The Palm Springs performing arts scene just took another hit with the closure of a second local theater company.
Owners Lance Phillips and Ron Phillips announced on the Prism Theater website the venue is now closed and upcoming performances are canceled, with ticket sales refunded. The local theater had only been operating out of its current location at 391 N. Indian Canyon Drive since opening its latest show, "The Book of Merman," on June 12, but it previously used temporary venues for about two years.
"We have had a lot of positive feedback on the type of theater that we are trying to do, and people really seemed to respond," Ron Philips told The Desert Sun. "It just wasn’t something that we could continue to do after two years of funding it and trying to get
it up and going."
He said ticket sales for their shows had remained solid, but a difficult environment for small businesses had led to the decision to close. In the statement on their website, the owners added that they "ran into permitting requirements and red tape we did not anticipate, which — like the challenges many small performing arts organizations face — ultimately made it impossible for us to continue."
"It just became something that, after two years of fighting it, (it was) exhausting and not something that we wanted to continue with," Ron Philips added when speaking to The Desert Sun.
Prism focused on irreverent LGBTQ shows with titles like "Camp Morning Wood." Its comedic performances were tailored to open-minded locals and out-of-town visitors enjoying a night out.
Prism is the second local theater company to close in Palm Springs in 2026. Desert Ensemble Theatre held its final show in April after announcing the year before that its 15th anniversary season would be its last.
At the time, DET leaders said an expected decrease in Canadian tourist spending, in addition to cutbacks in government funding for the arts, led to the closure.
The popular restaurant and entertainment venue Oscar's also revealed financial difficulties recently. Owner Dan Gore has said his business is on the verge of being evicted following months of low revenue. Gore also claims a dispute with the nearby Plaza Theatre has helped force him out of business, which Plaza Theatre operator Oak View Group denies.
Many businesses struggle to survive the summer months in Palm Springs, when tourism dwindles and internationally-renowned events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the BNP Paribas Open cease.
Despite the closing of their Palm Springs theater, both Lance and Ron Phillips run Desert Theatreworks in Indio, which will continue to operate as normal.
"To everyone who attended a performance, supported our artists, spread the word, volunteered, donated, and believed in our vision, thank you," the owners wrote on Prism's website. "Your enthusiasm, encouragement, and generosity meant more than we can express. You helped create something truly special, and we will always be grateful."
Sam Morgen covers local government for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Closure of Prism Theater marks latest blow to Palm Springs arts scene
