On May 18, 2021, the SBMT Board of Directors hosted a virtual meeting to discuss the “State of SBMT.” They recapped the past year during the pandemic, announced the upcoming 2021-2022 season, and announced this year’s winners of the group’s special recognition awards.
Those honored include the following.
Kama Belloni won the Howard Miller Bless Your Heart Award, given to the “individual who fosters a sense of love and family in our organization.” Over the past several years, Kama has volunteered as SBMT’s Communications Assistant. She has been invaluable in providing administrative support to Sara & the Development team. This past season she helped with thank yous to donors and eStudio participants. Kama appeared onstage as Gooch in Mame, in the ensemble of Bridges of Madison County. She brings her open heart and joyous spirit to every project and we are grateful. Kama has been awarded the Howie Miller “Bless Your Heart” bear, created by Elyse Cook of Cooks Curious Crafts.
Kathy Switky won the Fred Hassett Award, given to the “individual who contributed the most to the growth of this group.” Kathy has been involved for over two decades with South Bay Musical Theatre, usually found performing with the orchestra and as a fierce competitor in the Orchestra Green Room battles. This past year she has joined the development team, and has been a driving force in our successes. In previous years, she participated in rewriting SBMT Bylaws and in several year-end drives. Kathy makes sure our community feels welcomed and valued. Now it is our turn to say Thank You!
Vinh Nguyen won the Producers Award, give to the “individual who exceeded expectations with their work on productions.” Vinh embodies the core values of SBMT in every sense of the word. He fostered Growth of our organization by leading two Audition Workshops. He has developed our Community by volunteering as EDI Consultant and leading our Inclusion efforts. As Casting Consultant, he has shown his commitment to Quality and strengthened our productions. Without a doubt, he pours his Heart and passion into every task he takes on. This year, Vinh volunteered to lead Panel Discussions, direct Anon(ymous), coordinate the Classic vs. Contemporary cabaret and—as EDI Consultant—he helped develop our Community, Inclusivity and Accountability group.
Michael Johnson won the Orchestra Award, given to the “individual who made our hearts sing.” Normally one of our frequent rehearsal accompanist, Michael transitioned to eStudio this year, making recordings for our cabaret and game shows and being the live accompanist for SBMT’s Name That Show Tune. Recently, he was one of our costumers for A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder and acted in She Loves Me, Big River, and The Bridges of Madison County. Thank you, Michael, for everything you do!
Kim Beals was presented with the Technical Award, given to the “individual who does their magic for the company mostly behind the scenes.” For four years, Kim has hidden behind bell towers, stuffed herself under platforms, figured out follow spots, and welcomed auditioners—all with a laugh and a shrug. A true Superhero, she has been ASM on Hunchback of Notre Dame and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and has been on Deck Crew (or subbed) on almost every other show. Now, as a resident of Oregon, Kim has remained active, volunteering as Auditions Coordinator for several of our Readers’ Theatre productions.
Nancy Fitzgerald-Metzler took the Newcomer Award, presented to the “individual who is new to SBMT but has made a big impact on the organization.” Nancy reached out to us late last summer, when we first started the eStudio, volunteering her skills as video editor. She edited several cabarets, including the SBMT Mammas, Moxie & Heart, and Classic vs. Contemporary Show Tunes. Her guidance led to an increase in production technique and quality. In the spirit of SBMT, she embodies our values of Heart, Quality, Growth and Community.
Dallas Carter was given “Knighthood”—a brand-new award for “an individual who has done great deeds and services to the organization.” Dallas first joined SBMT in 2018 in the choir of Hunchback of Notre Dame. He has since performed in Mame, Big River, and She Loves Me. He learned the ropes of Assistant Stage Manager for the (technically challenging) Gentleman’s Guide, and is finishing his first term as a Board Member. Over the past year, Dallas chaired the Development team, Stage Managed two Readers’ Theatres, provided technical support for numerous eStudio programs, and served as Auditions Coordinator for several productions.
Congratulations to all our award recipients and thank you to everyone who volunteers their time, talent, and treasure to sustain our efforts. If you’d like to get involved, please visit our Volunteer page and tell us what you love to do!
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