Theatre is play with superpowers | David Catanzarite | TEDxRancho Mirage
From childhood role-playing to professional stages, theatre taps into a universal instinct: play. Theatre transforms communities, heals divisions, and even saves lives—showing us that the arts are not a luxury, but essential to human health and connection. David Catanzarite is a master stage director and expert educator. He has directed 200 professional and college productions in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Prague, South Africa, Toronto, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Catanzarite began his teaching career at the age of 26 as a theatre instructor at Stanford University. He served as Theatre faculty at California State University, San Bernardino/Palm Desert Campus.
At Green Room Theatre, Mr. Catanzarite has directed The Dresser, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Twelve Angry Men, To Kill A Mockingbird, Pop-up Shakespeare, numerous melodramas, and a holiday production of Gift of the Magi that toured African American Churches across the Coachella Valley. For Green Room Summer Conservatory he directed sold-out productions of Sister Act, Annie Get Your Gun, The Pirates of Penzance, Mary Poppins, Oliver!, and Fiddler on the Roof at the Indian Wells Theatre (and many more shows). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 7:29The small habit that transforms school safety | Beth Sanborn | TEDxCherryCreekHSWhen Beth Sanborn became a School Resource Officer, she thought her years of policing and protecting would speak for themselves. But on her first day in the high school hallway, two students holding Starbucks cups raised their hands and said, “Hands up, don’t shoot!”, a moment that shook her to her core. In that instant, Beth realized the badge on her chest didn’t automatically mean trust. It meant she had work to do. In this talk, Beth shares how one School Resource Officer’s interaction with two teenage girls transformed the way she approached policing in schools. Through storytelling and research-backed strategies, she reveals how small, intentional actions—like learning students’ names, engaging them in real conversations, and showing up as a human first—can dismantle barriers and build powerful, lasting relationships. Beth challenges educators, police, and anyone working with youth to rethink how they connect with students. Her call to action is simple yet profound: learn three students’ names tomorrow. Because when kids feel seen, heard, and valued, schools become safer, more connected communities. This is a talk about School Resource Officers build trust, show humanity, and how policing, done with passion, can change lives. Dr. Beth J. Sanborn, retired School Resource Officer & Juvenile Detective, is the Montgomery County (PA) School Safety Coordinator. She oversees 400+ schools, serves on PASRO’s board, teaches for NASRO, authors books on school safety, and speaks nationwide on youth trends. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:29Naive. Rejected. Underestimated | Dr.Shweta Singh | TEDxMMPS Bagh YouthThat’s how her story began. But instead of accepting limits, Dr. Shweta Singh built her own road — transforming obstacles into opportunities and creating a global footprint in innovation and intellectual property.In this powerful talk, she shares how resilience matters more than resources, why rejection is redirection, and how innovation fuels the future. With lessons from her journey of empowering women, startups, and universities across the world, Dr. Singh makes a compelling case that each of us has the power to build our own road. Because the Voice of Future is not just in technology — it is in courage, vision, and the refusal to quit. Shweta Singh is a pioneering serial entrepreneur, thought leader, author, philanthropist and change-maker in the domains of Intellectual Property (IP) management, innovation strategy, and business development. As the Founder and CEO of Ennoble IP, an award-winning techno-legal Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) firm, she has been instrumental in delivering end-to-end IP management solutions to corporates, research institutions, higher education institutions and innovators across the globe. Her leadership has positioned Ennoble IP as a trusted partner in protecting and commercializing groundbreaking ideas.Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Singh serves as the Chairperson of the Council of Indian Innovation & Researchers (CIIR) and The Women Entrepreneurship Innovation Foundation (WIEF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering female-led startups and fostering a thriving ecosystem for women innovators & promoting Innovation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 7:56How can AI Reorchestrate DevOps? | Avinash Kumar | TEDxHimalayan International School YouthIn this inspiring TEDx talk, discover how AI is transforming the chaotic world of DevOps into a symphony of innovation. Through a personal story of late-night server crashes, learn how AI-powered chatbots streamline workflows, reduce errors, and empower teams to focus on creativity over firefighting. Explore the power of ChatOps, the human impact of simplified technology, and a practical roadmap to start small with AI in any field. Join us to see how AI can turn complexity into clarity and inspire a smarter future! Avinash Kumar is an alumnus of BITS Pilani, IIT, IIM, and IIIT-Delhi, a TEDx speaker, and a prominent voice in AI, DevOps, Cloud Computing, and Emerging Technologies. He currently serves as Vice President at MSCI, Mumbai, and has delivered talks at several global conferences, inspiring aspiring professionals across the IT industry. A dedicated mentor, he has guided many freshers in launching successful software engineering careers. Avinash is pursuing a PhD in Agentic AI from IIT Patna, where his research focuses on developing an operating system powered by Agentic AI. He is highly skilled in Java, Python, AI, Machine Learning, and software system design. