In the ever-evolving landscape of education, curiosity remains the most powerful catalyst for learning. On June 3, 2025, the Ohio STEM Learning Network will host its third annual Ohio STEM Innovation Summit at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, bringing together the state’s most forward-thinking educators and administrators for a day of connection, inspiration, and growth.

This year’s theme—”Inspiring a Curious Community”—couldn’t be more perfectly embodied than in our keynote presentation, where the worlds of improvisational performance and educational excellence will collide in spectacular fashion.

The Art of Curiosity: Not Your Typical Keynote

When searching for voices that could truly inspire Ohio’s K-12 educators to embrace curiosity as a professional practice, we knew we needed something different. Something bold. Something that would demonstrate—not just discuss—the transformative power of staying curious.

Enter Tara DeFrancisco and Rance Rizzutto, world-renowned improvisational performers whose approach to collaboration and creativity has captured audiences across 24 countries and influenced organizations from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business to the Olympics Committee.

But don’t worry—no one will be called onto stage to “do improv.” Instead, DeFrancisco and Rizzutto will deliver what they call a “Lecture-Demo,” a sleek-yet-playful presentation that feels decidedly more energetic than traditional keynotes.

“It’s one of our favorite things to do,” the duo shared when accepting our invitation. “A large group watches us give a general overview of what our work is like, and then there are short breakouts inside the lecture itself where people interact or try the activity themselves, followed by talkback and research to support the work.”

From Stage to Classroom: The Improviser’s Mindset

The principles that make great improvisational theater—active listening, fearless collaboration, embracing failure, and building upon ideas—are precisely the same qualities that create dynamic learning environments where innovation thrives.

Through their interactive keynote, DeFrancisco and Rizzutto will explore questions like:

• How do you create curiosity in the classroom that drives learning and innovation?
• How does a curious school impact its local community and the broader Ohio STEM education community?

Tara DeFrancisco believes in the power of connection and collaboration on a cellular level. A veteran performer with over 8,000 shows on world-renowned stages including iO Chicago, Second City, and ComedySportz, she’s also a digital creator whose hilarious and encouraging content reaches millions globally.

As Co-Founder and Artistic Director of The Nest Theatre in Columbus, she leads a thriving educational community that produces over 40 original shows annually while providing scholarships for those with limited access to the arts.

Her approach to teaching has provided her opportunities to be a Guest Professor to the Ohio University School of Performance (Athens), an Adjunct Professor of Acting for Animation at Columbus College of Art & Design, and a regular facilitator for the University of Chicago Booth School.

Rance Rizzutto has been professionally improvising since 1999, performing on stages across the globe. After tours with Second City Theatricals that took him through Europe, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, he found his artistic home at Chicago’s iO Theatre.

Together with DeFrancisco, he co-created “HERE: The (Improvised) Musical,” a two-person show that NPR called “Nothing Short of Genius.” As Co-Founder and Training Center Director at The Nest Theatre, he helps create a home for over 1,500 students and 300 performers annually.

His experience has enabled him to help businesses grow through improvisational principles that enhance communication and team unity.

Together, this powerhouse duo will demonstrate how the tenets of improvisation—play, presence, active listening, and vulnerability—can transform education and ignite the curiosity that drives innovation in Ohio’s classrooms.

Join our Curious Community

The Ohio STEM Innovation Summit isn’t just an event—it’s a catalyst for the future of Ohio’s workforce. By connecting educators, sharing innovative practices, and inspiring new approaches to education, we’re collectively shaping the next generation of Ohio innovators.

Will you be part of the curious community that shapes Ohio’s future? We’ll see you on June 3rd.