2025 Spring production of "The Masked Musketeer"

Directed by Teri Drew & Steve Gibson

Performance dates: March 20th-23rd, 2025

 In 2020, the High Desert Community Theater Guild work to get this same play ready for audiences. We were 1 week away from performing when the world shut down with the COVID pandemic. Fast forward 5 years, same play, new directors and mostly new cast, we are excited to bring this play back to life for our audiences. 

The men of a small Spanish village are called to Madrid by the king, leaving only the women and three unruly “boys” behind.  It doesn’t take long for the village to be overrun with bandits, so the lazy Lorenzo, Mateo and Felipe take it upon themselves to become musketeers.  Easier said than done!  These wanna-be swashbucklers are more like knee bucklers, and they can’t even get the saying right!  (All for three and three for all?!)  Meanwhile, the women are coping with their own problems:  poor saloon owner Lucia must deal with the bandits drinking all the town’s sarsaparilla, Sancha doesn’t have anyone to chop her firewood, and Corina is busy preparing for her wedding but still needs a groom!  The women villagers grow discouraged until a masked musketeer swoops in to help Mateo and his compadres fight off the bandits before mysteriously disappearing.  When the bandits find out the town has a hidden treasure, they take a hostage, demanding to have it and the masked musketeer delivered to them...  or else!

 

  

2024 Spring production of Leona, Love Thy Neighbor, Too 

Directed by Steve Gibson

Auditions are January 30-31st

Performance dates are April 18th thru 21st, 2024

We are excited to bring to our audiences the sequel to "Love Thy Neighbor" that was performed in the Fall of 2023. Come see what shenanigans Leona is up to in her neighborhood now. 

 We had such a great time performing "Love Thy Neighbor," we will be bringing you the sequel in the Spring of 2024. See photos below for some of the fun we had..

The High Desert Community Theater is proud to announce the dates of our next production. We enjoyed performing this play back in 2011, we decided to bring it back to you with a new director, mostly new cast, and new venue.

Love thy Neighbor by Gary Ray Stapp
Dates: Thursday, Friday & Saturday November 2nd, 3rd & 4th
Time: 7pm
Date: Sunday November 5th
Time: 2pm
Location: Madras Performing Arts Center

Love thy Neighbor, is a family friendly comedy, set in small town USA, with some extremely colorful characters.

     "Armed with a sharply judgmental attitude and a pair of binoculars, homeowner Leona Crump is consumed with anxiety over her new neighbors.  Will they be California beatniks?  Or paroled drug pushers?  Or more frightening yet, perhaps someone with children?!
     Her worst fears are realized when an odd-ball "hill-folk" family moves in across the street.  Leona quickly realizes that neither God, nor her favorite telephone psychic, has prepared her for the series of showdowns set to take place in her living room.  Gafina, an obnoxious, gum-chewing woman, together with her 'Maw' an old hillbetty crone; Gafina's simple-minded, love-struck boyfriend, Turner; and her 'trampy' sister Bambi, turn Leona's neighborhood upside down.  Threatened by the over-zealous friendliness of Gafina and 'romanced' by the disgusting Turner, Leona vows to purge them from her cul-de-sac.  But she has no support from her husband, the epitome of the couch potato, nor her other neighbor Judy, who is as sweet as pie and about as bright.
     Adding to Leona's exasperation are her daily dealings with her refrigerator-raiding neighbor Paul, the local real estate saleswoman, the mailman, an Avon lady, a police officer and a paper girl, all, she is sure, who were only put on this earth to annoy her.  Outnumbered, but refusing to be outmatched, Leona suits up in fatigues and resolves to 'mop up' the new neighbors all on her own.  Ultimately, it's a flock of pink flamingos that drives her over the edge and lands her in the local jail.  But in the end, will she be victorious and drive her new neighbors away?  Maybe, maybe not--it all depends on her weedeater!"

     The multi-aged cast and crew are all very dedicated volunteers who are committed to upholding the stated goal of the HDCT by providing an opportunity for the local community to gather together and laugh out loud.
      The performances are free to the public, donations will be accepted and all proceeds go strictly into the coffers for future productions.

