Desert Theatreworks Shines at Desert Star Awards

Desert Theatreworks leads in area wins, nominations

INDIO — Despite a season shortened by COVID-19, Desert Theatreworks (DTW) received the most wins and nominations for this theatre season from the Desert Theatre League’s annual Desert Star Awards.

The Desert Theatre League considered more than 70 productions this past season throughout the Coachella Valley and High Desert.  DTW, a city-supported theatre company, received 18 awards out of 72 nominations in 46 categories!  Among the most coveted distinctions are the awards for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Comedy.  The awards were announced online Sunday Oct. 4.

“It is certainly a bittersweet reward for our work last season,” said DTW Artistic Director Lance Phillips-Martinez.  “As theatre at large remains closed due to the global pandemic, we at DTW are thrilled to represent the city of Indio as the most honored theatre at the Desert Star Awards this year.”

DTW is a non-profit 503(c)(3) located at the Indio Performing Arts Center at 45175 Fargo St.

“We are proud to support the work DTW accomplished and are honored to have them make their home in Downtown Indio,” Mayor Glenn Miller said in a prepared statement.

“We have been able to feature the high caliber talent that reside in the East Valley and more importantly,” said Ron Phillips-Martinez, CEO of Desert Theatreworks, “Introduce thousands of new patrons annually to what Indio has to offer.”

The full list of winners and nominations can be found by clicking here. 

DTW began performances at Indio Performing Arts Center 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.

For more information about Desert Theatreworks and the latest reopening plans, visit Dtworks.org.