The Hi-Desert Ovations are a "People's Choice" acknowledgment determined by the popular vote of theatre-going audience members and community theatre volunteers.

The Hi-Desert Ovations were created in 2016 by local community theatre-goer, volunteer, and DTL-winning actor Liyan McNeltier.  Due to her love of theatre and the people involved, she was inspired to create a fun way for all of us to show appreciation and support for one another.  Although most awards are given by judges or critics, sometimes the most meaningful acknowledgments are from our very own friends, family, and community.

Each year you vote on the previous year's productions at the following hi-desert community theaters:

Groves Cabin Theatre - Morongo Valley
Thought Theatre - Morongo Basin
Joshua Tree Summer Theatre Under the Stars - Joshua Tree
Hi-Desert Cultural Center - Joshua Tree
Theatre 29 - Twentynine Palms
Wonder Valley Theater Company - Wonder Valley

Participation is free for theaters and voters and is conducted entirely online. Voting is open to everyone who has seen the production, including the cast and crew of nominated productions.

For a production to be nominated, a representative of the production must submit an electronic copy of the production's program with the appropriate notations. There is also an Individual Nomination form available if a specific production has not been submitted.  Please see the submission instructions for complete details.

In order for an individual to be nominated in any category, the nominee must be a volunteer without professional-level compensation.