Meet the Cast: 

Director: Joy DeHaan, George: Ray Pokorny, Judy: Deanna Seibold, Paul: Scott Waite, Albert: Jeff Lancaster, Ava/Maw: Cindy Brockett, Papergirl: Joan Starkel, Officer Doonan: Jen Watson, Gafina: Teri Drew, Rose: Glennys Lindsay, Leona: Marsha Casey, Turner: Brad Watson

Spring 2018!

Auditions Fall Production 2017

Open Auditions for
"She was only Marginally Modest" by Vern Hardur

Sept. 5th & 6th
6:30 pm
Culver City Hall

Directed by Steve Gibson
     Please arrive at least 15min early to fill out your audition form complete with conflicts for
Sept. 7th - Nov. 12th

Filled with puns, punches, and punchable moose muffins, this classic melodrama is wonderfully entertaining.  With a myriad of amusing characters, plot twists, and exaggerated scenes, the entire cast has a moment to steal the show!

For a script preview visit
She was only Marginally Modest - Heuer Publishing

Spring Production 2017

Auditions for
"Let's Hang Him and Read the Will" by Pat Cook

Jan. 10th & 11th
6:30pm
Culver City Hall

Directed by Marsha Casey
     Please arrive 15 min. early to fill out audition form complete with conflicts for
Jan. 12th - Mar. 19th

For a script sample and a cast list please visit Hitplays.com Let's Hang Him and Read the Will.

Spring Production 2016!

It's time to PLAY!

Auditions for the upcoming play are:

Jan. 19th & 20th
6:00pm
Culver City Hall

Please arrive 15 min. and bring all conflicts for Jan 21st - March 20th.

The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes by Craig Sodaro
Directed by Marsha Casey
Assistant Director Teri Drew

For a script sample and a cast list please visit: Pioneer Drama/Sherlock

Fall 2015 Wash Your Troubles Away!

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

Let's Play!

Casting Call!

Open Auditions - Culver City Hall

Tuesday August 26th & Wednesday August 27th, 6:30pm

Please arrive promptly at 6:30, quickly fill out the audition form, complete with any conflicts you may have from August 28th - November 2nd.

     Do you like to make people laugh? Do you enjoy working as a team?  The HDCT is troupe of actors of many ages and we are looking for those who have the time and willingness, to work hard, have a lot of fun, and want to learn a little about theatre along the way.

No prior experience needed!  

     There are many ways to participate: as actors on the stage, crew members behind the scenes, greeters, concession, costuming, set building, stage hands, and assistants.  If you would like an opportunity to work in any area of the production please attend the audition, fill out the audition form and let us know how you can help!

The HDCT is excited to announce our next production!

Larceny and Old Lace

by Van Vandagriff

Directed By Melissa Liebert
     Assistant Director Marsha Casey

The Cast of Characters:

HAROLD ..m.. (263 lines) good hearted but unsuspecting nephew of Millie & Gertie
CHARLIE ..m.. (69 lines) his wacky, swashbuckling uncle who thinks he's a pirate
GERTIE ..f.. (272 lines) his sweet but larcenous aunt; casinos are her bread & butter
MILLIE ..f.. (245 lines) his other just as sweet but just as larcenous aunt; also loves casinos
MORDRED ..m.. (89 lines) his sinister, black-hearted thieving cousin
LESTER ..m.. (48 lines) Mordred's sinister, black-hearted thieving but reluctant sidekick
OFFICER MCNEALY ..m/f.. (48 lines) friendly beat cop
OFFICER LARSON ..m/f.. (61 lines) new cop on the beat
AGENT KLICK ..m/f.. (52 lines) FBI agent hot on Mordred's trail
AGENT KLACK ..m/f.. (44 lines) Klick's fellow agent
GLORIA ..f.. (40 lines) Harold's unwitting fiancee'
DR. SHORTANOAR ..m/f.. (11 lines) proprietor of the local insane asylum
NURSE WIDGET ..m/f.. (11 lines) hard-nosed nurse who does Shortanoar's dirty work
JUDGE TAYLOR ..m/f.. (34 lines) takes care of the legal matters of commitment
TAXI DRIVER ..m/f.. (10 lines) doesn't mind waiting, but this is ridiculous
DR. PRETORIOUS ..m/f.. (6 lines) signs papers to prove that Charlie's crazy

Notes:    Rehearsals are tentatively set for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, starting Thursday August 28th with a complete read-through with the full cast.  Additional dates and extended times will be in effect starting 2 weeks prior to performances and will extend thru final performance on Sunday November 2nd.
     For a preview of the script visit: Pioneer Drama

Now LET'S PLAY! 

