About DTW
Desert TheatreWorks (DTW) stands as a cornerstone of the Coachella Valley community, dedicated to enriching lives through the transformative power of the performing arts. As a vital 501(c)(3) nonprofit community theater, DTW is committed to providing diverse and engaging cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike. At DTW, we believe in the power of live performance to inspire, educate, and unite our community. We are dedicated to creating transformative experiences that leave a lasting impact on individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
IPAC History
DTW began performances at IPAC in April of 2017 with Next to Normal. Since it’s inception with its first production in July 2013, DTW has presented 45 mainstage productions, 25 special events and received numerous accolades and awards for its productions. DTW productions this past year have been attended by more than 12,000 people, with over 25,000 visiting this 22,000 square foot building. Currently DTW has nearly 1000 subscribers with 55 % of those living in the Palm Springs-Palm Desert area.
Meet the DTW Team
Ron Phillips
CEO
Lance Phillips
Artistic Director
Rhonda Crockett
Director of Operations
Ashlee Spach
Director of Program Development
William Cooper
Director of Community Engagement
Articles and Reviews
Click on a poster below to read reviews, articles, or watch television interviews!
DTW Awards
Check out the Desert Theatre League Star Awards we've received throughout the years!
Desert Theatre League Star Awards 2022 Outstanding Production Comedy I Ought to be in Pictures Outstanding Director of a Comedy -Daniela Ryan, I Ought to be in Pictures Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy -Eddie Stephens, I Ought to be in Pictures Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama -Hal O’Connell, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama -Sandra Mitchell, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner The Bill Groves Award for Outstanding Juvenile -Tess Phillips, I Ought to be in Pictures Outstanding Props and Special Effects -Jeff Mazer/Adriana Reyes, Little Shop of Horrors
Desert Theatre League Star Awards 2020 Outstanding Supporting Actor – Musical – Youth Theatre -Enrique Beltran, Disney’s Newsies Outstanding Production – Comedy -Neil Simon’s Rumors Outstanding Director of a Comedy -Rebecca McWilliams, Rumors Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy -Jerry Prager, Rumors Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy (Professional) -Kari Kirkland, Rumors Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy -Mason McIntosh, Rumors Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy -Adriana Reyes, The Savannah Sipping Society Outstanding Production – Musical -Disney’s Mary Poppins Outstanding Musical Director of a Musical -Donald Kelly, Mary Poppins The Michelle Gains Award for Outstanding Choreography of a Musical -Stacy Casaluci-Grenrock, Mary Poppins Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical -Leslye Martinez, Beehive: The 60s Musical Outstanding Lead Female Performer in a Cabaret/Review -Michelle Mendoza, The Big Broadway Sing Along Too! Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Cabaret/Review -Raul Valenzuela, The Big Broadway Sing Along Too! Outstanding Set Design - Tessa Gregory-Walker, Rumors Outstanding Sound Design - Miguel Arbello/Tessa Gregory-Walker, Mary Poppins Outstanding Costume Design -Michelle Mendoza, Mamma Mia! The Ron Hamm Award for Outstanding Hair & Makeup -Michelle Mendoza, Mamma Mia! The Ron Hamm Award for Outstanding Hair & Makeup (Professional) -Timm McBride, Beehive: The 60s Musical
Desert Theatre League Star Awards 2019 Outstanding Production – Comedy -Brighton Beach Memoirs Outstanding Director of a Comedy -Rebecca McWilliams, Brighton Beach Memoirs Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy -Daniela Ryan, Brighton Beach Memoirs Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy -Laura Ortega, Southern Fried Funeral Outstanding Musical Director of a Musical -Donald Kelly, The Sound of Music The Bill Groves Award for Outstanding Juvenile -Victoria Mendoza, Into the Woods Outstanding Director of a Cabaret/Review -Karen Schmidt, Some Enchanted Evening Outstanding Set Design -Lance Phillips, Brighton Beach Memoirs
Desert Theatre League Star Awards 2018 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy -Tanner Lieser, The 39 Steps Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy -Stephen McMillen, The 39 Steps The Bill Groves Award for Outstanding Juvenile -Victoria Mendoza, Annie Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Staged Reading -Stephen Kauffman, Death of a Salesman Outstanding Lead Female Performer in a Staged Reading (Professional) -Janae Kleban, Death of a Salesman Outstanding Supporting Male Performer in a Staged Reading -Stephen Blackwell, Death of a Salesman
Desert Theatre League Star Awards 2017 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama -Renee Poignard, A Murder is Announced Outstanding Musical Director of a Musical/Opera/Pageant -Donald Kelly, Next to Normal Outstanding Choreography for a Musical/Opera/Pageant -Heidi Hapner, The Drowsy Chaperone Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical/Opera/Pageant -Briana Eylicio, Next to Normal Outstanding Director of a Staged Reading -Janelle Kaufman, Our American Cousin Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Staged Reading -Miguel Arballo, The Marriage of Figaro Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Staged Reading (Professional) -Arnie Kleban, Glengary Glen Ross Outstanding Supporting Male Performer in a Staged Reading -John Alex Houlton, Our American Cousin Outstanding Supporting Female Performer in a Stage Reading -Desiree Clarke Outstanding Sound Design -Brian Alex Thom/Tanner Lieser, War of the Worlds – Radio Play
Advertise in the DTW 2024/25 Playbill
Desert Theatreworks announces our very first Playbill 2024/2025 booklet to be released to over 30,000 local patrons of the Coachella Valley. We are extending this opportunity to local vendors to advertise in our prestigious collector's booklet of the season with very. limited and accentuated space - - at a very
nominal fee for the entire year of marketing.
30,000+ Patron viewing
10,000+ Followers and Mailing List
Collectors edition
50K Reach
Careers at DTW
We are not currently hiring
Please check back to Desert TheatreWorks careers page for employment opportunities!