Dezart Performs

Dezart Performs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theatre company founded in 2008 by Michael Shaw and Daniela Ryan. It operates an Equity-sanctioned professional theatre known for producing innovative, contemporary plays that audiences in the Coachella Valley might not see in larger cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. The company currently presents four main productions annually at the Dezart Playhouse.

The company's mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting-edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors. They aim to enrich the life and culture of the community, promote greater understanding, and provoke insightful discussion through their performances.

Dezart Performs currently operates out of the historic Dezart Playhouse, located at 605 S. Riverside Drive in Palm Springs, California. The theater is situated in a former First Church of Christ Scientist building that has been designated as a landmark for its Desert Modernism architecture.

The company has a long-standing history, having been founded in 2008 and now entering its 17th season. It began as a play reading series at the Dezart One Gallery before moving to the Pearl McManus Theater in 2011, and has since expanded to four full productions.

A major recent development is the launch of Phase Two of the Dezart Playhouse transformation, which involves the adaptive reuse of the former First Church of Christ Scientist. This project advances the historic preservation of the Albert Frey-designed church while preparing it for future theatrical use.

The company is currently presenting the acclaimed musical 'Come From Away' as part of its 19th season, which runs from November 18, 2026, to December 6, 2026. Other upcoming productions include 'Naughty & Nice' and 'Hurricane Diane' in late 2026 and early 2027.

Dezart Performs is an Equity-sanctioned professional theatre that draws on a rich talent pool from both locally and the surrounding southern California region. A key feature of their casting model is the ability to blend gifted amateurs alongside experienced professionals in their productions.

One of the founding principles of the company is to produce innovative, contemporary plays that audiences in the Coachella Valley would not see unless visiting a larger city like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. This focus on bold, thought-provoking work has led to steady growth in attendance since 2008.

The company holds Small Professional Theatre (SPT) status with Actors' Equity Association and operates under EIN #01-0965335. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, they rely on donations and ticket sales to fund their artistic programming.

The theater's box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm. Visitors can reach the box office by calling 760-322-0179, ext 1, or by visiting the theater at 605 S. Riverside Drive.

Reviewers consistently praise the incredible acting, stunning set design, and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the theater. Many note that the attention to detail and the professionalism of the staff create a truly memorable experience.

News outlets like NBC Palm Springs and BroadwayWorld have covered the company's 19th season launch and the playhouse restoration efforts. These sources highlight the community impact of the show and the significance of the historic building preservation.

The company uses Constant Contact to manage its email newsletter subscriptions, allowing users to select specific lists and unsubscribe at any time via the SafeUnsubscribe link found in every email.

The mailing address for the company is 611 S Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 7538, Palm Springs, CA 92264, which is separate from the physical theater location at 605 S. Riverside Drive.

The official website of Dezart Performs is dezartperforms.com.