Show Times!

The HDCT invites you to 'Come out and Play!'

We are holding open Auditions for:

The Shame of Tombstone by Tim Kelly
Directed by Kimberly Strong

Dates: Tuesday & Wednesday - January 28th & 29th 2014
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Culver City Hall

The cast of Characters:  (and they are Characters!)

FIFI  --  a French maid from Bisbee, 'Oooh!  La-la!
AMANDA GOODSORT --  an inspiration to the wild town of Tombstone, harbors a dramatic secret.
FLORA COURTLAND  --  society leader and power to be reckoned with.
PEACHY JAMM  --  an artiste, pretty but no heart.
JUDGE MORTIMER HARSHLY  --  a villainous rouge, stops at nothing to achieve his evil ends.
OLE TIMER  --  a piece of the Old West, worships Amanda from afar, which is not a bad idea considering the way he smells.
SIDEKICK  --  Ole Timer's partner, and desert rat.
LONELY WOLF  --  a scout.  Harvard graduate.
LITTLE VICTORIA  --  a blossom from Beantown.
LT. PETE BOGG  --  the calvary to the rescue!
WING TIP  --  possess the wisdom of the ages and a long white beard.
UNKNOWN WOMAN --  Vengeance is mine!

NOTE:  For comic effect, some of the male roles may be portrayed by actresses, e.g. SIDEKICK, or WING TIP and maybe even LONELY WOLF.

Please visit.  http://www.pioneerdrama.com for a complete synopsis and an opportunity to read the first act by clicking on "Script Sample".

There are many ways to be a part of the production, anyone interested in participating is invited to attend the auditions and or contact Kimberly at highdestertcommunitytheater@gmail.com

Those positions include:

Props/Costumes Coordinator:
Duties: Work directly with Director, script, and actors, to gather all necessary props and costumes needed for the production. It is possible to be an actor in current production.

Graphics Designer:
Duties: Create flyers/posters for advertising, create the playbills/programs, work with the advertising coordinator to have them produced. It is possible to be an actor in current production.

Stage Crew:
Duties: Include between-act changing of scenery, helping actors with props, curtain timing, and lighting, at Rehearsals and at performances. It is not possible to be an actor in current production.

Refreshments:
Duties: Will make financial arrangements with treasurer to purchase refreshments. Will set up, tear down, and serve at all performances. Will, donate (preferably to local entities), and/or dispose of all unused perishables. It is not possible to be an actor in current production.

Rehearsals will be Tues. Wed. Thurs. from 6:30 - 8:30 starting on Jan. 30th.
Performances will be Fri. Sat. & Sun. Mar. 14th - Mar. 23rd.
Fri. & Sat. 7pm show - 6pm call
Sun. 2pm show - 1pm call

There will be additional Rehearsals both weeks of performances that may include Mondays.  

1

Time to secure your tickets!

Come out and PLAY!

Casting Call

Open Auditions - Culver City Hall

Tuesday August 27th 6pm  - - & - -  Wednesday August 28th 6pm

  Auditions are open to all interested in participating in our fall production, actors of all ages are needed.  No experience necessary, simply the time and willingness to work hard, have a lot of fun, and lend a hand in keeping this art form alive and well in our community.

  

the play

Semi-musical Comedy

Vaudeville's my Home

by Ken Bradbury

  It's 1926 and two vaudeville troupers are stranded in the village of Pleasant Corners.  Broke and hungry they devise a plan to swindle the local populace by convincing them they have enough talent to produce their own vaudeville show!

  The try-outs are Hilarious, will the show make enough money for a new school?  Or is there something fishy about "Fish & Hooker" and why is a New York Detective looking for them?

the characters

Harvey - The opera house janitor, a cagey old cuss in his 60's.  (55 lines)

Fish - One-half of the "Fish and Hooker" vaudeville team.  (singing part), easy-going, good-head for business.  25-30s (183 lines)

Hooker - A smooth talker, feels his over-dramatic talent is wasted on vaudeville.  (singing part) 30-50s. (411 lines)

Joyce - President of the local National Alliance for Good Schools (N.A.G.S.)  Neat prim, social leader. 50s (95 lines)

Mrs. Scott, Reed, Wilson, Peterson, and Arnold - Mid-western housewives, (N.A.G.S.)  Will sing and dance but talent NOT necessary.  30-50s (few lines each)

Mrs. Gaglianno - Fiery Italian housewife, more tolerated than loved by the community. 50-60s (15 lines)

Antonio Gaglianno - Local butcher, a jolly energetic little man, 60s (31 lines)

Eloise - Local spinster, she suspects everyone of everything, uses a cane and walks hunch-backed.  70s (87 lines)

J.T. McDowell - Head of the McDowell clan.  A big man who rules with an iron hand and a slow drawl. (plays fiddle, guitar, or jug) 40-50s (28 lines)

Elsie McDowell - Mother to the clan, plainest of plain.  40-50s. (0 lines) instead she stomps, clogs, cries and plays the kazoo.

T.J. & G.J. McDowell - Brothers, slow calm, deliberate, (both play guitar)  Pre-teens, (2 lines each)

Emma Jean McDowell - Possesses the only intelligence in the family.  (singing part) 20s (19 lines)

Margaret - Well groomed HS girl who spends most of her time fluttering her eyelashes.  HS-teen. (11 lines)

Willy - In jeans, tennis shoes and a big bow-tie, Willy seems to have little interest in girls.  HS-teen. (22 lines)

Sgt. Tim O'Sullivan - New York Detective, down-to-earth, dedicated, under-paid cop.  30-40s. (49 lines)

Notes:  All those auditioning may be asked to sing.  Do not get hung up on the characters age, costumes, make-up and acting can create the illusion. 
Rehearsals will be tuesdays, wednesdays, and thursdays, with additional requirements one week prior and the two weeks of performances.  

Mystery Solved!

The Donneducci's and the Duccedonni's have reconciled and the mystery has been solved.

What a great adventure our first murder mystery was.  So many wonderful memories, from the first night of auditions that brought out twice as many interested and talented actors than were required.  To the unprecedented decision to create two complete casts, and the wonderful performances that each cast brought us.

Many thanks to all the cast members for their dedication, for all their hard work, and for the wonderful performances that they brought to the stage.  As their director I could not have asked for anything more!

Many thanks to all of our community members who supported us by attending, by Laughing-Out-Loud with us, and by contributing enough donations to pay for the production.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

From all of us to all of you!  Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing you all again in the Fall.

Arrivederci (to meet again)
~ Kimberly Strong

HDCT PRESENTS!

Death by Dessert

a murder mystery comedy in two acts

by Nathan Hartswick
Directed by Kimberly Strong

Showtimes:

     Friday & Saturday Mar. 15th & 16th, 2013

          TIME: 7pm

     Sunday Mar. 17th

          TIME: 2pm

     Friday & Saturday Mar. 22nd & 23rd, 2013

          TIME: 7pm

     Sunday Mar. 24th

          TIME: 2pm

Location:

     Culver High School Multi-purpose room

Cost:

     FREE - Donations accepted at performances

Tickets:

     You must obtain a ticket to attend any performance.  Tickets are free and available for pick up at:

• Culver City Hall
• Madras Chamber of Commerce

2 DIFFERENT CASTS - 1 HILARIOUS SHOW

See Cast 1 - The New York Weiners                See Cast 2

    "The New York Weiners"                               "The Manhattan Nights"

     Perform: Mar. 15th, 22nd, 24th                       Perform: Mar. 16th, 17th, 23rd

     In New Yorks little Italy the Donnaducci family and the Duccedonni family have been feuding for a generation while operating two competing restaurants that share a common wall.   At rise the buildings landlord is dead  and everyone is a suspect - from the old world Italian grandmother and mafia don grandfather to the passionate chefs and the bumbling wait staff.

     This off-beat comedy will delight with it's fast pace, entertaining story, and host of colorful characters.  Will the murderer be ferreted out?  Will the feud ever be reconciled?  What are the hidden truths about what happened all those years ago?  

Open Auditions!

A mystery is about to unfold and you can be a part of the fun!

The HDCT will be performing Death by Dessert by Nathan Hartswick, 

a Comedy in Two Acts.

Directed by Kimberly Strong

     Are you ready to be a star?  Do you like to make people laugh?  We are looking for those who have the time and willingness to work hard, have a lot of fun and hopefully learn a little about Theatre along the way.
     There are many ways to participate in a production, on stage, back stage, greeters, concession, props, assistants.  If you would like an opportunity to work in any area of the production please attend the audition.

Dates:    Tuesday & Wednesday
                Jan. 29th & 30th,  2013

Where:   Culver City Hall
Time:      6:30 pm  

Death by Dessert by Nathan Hartswick

     In New York's little Italy, the Donneducci family and the Duccedonni family have been feuding for a generation, while operating two competing Italian Restaurants that share a common wall.
     This offbeat comedic murder mystery will delight with it's fast pace story, and colorful characters.
     Will the murderer be ferreted out?  Will the feud ever be reconciled?  What are the hidden truths about what happened all those years ago?

Cast of Characters

(6M, 6W, 5 extras)

Don  (m 50+)  He is a joyful, fatherly man who lives for food.  With his thick Italian accent and pressed suit, he comes across like a mob boss.  (78 lines)

Nino  (m age neutral) The Chef, a New Yorker with a short temper, passionate about nothing in life so much as the art of cooking.  (52 lines)

Frankie & Louie  (m age neutral) Two idiot henchmen, they work usually badly for Don.  (F-22 lines, L-11 lines)

Busboy  (m 20ish)  A down-to-earth young Romeo.

Donna  (f  50+)  Doesn't take any lip and plays mother to everyone around her.  (63 lines)

Nina  (f  age neutral)  The Chef, a laid-back, sensitive artist who can get riled up when her cooking is insulted.  (51 lines)

Francie & Louise  (f  age neutral)  Two idiotic girls who act like mobster's girlfriends.  (both have 18 lines)

Busgirl (f  20ish)  A down-to-earth young Juliet.  (42 lines)

Nonno & Nonna  (m & F  older)  Pantomime characters who act out a flashback at the plays conclusion.  (non-speaking)

The Ship has Sailed!

The Kayla May and it's two captains have sailed away, what great memories they left with us!

So many people to thank, first and foremost our directors.
Thank you to Steve Gibson, your direction and vision brought this play to life, your spirit and enthusiasm kept us all enthralled.  Thank you Marsha Casey for once again teaching us so many ways to use our whole bodies to be funny, and thank you Sharon Gibson for all the musical direction, what a beautiful sound you helped us create!

Our cast!  You are all my heroes!  I know what a huge commitment it is to be in a production like this, the hours of rehearsal, the time spent learning lines and songs, and remembering stage direction.  Time away from your family, your friends, and all the normal activities of life.  Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.

And last but certainly not least thank you to the community!  It is so wonderful that in spite of all the instant technology available today that there are so many of you that still have an appreciation for the theater arts!

Thank You!  Thank You!  Thank You!

Until we meet again in the spring, I'll leave you with a few of the wonderful comments that were shared with me after performances.

"That was really great! Thank you!"

"I've been to every show, and can not wait until the next one!"

"You guys are terrific, thank you for doing this in our community!"

"Really terrific!"

"Didn't want it to end!"

"Loved the music"

"Is there a sound track?"

"You should have recorded the music and sold Cd's"

"It was wonderful to see all the different ages of actors together!"

"So good, Thank You!"

Ahoy! me matey's

~ Kimberly Strong