The Cabrillo Playhouse has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation through its inaugural Breakaway Fund, supporting major technology upgrades as part of the theater’s newly renovated space.
The grant will be used to invest in state-of-the-art lighting, a modern lighting control system, upgraded sound equipment, and a dedicated computer to run the new technology. These improvements will significantly expand the creative and technical capabilities of the theater when it reopens in January following the most extensive renovation in its history.
Cabrillo Playhouse was selected as one of just 138 Orange County nonprofit organizations to receive Breakaway Fund support from more than 1,000 applicants. Originally launched as a $5 million initiative, the Samueli Foundation expanded the fund to $11 million in response to the volume and quality of applications, with grants designed to address critical operational and infrastructure needs.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Samueli Foundation for this support,” said Michael Lopez, Producing Artistic Director of the Cabrillo Playhouse. “This grant allows us to fully realize what our renovated theater can do. The new lighting and sound systems will transform how our productions look, feel, and sound, and I cannot wait for our community to experience what this technology makes possible.”
The Samueli Foundation Breakaway Fund was created to provide nimble, high impact funding to Orange County nonprofits, with an emphasis on strengthening systems, technology, and infrastructure that enable long term sustainability and growth.
For the Cabrillo Playhouse, the grant represents a key investment in the future of live theater in San Clemente. The upgraded technology will support a wider range of productions, enhance performances for audiences, and provide artists and designers with tools typically found in much larger venues.
As the Cabrillo prepares to reopen its doors in January, the Samueli Foundation grant helps ensure that the theater’s next chapter is not only renewed, but technically equipped to serve the community for decades to come.