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 19:54From Followers to Leaders | Madhavan Gunalan | TEDxHimalayan International School YouthIn this inspiring TEDx talk, Madhavan Gunalan—Leadership Coach, Author, and Automotive Industry Leader—shares a powerful perspective that challenges everything we’ve been taught about leadership.Leadership is not about titles, positions, or the number of followers you command. True leadership is about how many leaders you create. Through personal stories, real-world examples, and timeless lessons from history, Madhavan shows how shifting from authority to empowerment transforms teams, organizations, and society at large. Madhavan Gunalan is a senior leader in the global automotive industry with over 23 years of experience specializing in infotainment systems, vehicle connectivity, and semiconductor product development. He has led high-impact programs across geographies, working with global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to drive innovation and digital transformation in future mobility.Renowned for his strategic thinking and cross-functional leadership, Madhavan has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of in-vehicle technology—from embedded platforms to connected ecosystems. His deep industry expertise spans the entire product lifecycle, from concept to launch, delivering solutions that define next-generation automotive experiences.In addition to his corporate journey, Madhavan is the author of the book “Financial Freedom”, where he shares practical frameworks to help individuals take control of their finances. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 6:35Role of Mentorship | Neeraj Kumar | TEDxHimalayan International School YouthIn this inspiring TEDx talk, Neeraj shares a deeply personal journey of transforming from a struggling seventh-grader, mocked for poor academic performance, to a scientist and academic leader at a prestigious institute. Facing medical challenges and a lack of confidence, Neeraj nearly gave up on education until a move to a new school and a teacher’s unexpected encouragement sparked a turning point. With newfound belief and dedicated effort, they excelled in writing, published in the Times of India, and pursued a remarkable career in science. This 5–8 minute talk explores how a single moment of validation, coupled with resilience and guidance, can ignite untapped potential, offering a powerful message about overcoming setbacks and seizing opportunities to redefine one’s path. Neeraj kumar is the Director of HGS, bringing a wealth of expertise from a distinguished career as a scientist. With a passion for advancing education, he leads with vision, fostering an environment of innovation and academic excellence. His scientific background informs strategic initiatives, integrating evidence-based approaches into institutional growth. Committed to empowering students and faculty, Neeraj drives impactful programs that inspire learning and discovery. His leadership blends analytical rigor with a dedication to nurturing future leaders, making a lasting impact on the educational community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:43Decode Yourself | Rajeev Kumar Rai | TEDxHimalayan International School YouthEnvironmental Conservation and Climate Change Solutions Description: This TEDx talk explores the devastating impacts of deforestation—drying rivers, disrupted ecosystems, and rising CO2 levels—and presents afforestation as a powerful solution. By planting trees strategically, we can restore balance, sequester carbon, and revive landscapes. Highlighting real-world successes and actionable steps, this talk inspires individuals and communities to combat climate change and rebuild a greener future, one tree at a time. Rajeev Kumar rai is a distinguished Joint Director at IIPE (institute of professional education and entrepreneurship), bringing a wealth of experience from a notable career in defense services. After retiring, he transitioned into academia, driven by a passion for education and leadership. With a strong foundation in discipline and strategic thinking, he contribute significantly to the institution’s growth, fostering academic excellence and innovation. His unique blend of military expertise and academic insight inspires students and colleagues alike, shaping future leaders. Rajeev is an avid believer in concept of sustainable development goals and has an initiative to help india reach its afforestation targets. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx