LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Worsley returns to Cal Shakes as executive director


Clive Worsley Photo courtesy Cal Shakesr

California Shakespeare Theater's board of directors announced Oct. 4 that Managing Director Sarah Williams will depart the Bay Area nonprofit theater organization following three years at the helm. Veteran arts leader, actor, and advocate Clive Worsley has been named to the newly created position of Executive Director. As part of a comprehensive reimagination of the organization, Worsley will take up the newly created Executive Director role, which will oversee and direct the strategic vision of the organization.

"Our board knew we were dealing with change taking place on many levels at once: In the theater, in the performing arts, in the community, and on the land," said Betsy Streeter, Cal Shakes Board Secretary and leader of the transition team. "We knew that no matter what happened, we wanted our work to reflect and extend the purpose and values that Cal Shakes has long embraced. Clive embodies these principles personally, in the community, and in his past work at Cal Shakes leading Artistic Learning, which makes him the ideal choice to come in and have an immediate impact."

Worsley has been a leader in Bay Area performing arts nonprofits as an artist, educator, and administrator for over 30 years. From 2013-2021, Worsley served as Director of Artistic Learning and expanded the reach of arts education to communities around the San Francisco Bay Area. Worsley served as Artistic Director of Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette from 2008-2013, where he cultivated greater integration of the Main Stage and Educational Programs, including a shadow cast program for teen actors. Under his direction, Town Hall built new community partnerships, recovered from a devastating flood, achieved financial solvency, and received numerous Shellie Awards.

"I'm delighted and honored to be back at Cal Shakes, and to help shape the next phase of this vital community resource," said Worsley. "As we steward Cal Shakes into the future, I'm grateful to the Board, leadership team, and staff who have worked tirelessly to support and advance the mission of the organization."