The concept of an arts center in the High Desert began at the organizational meeting of the High Desert Cultural Arts Foundation in 1987. Mostly visual artists and a few performing arts people met in the back room of a gallery owned at that time by Jocelyn Hunt. The meeting was called by High Dese...

The concept of an arts center in the High Desert began at the organizational meeting of the High Desert Cultural Arts Foundation in 1987. Mostly visual artists and a few performing arts people met in the back room of a gallery owned at that time by Jocelyn Hunt. The meeting was called by High Desert sculptor Joe Corda, who conceived the idea of the Foundation and served as its first President. At that gathering, the framework of the organization was agreed upon, and some goals were set. Dates for an art show were selected immediately, a multi-venue event embracing all the arts was discussed for the future, and the long range goal was a facility, in which the group could host visual and performing arts events while fostering support for the arts and artists of our community.

Several members kept the dream of an arts center alive in the early years of the HDCAF. Principal among those were Gudelia McMurray and Ruth Theodos, who were very active in fund-raising projects. Were it not for the dedication of these two individuals and some others, there may never in our lifetimes have been a High Desert Center for the Arts.

How do I find your place?
We are very easy to find! Coming North on the 15-freeway exit at Roy Rogers and go straight ahead, between McDonalds and the Gas Station. You will see our fencing and parking area. This is the back of the Fairgrounds. Going South exit Roy Rogers and go across the over pass...

How do I find your place?
We are very easy to find! Coming North on the 15-freeway exit at Roy Rogers and go straight ahead, between McDonalds and the Gas Station. You will see our fencing and parking area. This is the back of the Fairgrounds. Going South exit Roy Rogers and go across the over pass, turn left between McDonalds and the Gas Station and you will see the back of the Fairgrounds.

What type of event can I hold at the Fairgrounds?
You can have Horse shows, Livestock Shows, Car Shows, Parties, Weddings, Computer Shows, Bridal Shows, Theatre Diners, R.V. Rally's, Car Shows and Picnic's we have the facilities, the room and the parking.

How can I find out what events at the Fairgrounds I can attend?
Anything put on our Calendar of Events is open to the public. Some events will have a fee to pay and others will be free. We will not put any private party or event on the Calendar. If available, we will have information numbers to call.

How can I enter my crafts in the Fair? Sometime in mid February our competition handbook will be out to the public. Please pick up the handbooks at the Fairgrounds, Libraries, Craft Stores and Feed Stores. With this handbook, you can look up the classes and divisions for your craft. Then enter the different classes such as: Preserved Foods, Quilts, Ceramics, Collections and so many other areas. Adult and Junior Divisions are available. Livestock and Small Animal shows are listed for your possible entry also. We have special contests such as: Fair theme Cookie jar, Grandma and Grandpa Cookies, Pie Contests and Yard Art. The entry form is included in the back of the handbook. One is for the still exhibits the other is for livestock. Check out the handbook. Most every entry in the still classes is only $1.00.

What are the hours you are open?
We open at 8:00am in the morning and close at 5:00pm in the evening, Monday through Friday. We are closed on all government Holidays. We are closed on the weekends, except during our annual fair in May.

History
Shenanigans’ started in April 1991 when auditions were held for its first production, “A Night of Shenanigans”. Six weeks later, 67 performers took to the stage at the Victor Valley Performing Arts Center. At that moment, the organization’s founders’ dream to provide the youth of the High...

History
Shenanigans’ started in April 1991 when auditions were held for its first production, “A Night of Shenanigans”. Six weeks later, 67 performers took to the stage at the Victor Valley Performing Arts Center. At that moment, the organization’s founders’ dream to provide the youth of the High Desert with more opportunity to grow educationally and participate in the Performing Arts came to life.

Shenanigans’ has produced and performed its annual “Play It Smart – Stay Safe From Drugs” show for local schools since 1993. In 2001, Shenanigans also wrote and developed “The Earth Show”, an educational show about recycling, and has since regularly performed this for local schools as well.

Since 1995, Shenanigans’ has annually represented the Victor Valley at the California State Expo in Sacramento. Shenanigans’ also performs regularly at the San Bernardino County, Ventura County, Orange and Kern County Fairs. Shenanigans' has performed at Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks. Casts have also performed 4 times at the annual "Desert Thunder" fund raiser at Primm, Nevada. We have also been honored to represent the City of Victorville in Mexicali, Mexico on 2 occasions.

Youth Leadership & Training
Shenanigans’ four community groups provide older performers opportunities to direct younger performers, with supervision of adult leaders. Our youth also fill many of the technical positions in various productions including producing, directing, stage management, lighting, sound, props and scenery.

Organizational Philosophy
The applause a young person receives for performing on stage or hitting a home run is equally rewarding. The praise, self-discipline, and confidence are the same. The difference is the abundance of opportunities in activities such as sports versus the lack of performing arts opportunities.

Shenanigans’ was formed to close that gap by providing young people interested in the performing arts an avenue to grow culturally, educationally, and socially. The tools for achievement are instructional/educational training and workshops and the opportunity to apply their skills in live performances.

Goals
To maintain and operate our new facility housing the organization’s business operations as well as serving as a workshop and rehearsal studio.

To conduct regular educational seminars and workshops related to character development and interpretation of literature through the study of the performing arts, in music, voice, dance, acting, makeup, playwriting, songwriting, directing, and technical theatre.

To produce three (3) main stage productions a year, in addition to the numerous community performances.

To maintain an on-going scholarship program dedicated to providing youth an opportunity to participate in activities and continue
with higher education relating to the performing arts.

To establish and manage a fully operational theatre.

To develop a program allowing performers to participate in cultural exchanges.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Concerts and other special events can always be enjoyed at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center, located just east of the lake, near the center of campus.

Victor Valley College maintains a master calendar of events scheduled to take place in the Performing Ar...

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Concerts and other special events can always be enjoyed at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center, located just east of the lake, near the center of campus.

Victor Valley College maintains a master calendar of events scheduled to take place in the Performing Arts Center, and students and the public are invited to enjoy the events at this beautiful facility. You may view the online calendar by clicking the banner below ....

This modern auditorium seats 493 people. Its proscenium stage, computer-controlled lighting system, and full sound system are ideal for performances of classical and popular music, drama, dance, lectures, and a variety of other college or community-sponsored cultural events. Over one hundred plays have been produced since 1961.

The Performing Arts Center also serves as a "classroom environment" for students enrolled in Theatre Arts curriculum: Stagecraft, Oral Interpretation of Literature, Introduction to Theatre, Rehearsal and Performance Studio, Beginning Acting, Fundamentals of Acting, and Technical Theatre I and II courses.

Symphonies and other community-sponsored events such as film series, children's theatre, travel lecture programs, and workshops are open both to the community and to students at the college.

Community groups wishing to use the facility should contact the Performing Arts Center Coordinator at 760-245-4271 ext. 2440 regarding available dates.