Green Room Theatre Company Receives Award from Angel Light Academy

By Desert Star Staff

David Catanzarite and Angel Light Academy, the founders of Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley (GRTCCV), have awarded Karen Lin the “Above & Beyond” award for outstanding community leadership and service. Angel Light Academy’s Leadership Training Institute hosted an awards dinner gala at the Indian Wells Golf Resort to present the 14th Annual Above & Beyond awards to deserving recipients.

David Catanzarite is a veteran stage director, activist, and theatre educator. He has directed over 150 productions in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Baltimore, and the Coachella Valley. In Los Angeles, Karen Lin started as a teacher in various grades for ten years. In 1999, Karen taught theatre, dance, music, and visual art in 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.

The GRTCCV is now in its 14th season and is dedicated to bringing high-quality theatre and education to underprivileged communities in the desert. They work with adult performers and young people, offering exceptional theatre arts and dance programs, including ballet folklorico, which helps enhance literacy and job skills. This year, the production company has significantly changed by providing free attendance and focusing on serving the Eastern Coachella Valley. This move will allow more people from underserved populations to experience and participate in professional theatre.

Gary Soto’s Novio Boy, the latest professional theatre production, was a hit in the Coachella Valley. The play explored themes such as love, family, and the journey to adulthood. Rudy, the protagonist, faces challenges and struggles as he prepares for his first date and transitions from childhood to adolescence. Novio Boy is both poignant and humorous, leaving audiences captivated. For more information, updates on the performance schedule, or to get involved with GRTCCV, please call (760) 696-2546 or visit www. greenroomtheatrecompany.org.