In the 1980s, an organ was moved from the Paramount Theater in Toledo, Ohio and installed in the Berkeley Community Theater by the Nor-Cal Theater Organ Society. The theater was designed to house a theater organ, but one was not installed at the time of construction.
Students attending Berkeley High during the war years often called it the "Bird Cage" since the exposed metal framework was a roost for many seagulls waiting for students to finish their lunches. The theater was designed in 1938 and construction began in 1941, but was not completed until 1950, due to delays caused by World War II. A large stage is extended by an orchestra pit that can be raised or lowered. The Art Deco-style theater has 3,491 seats, including a balcony section. The theater building, a City of Berkeley Landmark since 1992, also holds the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, a smaller venue often used for Berkeley High School music and theater performances.
The theater is administered by the Berkeley Unified School District.
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