Desert Entertainment with Tod
Award-Winning Drama 'Fear' to Benefit Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival
A unique theatrical experience is coming to the desert as "Fear," a psychological drama by Matt Williams, takes the stage for a three-night benefit engagement. The production, which won five Desert Theatre League Awards for its initial staged reading, will run May 14, 15, and 16 at a warehouse in the Cathedral City Business Park.
Starring David Youse and Chuck Yates, the play marks a departure from Matt Williams' typical work as the creator of "Roseanne" and "Home Improvement." Set in an abandoned shed, the production utilizes a site-specific warehouse space to create an intimate, immersive environment for only 50 guests per night. Each evening begins with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance at 7:30 p.m.
Proceeds from the production benefit the Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival (PSYPF), now in its ninth year. Founded by Youse, the festival encourages students from elementary through high school across Riverside County to submit original works. Winners receive mentorship from professional playwrights and directors, as well as a $500 scholarship.
"It is life-changing for them," said Youse. "It's not just about becoming a writer. We want to show them the vast opportunities in the entertainment business, from lighting design to wardrobe and beyond."
The festival will culminate in a public staged reading of the winning students' plays on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Tickets and more information about both "Fear" and the festival can be found at psypf.org.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 29, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings