Yuma arts lovers create new theater organization

Some local arts lovers recently launched an ambitious endeavor to create a new theater company, stage big-city quality shows, raise thousands in scholarship funds and one of these years get around to building a new performing arts complex.

But in the meantime, they've got a production of "Beauty and the Beast" to put together.

Desert Pointe Productions was officially born in July when the new group held its first auditions. Now they've got their first show slated for October and leaders say they couldn't be more pleased with the swift progress.

"It's an awesome feeling, just thrilling," said Shawna Perkins, executive director.

Desert Pointe Productions, which is open to performers of all ages, began in Perkins' imagination a year ago and now has a board of directors and artistic staff. Their plan, at least for their early years, is to stage at least one major production a year at Snider Auditorium.

"We have great dance studios, a great orchestra program, all these great things, but our goal is to pull it all together. The arts are just huge in this town. We need something like Desert Pointe in Yuma."

Perkins explained how her vision would work to bring together almost every imaginable arts medium. Local painters could help create sets, while local photographers could handle publicity. Dancers and actors will come together on the stage, while musicians man the orchestra during every performance.

"This will be truly community theater," Perkins said. "This is people of all ages, from all backgrounds and with all their various talents coming together to create something."

In many cases, a parent and child are slated to perform in "Beauty and the Beast" and in some cases, entire families are in the cast of 41 people.

In addition to putting on good shows, Desert Pointe's list of goals focus on personal development through the arts, especially in the case of kids and teens looking for a place to grow, belong and share their talents.

Desert Pointe's biggest goal by far involves eventually being the driving force behind the creation of a new performing arts complex in Yuma.

In the more immediate future, Desert Pointe plans to give out five $1,000 scholarships each year under the categories of dance, vocal, instrumental, theater and other. The first scholarships are expected to be applied for and granted next year. The money will be available to adults and children alike.

"These are expensive talents, expensive hobbies," Perkins said. "We want these scholarships to be substantial enough that recipients can take a summer acting class or get a musical instrument."

Desert Pointe leaders say they plan to address local organization and businesses in their bid to raise donations for scholarships - and general operation needs.

"In talking to different people they have been really supportive," the executive director said. "People have been showing up out of the woodwork. It's just this network of people saying, 'Hey I'm so and so. This is what I can do.' This organization isn't just a little group of people. This is a community thing."

---

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Send e-mail to sperkins@desertpointe.org
• Go to www.DesertPointe.org

---

THE PEOPLE BEHIND DESERT POINTE

Board of directors:
• President: Cindy Hall
• Vice president: Debbie Peare
• Treasurer: Roxanne Dahl
• Secretary: Tiffany Bodine

Staff members:
• Executive director: Shawna Perkins
• Assistant director: Amy Van Wagenen
• Music director: Jan Jackson
• Resident choreographer: Valerie Hall

---
Darin Fenger can be reached at
dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.