently located. Some dressing rooms are shared with Department of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies and/or other CAL Performances Productions and are subject to availability.
Rehearsal Space
Space is available locally upon advance arrangement. Call for rates, reservations and availability.
Piano
Pianos are shared between Department of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies and Cal Performances.
Steinway Model D, 9′ concert grand
Mason & Hamlin, 6′ grand piano (suitable for rehearsal)
The Playhouse is located on the UC Berkeley campus to the rear of Zellerbach Hall on Spieker Plaza.
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House Capacity
Maximum Seating: 547
Total Fixed seating: 439
Stage Dimensions
Proscenium: 66’ x 20′
Curtain to rear wall: 33′ 10″
Distance to grid: 53′
Contact Us
Submit the rental inquiry form to get the conversation going, or contact our rental team at events@calperformances.org, 510.612.4495.