The Hi-Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree recently received approval from the county to move forward with its renovation and expansion plans for the Hi-Desert Playhouse, which it has renamed the Joshua Tree Performing Arts Center. The renovations will feature seating for about 300 people, an added second story mezzanine with box seats, a near doubling of the stage width, added fly space, state-of-the-art video, sound, and lighting, and making the building ADA compliant. The playhouse’s original stage will remain in place, and the building’s front façade will keep its general silhouette and historic front porch and entry, which were at one time part of the mansion of California’s first governor. Because of the playhouse construction, and construction of a new water main in the parking lot by Joshua Basin Water District, the Hi-Desert Cultural Center will be scaling back its production schedule and shifting some performances to the Yucca Valley Visual Arts Center.
