For many people, the desert represents an environment devoid of life, a wasteland incapable of supporting almost any inhabitants, whether plant or animal. Oft times, from elsewhere in the country, this image of destitution is misguidedly applied to our small town here in the southwest United States. Life thrives, however, in Tucson - from its achievements in sports and nationally regarded educational programs to its unique caliber of cuisine and accomplishments in theater.

Known today for its elaborate productions like "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Private Eyes," the Arizona Theatre Company began as a fledgling endeavor in 1966 under the direction of Sandy Rosenthal, a man without any formal theatrical training. Today, after expanding performances to include Phoenix in the '70s and surviving financial hardships in the late '80s, the ATC proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary season.

Managing Director Jessica L. Andrews is excited for the upcoming anniversary season, her second year with the ATC. "I think that David (Ira Goldstein, the artistic director) really wanted to do a strong season to celebrate the success of ATC's 30 years."

The 1996-1997 season represents some of America's finest playwrights, according to Andrews, including plays from Pulitzer Prize-winners like Edward Albee, August Wilson, and Tony Kushner as well as the world premiere of Carlos Morton's "La Malinche," winner of the 1995 National Hispanic Playwriting contest. Goldstein concurs with Andrews. "It's a real language season - playwrights who really have voices."

Following suit from last year, the ATC will kick off its season and annual Gala Celebration with a Shakespearean comedy, "Two Gentlemen of Verona." The ATC, with the exception of Goldstein's "Midsummer" last fall, has not produced a play from the Bard in ten years. Since the ATC is a full-equity theater, Andrews explains, "Shakespeare is hard to do financially, with its large casts ... but it was time to return to Shakespeare."

And Goldstein agrees. "It's been great to get back to Shakespeare. He's the touchstone of theater ... His plays are still probably the most theatrical and most absorbing."

Goldstein chose another comedy in order to balance out the serious atmosphere of the upcoming season. "I was always intrigued with 'Two Gentlemen.' You see so many of the themes and the characters that emerge in (his) later plays.

"'Midsummer' is certainly a more mature play and a more perfect play. (But) with 'Two Gents,' you have more leeway to create."

And create he does. Goldstein's version of "Two Gentlemen" is set in 1920s Hollywood during the rise of the silent film. "In terms of our world," Goldstein concedes, "we still have a strong connection to that era. We came up with the idea (to set the play) in the 1920s ... because it fit the plot and themes - romance versus love versus friendship - and how all those balance out.

"'Two Gents' has great verve and energy. Things are done in broad strokes. Shakespeare grew better later at shading."

Perhaps the same may be said of the Arizona Theatre Company. Originally the Arizona Civic Theatre, with its productions performed in the ballroom of the Santa Rita Hotel, the company, in its fourth decade, has received national attention for its success as a two-city operation - including a commendation from President Reagan in 1983 and a five-year grant from the National Arts Stabilization in 1992.

The Arizona Theatre Company celebrates its 30th anniversary with its annual gala celebration Sept. 21 at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. The event also honors this year's recipients of the Georgy Award, named after longtime benefactor George Rosenberg.

"We've expanded the honorees for the Georgy Award to four people this year instead of just one," Managing Director Jessica L. Andrews said. "The Georgy Award goes to someone who has served the theater in an extraordinary way."

This year recipients include Katie Dusenberry; David Hawkanson, the company's first managing director; Elsa Mulhern; and Ruth Rosenthal, a contributor wife of the company's founder.

The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes a wine reception and the opening night performance of "Two Gentlemen of Verona," followed by a buffet dinner and dance. Call 884-8210 for tickets and information.

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