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Behind the Seams: The Making of Inspiration’s Edge Merch

  • Writer: Liyan McNeltier
    Liyan McNeltier
  • Aug 3
  • 3 min read

When we first decided to create a merchandise store for Inspiration’s Edge, we knew one thing for certain: it couldn’t just be about slapping our logo on a few t-shirts and calling it a day.


That’s not who we are.


Inspiration’s Edge has always been about more than theatre; it’s about connection, community, and celebrating the creative spark that thrives in the Hi-Desert. We wanted our merch to reflect that same spirit. And not just for our friends in Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley, but also for our amazing low desert theatre friends in the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Indio). And beyond! Really, everywhere there is theatre; because our community doesn’t stop at city limits.

Designing with Intention

From the start, our goal was to create pieces that would feel meaningful to the people who wear them. Whether you’re a performer, a supporter, or simply someone who loves live theatre. Every design went through rounds of brainstorming, sketching, and refining. We asked ourselves: Does this feel like us? Does this celebrate the culture of Hi-Desert theatre? Will people actually want to wear this?


The result? Gear that isn’t just branded, but inspired. From witty theatre references to designs that nod to our unique desert roots, every item tells a little piece of our story and our community.



Making It Accessible

Just like our theatre, we wanted our merchandise to be accessible. We partnered with print-on-demand services to keep costs low and avoid waste, and we made sure to include sizes and styles for all ages because theatre is for everyone.


More Than Just Merch

This store isn’t just a fundraiser (though every purchase helps support our productions). It’s a way for our community to carry a piece of Inspiration’s Edge with them whether that’s a tee that makes you smile, a tote that sparks a conversation, or a hat that reminds you of the incredible work happening in our little corner of the Hi-Desert.


And who knows? Maybe that shirt sparks a conversation at intermission, in a café, or halfway across the world, connecting you with someone who shares your love of the arts. Because our merch isn’t just about wearing IE, it’s about wearing your love for theatre everywhere you go.


Launching this store took plenty of behind-the-scenes work — coordinating with suppliers, integrating with our website, and making sure we were ready to handle the extra obligations and requirements of running a merch store.


But most importantly? Making sure everything was in alignment with and reflected the values that drive us as a theater. And now that it’s finally here? We couldn’t be more proud.


So when you shop our merch, know that you’re not just buying a shirt or a mug... you're joining us in celebrating the culture, creativity, and heart of Hi-Desert theatre (and beyond). Because IE merch is for anyone who believes in keeping the arts alive and thriving.


Be inspired. Expand the Edge. Wear IE.




TL;DR:


We didn’t just want merch with a logo, we wanted gear that truly captures the spirit of Inspiration’s Edge and community theatre in the Hi-Desert, Coachella Valley, and beyond. It was especially important that our merch endeavors aligned with our organization's values. Bonus: they’re great conversation starters for theatre-goers! Every purchase supports our mission and helps keep theatre alive across the desert.

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