Hearst Greek Theatre Facts for Kids

The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, often called simply the Greek Theatre, is a large outdoor theater in Berkeley, California. It has 8,500 seats and is owned by the University of California, Berkeley.

This famous theater hosts many events, including the Berkeley Jazz Festival, pop, rock, and world music concerts. It's also where UC Berkeley students have their graduation ceremonies. Important speakers like President Theodore Roosevelt, William Randolph Hearst, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama have given speeches here.

Quick facts for kids
Hearst Greek Theatre
Website

Address	2001 Gayley Rd
Location	Berkeley, California
Owner	University of California, Berkeley
Operator	concerts promoted by Another Planet Entertainment
Type	amphitheater
Capacity	8,500
Opened	1903
http://calperformances.org/visit/venues/greek-theatre.php


Hearst Greek Theatre
U.S. National Register of Historic Places

Location in Oakland, California Show map of Oakland, California Location in California Show map of California Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Architect	John Galen Howard
Architectural style	Greek Revival
MPS	Berkeley, University of California MRA
NRHP reference No.	82004644
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	March 25, 1982

Building the Greek Theatre
- Design and Style
A Look at the Theatre's History
- Famous Performances and Events
What Makes the Greek Theatre Special
Images for kids
See also

Building the Greek Theatre

The Hearst Greek Theatre was built in 1903. Before it was built, there was already a simple outdoor area called "Ben Weed's Amphitheater" used for performances since 1894.

The idea for a grander theater came from University of California president Benjamin Ide Wheeler. A wealthy newspaper owner named William Randolph Hearst paid for its construction, which is why the theater is named after him.

Design and Style

The Greek Theatre was the first building at the university designed by architect John Galen Howard. Another famous architect, Julia Morgan, also helped with the design. The theater's look is directly inspired by the ancient Greek theater of Epidaurus.

In 1957, a basement area was added backstage. This part was designed by architect Ernest Born. In 2012, the theater was updated to make it stronger against earthquakes. This project added new hidden support columns.

The Greek Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's recognized as an important historical place.

A Look at the Theatre's History

The Greek Theatre officially opened on September 24, 1903. The first show was a student play called The Birds by Aristophanes.

However, even before it was finished, the theater hosted a graduation ceremony in May 1903. President Theodore Roosevelt spoke at this event. He was a friend of President Wheeler.

Famous Performances and Events

In 1967, the famous band The Grateful Dead played at the Greek Theatre for the first time. They performed there 29 times until 1989. Many other musicians and theater groups have performed at the Greek over the years.

The theater is also used for many yearly university events. These include graduation ceremonies for different departments and a big ceremony for all graduating seniors. The "Bonfire Rally" before the annual Big Game against Stanford also takes place here.

Important university events, like the start of new presidents' and chancellors' terms, have often been held at the Greek Theatre. One exception was in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy spoke. That event was moved to California Memorial Stadium because it could hold more people.

Since 2004, a company called Another Planet Entertainment has been in charge of promoting concerts at the Greek Theatre.

What Makes the Greek Theatre Special

The Greek Theatre is special because of its beautiful design and how it fits into the natural landscape. It's built into a hillside, creating an open-air space that faces west.

The seating area has a grassy slope at the top, leading down to 19 rows of concrete benches. These benches form a half-circle facing the stage. There are also 28 special carved stone chairs closest to the stage. The stage itself has tall walls with columns around it. The main entrance to the stage is a grand doorway.

The Greek Theatre was the first permanent outdoor theater in California. Its design was inspired by ancient Greek theaters. Architect John Galen Howard believed its simple, classic shapes blended perfectly with the hills and canyons around it.

Architect Ernest Born called the Greek Theatre "this noble ensemble of building, sky and garden." It has become a symbol of the University of California's values. Even though it wasn't originally part of the university's big plans, it was the first major project completed by John Galen Howard.

The site was first known as "Ben Weed's Amphitheater." President Benjamin Ide Wheeler wanted to turn it into a better venue for university events, and William Randolph Hearst provided the money.

Howard had grander plans for the theater, like covering it in marble and adding more columns. However, due to money limits, some of these ideas were scaled back. Private donors helped by paying for the special marble chairs.

The Greek Theatre was first used, even though it wasn't finished, on May 16, 1903. This was for President Theodore Roosevelt's graduation speech. The official opening was on September 24, 1903, with a play performed in the original Greek language. In 1957, Ernest Born added new dressing rooms and improved the lighting and roof. These changes were made carefully so they would not take away from the theater's original beauty.