AWARDS
Orlando Sentinel's Best of 2016
"Norma Valverde" Hands on a Hardbody BEST LEAD ROLE
"Billie Holiday" Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill TOP 10 PLAYS OF 2014 Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Smokey Joe's Cafe 2013 BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Best of Broadway 2010 |
BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A PROFESSIONAL PLAY Eleanor "Ellie" Grace Solos 2013 Thank you to my incredibly talented playwright and producer Joseph Reed Hayes, our wonderful co-producer and costumer Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor. My incredible Director Paul Castaneda for making this beautifully written script just as beautiful off of the pages. Lastly, to my talented co-star, Michael Sapp for creating such a wonderful character to share that stage with. Superb job my friend! Lastly, thank you to all of those who voted for me.
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NOMINATIONS
2016 BROADWAYWORLD AWARDS
2015 Broadwayworld awards
2014 Broadwayworld Awards
LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL (PROFESSIONAL)
"Billie Holiday" Best Lead Actress |
SWEENEY TODD:THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
(PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL) Best Musical |
HAIRSPRAY (PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL) "Motormouth Maybelle" Lead Best Actress/Supporting Actress |
SOLOS
(PROFESSIONAL PLAY) "Eleanor "Ellie" Grace" Best Lead Actress/Supporting Actress |
ACCOLADES
"Desiree is a bright and shining gem in our community. Not only is she a fantastic performer but her personality, work ethic and determination make her an asset to any project, show or event that she is involved in. She is a director, innovator, and educator and brings integrity, expertise and experience to any classroom, planning session or stage. She not only has the voice and acting skills of a pro but offstage she is just as much a joy to work with. I highly recommend Desiree Montes!"
Joshua Vickery
Founder/Executive Director Central Florida Community Arts
Joshua Vickery
Founder/Executive Director Central Florida Community Arts
"Desiree brings a spark to my stage every time she is on it. She approaches the material with a level of conviction that sets a bar for the entire company around her, she is a major asset to any production."
Derek Critzer
Artistic Director Theater West End
Derek Critzer
Artistic Director Theater West End
"Compelling and captivating, Desiree is a force on stage and her natural talent is undeniable. She is a thoughtful and genuine cast member and I am always thrilled at the opportunity to work with her."
Theresa Smith-Levin
Founder & Executive Director of Central Florida Vocal Arts & Opera del Sol
Theresa Smith-Levin
Founder & Executive Director of Central Florida Vocal Arts & Opera del Sol
"She showed up to rehearsal just weeks after having a beautiful baby and just being cleared to drive again. Can we say determination and commitment! I've never seen someone turn mountains into music stands. Problems into props. Obstacles into opportunities to shine. She's a director's dream."
Felichia Chivaughn Ellison
Theatrical Director, Author, Actress & Singer
Felichia Chivaughn Ellison
Theatrical Director, Author, Actress & Singer
"Working with Desiree is a complete joy! Vocals and acting are Broadway caliber! Just as importantly, she's a pro."
Juan Cantu
Disney/Theatrical Director & Vocal Director
Juan Cantu
Disney/Theatrical Director & Vocal Director
"As a performer, Desiree is a director's dream: a beautiful woman, a powerhouse of talent and above all, determined to find perfection in all she sets out to accomplish. She works above and beyond EVERY time she sets foot on a stage to deliver the vision a director creates. She has always exceeded my expectations.
As a professional, it is worth noting that Desiree communicates extremely well. Even after initial production phases, she will seek out theatre staff to be sure they receive what they need from her. Desiree also checks in on her own to be sure everything is continually in order and always makes herself available to be contacted, especially in times of production.
Desiree has my highest regard, both personally and professionally. She is an outstanding theatrical performer who not only carries out her responsibilities in a very forthright manner but also easily achieves and exceeds the goals set for her. Without a doubt, Desiree will prove to be a most valuable asset to your theater or entertainment company."
