Past speakers include President Theodore Roosevelt, William Randolph Hearst, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama.

Positioned in a natural amphitheater just north of Bowles Hall, above Gayley Road, the site takes advantage of the hill's semicircular shape, creating an open-air space oriented towards the west.

The seating area features a grassy mound at the top of the bowl, leading to 19 rows of concrete benches that cascade down the slope, forming a semi-circle facing the elevated Classical stage on the western side.

The central stage entrance is a striking feature, comprising a monumental doorway in an aedicule form with a Classic entablature supported by consoles, adorned with egg and dart molding.

Referred to as "this noble ensemble of building, sky and garden" by architect Ernest Born, the Greek Theatre has long stood as a symbol of the University's ethos.

President Benjamin Ide Wheeler advocated for its transformation into a more substantial venue for University events, with funding secured from William Randolph Hearst.

Architectural historian Joan Draper highlights the parallels perceived between Berkeley and Greek life by key figures involved in the project.

Modeled after the theater at Epidaurus, Howard envisioned elaborate enhancements, including caryatids crowning the back wall and a double colonnade encircling the seating area for 10,000 attendees, all to be clad in marble.

However, financial constraints led to scaled-back plans, with private donors contributing inscribed marble chairs based on Greek designs.