Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley (GRTCCV) founders, David Catanzarite and Karen Lin, were recently recognized by Angel Light Academy with an “Above & Beyond” award recognizing GRTCCV’s excellence in community leadership and service.
The 14th Annual Above & Beyond awards were presented to honorees during an awards dinner gala, hosted by Angel Light Academy’s Leadership Training Institute, at the Indian Wells Golf Resort. The select group of honorees represent some of the finest examples of devoted Coachella Valley citizens who have gone “above and beyond” and are often behind the scenes serving others to make our community a better place to live.
David Catanzarite is a veteran stage director, activist, and theatre educator. He has directed more than 150 productions in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Baltimore and the Coachella Valley. Karen Lin started as a teacher in a variety of grades for ten years in Los Angeles. In 1999, Karen taught theatre, dance, music, and visual art as part of the pioneer standards-based Los Angeles Arts Prototype program. For 14 years the couple’s conservatory program has offered training for children and teens, regardless of the ability to pay. With the support of private donors and foundations Green Room has awarded more than $96,000 in scholarships and paid internships since 2010.
Now in its 14th season, GRTCCV works with adult performers and youth to bring top-quality theatre and education to desert communities. In addition, the company offers first-rate education programs in theatre arts and dance (especially ballet folklorico) that enhance literacy and job skills for children, youth and adults. This year marks a pivotal point for the production company, now offering attendance for free and focusing on the Eastern Coachella Valley serving underserved populations to experience and participate in professional theatre.
The current award-winning professional theatre production, Gary Soto’s Novio Boy, has captivated audiences with its poignant and funny explorations of love, family, and coming-of-age. The comedy centers on Rudy’s experiences, anxieties, and ambitions in an effort to transition from childhood to adolescence as he prepares for his first date.
In addition, with support from the California Arts Council, GRTCCV offers a burgeoning ballet folklorico program at elementary schools in Indio and a theatre and literacy program at libraries, middle schools and high schools in Mecca, Indio, and La Quinta.
For more information, updates on the performance schedule, or to get involved with GRTCCV, please call (760) 696-2546 or visit www.greenroomtheatrecompany.org.
About Green Room Theatre Company
Green Room Theatre Company, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has produced a myriad of innovative projects in the 14 years since its creation, and works with adult performers and youth to bring first-quality theatre and education to desert communities. In addition, the company offers top- quality education programs in theatre arts and dance (especially ballet folklorico) that enhance literacy and job skills for children, youth and adults. In a typical year, the company has trained 60 young actors, technicians, and paid interns, and showcased 50+ local adult actors and directors, with performances and classes reaching 1000 community members annually. Since its inception GRTCCV has awarded $93,000 in scholarships to desert children and youth.
About Angel Light Academy
Founded by Julia and General Richard Wilmot, Angel Light Academy is a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit corporation dedicated to teaching leadership to youth and adults. ALA’s mission is to improve the health, happiness, and well-being of individuals through the practice and demonstration of unconditional love. This is accomplished through service, education, and research. ALA’s Leadership Training Institute trains youth in leadership, problem solving, communication, bullying resistance, and service. Through training and mentoring, ALA creates leaders who provide exceptional service to themselves, others, and the community.
