California native Zendaya donates $100,000 to the theater where she began her career

Zendaya is using her superstar status to give back to the theater that helped her develop her skills.

The Oakland native, in partnership with Women Donors Network, made a $100,000 donation to the North Star Fund, which benefits California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes) in Orinda, sister station to KTLA. KRON Reports.

Zendaya, 27, is a theater student. According to the San Francisco Chroniclebegan theater classes at Cal Shakes in third grade.

“Women Donors Network (“WDN”) approved a 501(c)(3) grant of $100,000 for the year 2024 for California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes). We are excited to be able to offer this general support grant in partnership with Zendaya. We hope our funding supports their work and helps advance their strategic vision, wherever funds are most needed,” said Leena Barakat, President and CEO of Women Donors Network.

The money will go toward upgrading sound and lighting systems, upgrading the facility’s cafeteria and funding the 50th anniversary production of Cal Shakes’ “As You Like It.”

“We are deeply grateful to Zendaya and the WDN for their partnership and their generous $100,000 grant to the North Star Fund. This gift helps keep Cal Shakes going strong as we prepare for our 50th anniversary season! said Clive Worsley, CEO of Cal Shakes.

Zendaya, whose real name is Zendaya Coleman, has starred in the hit HBO show “Euphoria” and Marvel’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”