Village Youth Theatre Founder Wins Cultural Arts Award

Cathie Badalamenti, founder of Birmingham's Village Youth Theatre, is the 17th annual recipient of the Birmingham/Bloomfield Cultural Arts Award.

The award is sponsored by the , the (BBAC), and the Observer and Eccentric newspapers.

Badalamenti founded the Village Youth Theatre — the youth arm of Birmingham's theater troupe — in 2007 for youths ages 8 to 18. The group produces two musicals a year, while also sponsoring a Summer Theatre Arts Camp.

"I am so very excited and honored to receive this award," Badalamenti said. "I have always felt very fortunate to live in a community that emphasizes the understanding, development and support of arts programming."

"I am especially proud that my work with youth performing arts programs has been recognized in our community," she added.

According to a press release from the Cultural Council, Badalamenti was chosen for her dedication and impact on local theater arts programs for children.

"(Badalamenti) has worked for years with children at private and public schools, as well as in undeserving communities to promote performing arts programs and, as her nomination said, (uses) drama to improve the self-confidence, leadership, tolerance, teamwork and compassion of youngsters," the release reads.

The Village Youth Theatre isn't Badalamenti's first foray into theater. Badalamenti has performed with the Village Players, playing Bella in the group's January's production of .

In addition, Badalamenti has participated in youth theater programs with The Community House's Sara Smith Productions, 's Summer Stock Theatre, the Performing Arts Company, Project DayDream as well as programs at and the .

Badalamenti will be presented with her award designed by Link Wachler during the opening reception for the , held from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 7 at the BBAC.

Badalementi's name will also be engraved on a plaque at .

The Birmingham Village Youth Theatre has one more show in its 2013-13 season. Disney's My Son Pinocchio is set for Dec. 6-9 at the Village Players theater. For ticket information, visit www.villageyouththeater.com.