Green Room Theatre Company Earns 15 Desert Theatre League Nominations

Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley is celebrating an award-nominated 2025–26 season, earning 15 Desert Theatre League nominations for its productions of “American Moor,” “Como Te Gusta/As You Like It” and “1984.”

The nominations recognize performers, directors and productions across comedy, drama and staged reading categories, highlighting the range of talent and storytelling featured throughout the company's season.

“Como Te Gusta/As You Like It” received six nominations, including Best Production–Comedy. The production also earned recognition for director David Catanzarite and performers Bedjou Jean, Willie Farrad Mullins, Jenne Carey and Alicia Wilson.

“American Moor” received three nominations, including recognition for director Kathryn Ervin and performers Eddie L. Stephens Jr. and Ronald Douglass.

The interactive staged reading of “1984” earned six nominations, including Best Production–Staged Reading. Nominations also recognized director Jerome Joseph Gentes and performers Willie Farrad Mullins, Jonathan Brett, Jenne Carey and Bedjou Jean.

Catanzarite, the company's founding artistic director, said the recognition reflects Green Room Theatre Company's commitment to creating opportunities for artists throughout the Coachella Valley.

Of the company's 15 nominations, 12 recognize Black, Indigenous and Latino actors and directors, while nearly all of its designers and crew members represent minority groups, according to the company.

“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,” Catanzarite said.

Gentes, who was nominated for Best Director of a Staged Reading for “1984,” said he was honored by the recognition and emphasized the importance of supporting stories and storytellers who are often underrepresented.

Green Room Theatre Company serves communities throughout the Coachella Valley, touring professional theater and ballet folklórico performances to under-resourced neighborhoods. The company also offers internships, scholarships and small-enrollment classes for children and teens in Indio, Coachella, Thermal and Mecca.

The winners will be announced during the Desert Star Awards gala on Sunday, October 18, at Sun City Palm Desert.

For more information about Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley, visit grtccv.org or call 442-215-7039.