Scott A. Cook
Artistic Producer/Director/Choreographer, TheatreWorks Florida
As a professional, it is worth noting that Desiree communicates extremely well. Even after initial production phases, she will seek out theatre staff to be sure they receive what they need from her. Desiree also checks in on her own to be sure everything is continually in order and always makes herself available to be contacted, especially in times of production.
Desiree has my highest regard, both personally and professionally. She is an outstanding theatrical performer who not only carries out her responsibilities in a very forthright manner but also easily achieves and exceeds the goals set for her. Without a doubt, Desiree will prove to be a most valuable asset to your theater or entertainment company."
Scott A. Cook
Artistic Producer/Director/Choreographer, TheatreWorks Florida
"Working with actors like Desiree Montes makes my job so much easier. She works as hard offstage as she does onstage; she's always prepared and always professional. Her performance is consistent and it feels fresh every time-she gives each moment her all and for that and so much more, I am so grateful to have worked with her on Into the Woods."
Donald Rupe
Senior Director of Theatre for Central Florida Community Arts
Donald Rupe
Senior Director of Theatre for Central Florida Community Arts
"I've been writing and producing theater in Orlando since 2001, but my stage experience goes back more than 35 years to when I ran a community theater in upstate New York, and my subsequent years as a sound technician for television stations in New York and Pennsylvania, and for the likes of the Orlando Civic and Shakespeare theaters. I know what works on a stage, and what it takes to grab an audience, and what it is is what Desiree Montes has. I've produced many of my own plays in Orlando and have had the great opportunity to collaborate with many of our talented actors; none more enjoyable to work with than Mrs. Montes. Her dedication to her craft is unsurpassed. She brings a courageousness and energy to a role that is inspiring and invigorating; watching her bring my character Ellie Grace to life made me want to write more for her, deeper for her, bolder for her. I would (and will) work with Mrs. Montes again at a moments' notice."
Joseph Reed Hayes
Playwright/Producer/Promoter/Soooooooper Genius
Joseph Reed Hayes
Playwright/Producer/Promoter/Soooooooper Genius
"It has been a pleasure working with Desiree in my capacity of music director. She is the consummate performer. Not only is she an amazing talent as a triple threat (singing, dancing and acting) she is a shining example to her fellow performers. She is a skilled mentor and positive example of a team player but more importantly a team leader. She is a true professional in every sense of the word and I would highly recommend her to anyone."
Terry Wolfe
PhD, Music Director
Terry Wolfe
PhD, Music Director
"Desiree Montes is a true pro. Her dedication, work ethic, and talent are traits that every director looks for in a performer. She is fully committed to the process and to her character. I am lucky that she walked in the door."
Rob Winn Anderson
Director . Choreographer . Playwright . Librettist . Lyricist
Rob Winn Anderson
Director . Choreographer . Playwright . Librettist . Lyricist
"Desiree Montes is a singer/actor whom I have watched for many years, and worked with for several. Since I first saw her onstage in an amazing musical when she was in high school, I have been impressed. Her talent belied her youth; she was wonderful. I felt so fortunate, a bit later, to have the opportunity to work with her in the college classroom and onstage in major productions, as well as continuing to watch her perform onstage in other theater venues. Desiree is bold, believable, professional, disciplined, and multi-talented. In rehearsal, she is willing to try new things, makes bold choices, works very well with and supports others, and is an excellent collaborator. Her singing voice is magnificent. Recently I had the pleasure of seeing Desiree onstage in a less serious role where I was delighted with her comic timing, her ease at interacting with the audience, and her character development. I would welcome any opportunity to work with Desiree Montes, and sincerely would recommend her for any singing and/or acting job, without the slightest hesitation."
Julia Gagne
Artistic Director
Julia Gagne
Artistic Director
"Desiree is a performer with an incredible range and a wealth of talent. She exudes a dynamic presence on stage that draws in an audience. Desiree is a dedicated professional who in my experience brings a wonderful collaborate spirit during the rehearsal process. I would welcome the opportunity to work with her again soon and envy those who will."
Myles Thoroughgood
Director/Choreographer
Myles Thoroughgood
Director/Choreographer