Theatre 29 celebrated at its annual volunteer appreciation dinner Saturday night in Joshua Tree. In an evening filled with artistic camaraderie, some 150 members of the Theatre 29 family were served a meal and treated to video snippets and live performances from the 2018 Season.
Theatre 29 gave out honors to those who had distinguished themselves. Winning the highest honor the non-profit organization gives, the “Volunteer of the Year” award, was Doug Peercy, who built most of the sets for the 2018 season and assists with repair and maintenance. Getting the “Above and Beyond” awards were the Bateman family of Twentynine Palms: Mom Jamie, Gabe, Carly, and Tyler. From roles on stage for both main stage and summer youth shows, to helping with costumes, props, cleaning, fixing, and wrangling youngsters, the remarkable Batemans are always ready to do whatever is needed with a smile. Another “Above and Beyond” award went to Chris Fleischman, a lead or supporting character in four of the six main stage shows. He also led, for a second year, the highly successful Baker’s Dozen Improv troupe. A special “Above and Beyond” nod went to Mark Stoker of Stoker Construction of Yucca valley. Stoker arranged for the donation of barely used seating for the theater, delivered the 160 chairs, allowed his trucks to be used as storage, and then personally supervised the installation.
Two awards were also given out for “Unseen Heroes”—volunteers who work behind the scenes. Brandon and Brandy Hazel, who married in a ceremony at Theatre 29 in 2018, were recognized for their combined efforts building sets, lighting and set design, specialty make-up, costuming and a stint onstage. The Board also recognized the many nominees for excellence named by the Desert Theatre league in 2018. All the volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation and deluxe custom thermos containers.
