A Timeless Tragedy Under the Stars

This year, the Joshua Tree Shakespeare Festival proudly presents King Lear—one of Shakespeare’s most powerful and enduring tragedies. But we can’t do it without you.

Your donation helps us pay our talented artists and crew, secure essential production resources, and continue our mission of bringing accessible, high-quality Shakespeare to our community.

Why Your Support Matters

We believe that great theater should be accessible to all, and that means ensuring fair wages for the artists who make this production possible. Every contribution—big or small—helps us create an unforgettable experience in the breathtaking landscape of Joshua Tree.

Your generosity makes all the difference. It was with YOUR support we made our production of 12th Night a success and were able to pay all our artists!

It is with your support that our production recently received 10 awards from the Hi-Desert Ovations! These awards are determined by popular vote by the local community. Favorite Comedy, Favorite Ensemble and Favorite Director name a few. Click the link above to see the full list. This recognition means so much to all involved.

Ticket revenue from this production will benefit Wind Walkers Medicine Wheel’s Native American Spiritual Center. Wind Walkers mission is crucial and as a nonprofit they must also raise funds via ticket sales to help meet their goals. We are honored to be in partnership with them on this project. 

While they provide a generous stipend, it will only cover the costs of costumes and other production needs. Therefore, we must fundraise to meet our mission goal of paying all who contribute time and energy to the production. Our goal is $1800. This will help us ensure a team of at least 16 actors and crew will get at least $150 each for their efforts.

Tickets are $25 each and seating is extremely LIMITED! 25 seats per show! See the link below to get yours today! 

How Your Donation Will Be Used

💰 Actors & Artists – Paying professional performers who bring these timeless characters to life.🎭 Directors & Designers – Funding the creative vision behind costumes, set design, lighting, and sound.🎶 Musicians & Technicians – Ensuring the production is supported by live music and technical expertise.🔨 Crew Members – The behind-the-scenes magic-makers who build, manage, and operate the show.

🎭 CAST & CHARACTERS

👑 King Lear – Kurt Schauppner

💔 Cordelia – Bobbie Breckenridge

🦊 The Fool – Cooki Bilsborough

🔪 Goneril & Regan – Liz Wessel & Molly Katelbach

⚔ Edmund & Edgar – Malcolm Stanley-Wolfe & Andrew Catlin

👀 Gloucester – Kevin Hayles

⚖ Kent – Jered Palmer

🏰 Duke of Albany – Cris Matthews

🏰 Duke of Cornwall – Brian Hennessy

Oswald-Booker Harrap

🎬 CREATIVE TEAM & CREW
🎭 Director – Charlie E. Walker
📋 Stage Manager – TBA
👗 Costume Designer – TBA
⚔ Stage Combat Choreographer – Krystofer Do
🛠 Set Designer – Sobe Walker

Donation Tiers & Rewards

🎭 $10 – Desert Spirit: A thank-you shoutout on our social media pages.📜 $25 – Bard’s Friend: A personalized thank-you note from the cast + a social media mention.👑 $50 – King Lear’s Loyal Subject: All previous rewards + a signed limited-edition festival poster.🎥 $75 – Royal Patron: All previous rewards + an exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peek video.🌟 $100 – Desert Sovereign: All previous rewards + VIP access to a rehearsal, where you’ll meet the cast and crew.

Join Us in Making Theater Magic

Your support allows us to create something truly special—a Shakespearean experience like no other, set against the stunning backdrop of the Mojave Desert. Help us continue to provide paying work and enriching entertainment for our local community by making your donation today.

Help us reach our goal of $1800 and make King Lear a reality. Donate today and be part of something unforgettable!

Donate Now!