OUR VISION
For the last 13 years, the multi-award winning Dezart Performs has called the Pearl McManus Theater home. But with the limited stage space, along with inflexible scheduling, they have outgrown the venue. “I fell in love with the theatre and the topics, and the way they were presented,” said Beatrice Keats, founding donor and patron. “And they’re operating in the tiniest little space, they have no space backstage, so I think it’s time for them to have their own theater!”
After a long strategic planning process, Dezart Performs identified a new 4,400 square foot space in Cathedral City’s Canyon Plaza South. The campaign, called the NEXT STAGE CAMPAIGN, is headed by Co-Chairs and founding donors Ann Sheffer and Nancy Bleiweiss-Nevil. This new home will be called the Dezart Playhouse. “The productions that Dezart Performs puts on are not only extraordinary, but they are compelling,” said Cathedral City Mayor Rita Lamb. “I believe the introduction of Dezart Performs to Cathedral City is going to be transformative. It will add vibrancy and intensity, making that area of the community completely compelling.”
On December 5th, in a special event at Hotel Zoso Hotel in Palm Springs, details of the campaign were unveiled to a packed and supportive crowd of 150, emceed by “Eye on the Desert” host Patrick Evans and Desert Theatre League award-winning actor, Joel Bryant. Campaign Co-Chair Nancy Bleiweiss-Nevil, founding Artistic Director Michael Shaw, Board President Clark Dugger and several Board members were in attendance, along with other founding donors.
The campaign has been in the silent phase for over a year, with the goal to raise $ 2,200,000 to convert the former retail space into a state-of-the-art Equity Theater. In addition, the campaign seeks another $200,000 per year over five years to help sustain program and operation costs. “We have had many people make generous pledges and gifts to our campaign. But we have a ways to go to reach our goal,” said Gailya Brown, Director of Development for Dezart Performs.“ “I think it’s important for people to know that this is isn’t just about Dezart Performs. It’s going to be a community resource.”
“We have been gratified by the enthusiasm and generosity demonstrated by our supporters over the past months. But our work is not yet done,” says Michael Shaw, Dezart Performs’ founding Artistic Director. “Please join us to make this a reality. We can’t do it without the support of the community.”
The new Dezart Playhouse will have versatile, movable seating for up to 125, including the flexibility for proscenium, thrust, theatre in-the-round, or cabaret-style formats. A modern, warm and inviting lobby with a full bar and patio area will be available for use both during performances, and for other non-theatrical events. Full expanded dressings rooms, backstage areas and a designated box office are all part of the design. Besides use by Dezart Performs, the venue will also welcome other businesses and non-profit organizations in the community to make use of the space. Based on the current plan, the Dezart Playhouse will be ready for the 2025 / 2026 Season.
For more information, contact Gailya Brown at gailya.brown@dezartperforms.org
BE PART OF THE NEXT STAGE
We offer a variety of ways to support Dezart Playhouse, including a multi-tiered donor recognition program to celebrate your generosity. Choose from a number of giving levels that bestow permanent recognition of your gift on our Founders Wall or Community Gifts Wall. In addition, we have many naming opportunities for specific features in the theater that are still available for gifts of $10,000 or more.
FOUNDERS
All donors who make a gift or pledge of at least $10,000 to support The Next Stage Campaign prior to the opening of the new theater will be recognized as FOUNDERS and will receive special recognition annually. In addition, their names will be placed on the permanent FOUNDERS WALL in the lobby of the new theater.
PLEDGE
Make the most of your giving. A five-year pledge of $10,000 annually makes you a $50,000 donor, qualifying you as a Founder. In addition, you can select from a variety of attractive naming opportunities, as well as other benefits. Similarly, $20,000/year adds up to $100,000, qualifying you for one of the top naming opportunities. Join in on the ground level of this exciting journey to our new home.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
THEATER
$500,000
1 Available
AUDITORIUM
$250,000
1 Available
STAGE
$200,000
1 Available
LOBBY
$150,000
SOLD
PATIO
$150,000
1 Available
CONCESSIONS/BAR
$100,000
SOLD
BOX OFFICE/CONCIERGE
$100,000
SOLD
STAGE MANAGER’S MEZZANINE
$100,000
1 Available
NAME A SPACE/PRESENT A PLAY
$100,000
5 Available
SCENE SHOP
$75,000
SOLD
ACTORS’ DRESSING ROOM
$50,000
2 Available
CAST & CREW LOUNGE with SHOWER
$50,000
2 Available
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S OFFICE
$50,000
1 Available
SEATING SECTION/RISERS
$50,000
2 SOLD
1 Available
STAGE LIGHTING PACKAGE
$50,000
1 Available
LOBBY TABLES & SEATING
$50,000
1 Available
LOADING DOCK
$50,000
1 Available
PATIO SEATING
$25,000
1 Available
PUBLIC LADIES LOUNGE
$25,000
SOLD
AUDIO & EFFECTS PACKAGE
$25,000
SOLD
ARTISTS’ ENTRANCE
$25,000
SOLD
HVAC SYSTEM
$25,000
5 Available
WAITING IN THE WINGS
$25,000
1 Available
INTERIOR DESIGN SPONSOR
$25,000
SOLD
PUBLIC MEN’S LOUNGE
$10,000
SOLD
ACTOR’S MAKEUP STATION
$10,000
2 SOLD
8 Available
LOBBY DISPLAY CASE
$10,000
SOLD
COMMUNICATIONS PACKAGE
$10,000
1 Available
PATIO AWNING
$10,000
SOLD
EXTERIOR ROLL-UP DOOR
$10,000
1 Available
For more information, contact Gailya Brown at gailya.brown@dezartperforms.org