Actress and singer Zendaya has made a generous donation of $100,000 to California Shakespeare Theater in Oakland, where she kickstarted her career. She collaborated with Women Donors Network (WDN) to contribute to the North Star Fund, supporting improvements and future shows at the theatre.
Leena Barakat, President and CEO of WDN, expressed excitement about the partnership with Zendaya, stating, “We hope that our funding supports your work and helps further your strategic vision, wherever funds are most needed.” Theatre officials also recognized Zendaya’s benevolence.
Clive Worsley, the theatre’s executive director, voiced his gratitude, saying, “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 donation will aid in upgrading sound and lighting systems, enhancing the café, and funding the 50th Anniversary production of ‘As You Like It’.
San Francisco Chronicle reported that Zendaya’s connection to the theatre stems from her mother’s 12 summers of work there during her childhood. The actress rose to fame in her early teens with Disney’s ‘Shake It Up’, co-starring with Bella Thorne. Zendaya’s support is a significant step towards the theatre’s future endeavors and milestone anniversary season.
