Green Room Lands 15 Nominations

COACHELLA, Calif. — Green Room Theatre Company is taking a well-earned bow after receiving 15 Desert Theatre League nominations for a season filled with comedy, drama and thought-provoking storytelling.

The nominations recognize the company’s 2025–26 productions of Como Te Gusta/As You Like It, American Moor and an interactive staged reading of George Orwell’s 1984. Together, the three productions showcased the depth and diversity of theatrical talent found throughout the Coachella Valley.

“I am incredibly proud to see tangible results from our long-term commitment to creating meaningful arts jobs for the full range of talent in our community,” said David Catanzarite, Green Room Theatre Company’s founding artistic director.

“Of our 15 Desert Star nominations this year, 12 recognize Black, Indigenous and Latino actors and directors, and nearly 100 percent of our designers and crew represent minority groups,” Catanzarite said. “This recognition reinforces why our mission matters and the impact we can make by creating opportunities for all voices to be seen, heard and celebrated.”

Como Te Gusta/As You Like It led the company’s season with six nominations. The production was nominated for Best Production-Comedy, while Catanzarite received recognition for directing. Performers Bedjou Jean, Willie Farrad Mullins, Jenne Carey and Alicia Wilson also earned nominations.

American Moor collected three nominations. Kathryn Ervin was recognized for directing the drama, with acting nominations going to Eddie L. Stephens Jr. and Ronald Douglass.

The company’s interactive staged reading of 1984 added six more nominations, including Best Production-Staged Reading. Director Jerome Joseph Gentes and performers Willie Farrad Mullins, Jonathan Brett, Jenne Carey and Bedjou Jean were also nominated.

“I’m honored and thrilled by this recognition from the Desert Theatre League, and for our incredible actors who also received recognition for their work,” Gentes said. “And I’m thrilled the small but mighty Green Room Theatre received so much recognition.”

He added that the company’s work remains especially important during a time when opportunities for seldom-heard storytellers and their stories are increasingly limited.

The winners will be announced during the Desert Star Awards gala on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at the Sun City Palm Desert Community Association, 38180 Del Webb Blvd. Reception and check-in begin at 4 p.m., followed by the awards program at 5:15 p.m.

The gala is currently sold out, although the Desert Theatre League is maintaining a waiting list.