Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras is pleased to announce that the Verona Area Community Theater (VACT) is the recipient of the 2019 Rabin Youth Arts Award. VACT was recognized in the “Artistic Achievement” category, which “recognizes an individual or organization who has made a significant contribution in areas such as teaching, program development, leadership in youth performance and/or presentation to youth audiences.”
Since 2001, WYSO has awarded the Rabin Youth Arts Award in honor of its founding conductor, Dr. Marvin Rabin. Rabin was a well-known music educator and researcher of youth arts. He believed it was equally important to recognize individuals and organizations who support youth arts initiatives, and the Rabin Youth Arts Award continues the legacy of his lifelong mission.
VACT was founded in 1992 by Dee Baldock, with the goal of providing affordable opportunities for children and adults to engage and enhance their passions in all facets of theater. Since then, the organization has grown to provide a strong sense of community and memorable experiences. VACT now offers 10 full productions each season, and at least seven of the productions feature children. VACT staff are unpaid volunteers and all cast members can contribute to building sets and costumes.
Pictured from left to right: WYSO Life Trustee Dick Wolf, UW Professor Emeritus of Theater Harv Thompson, VACT Board member Terry Dvorak, VACT Board Vice President Alyssa Dvorak, VACT Board member Lynn Vilker, award nominator Nicole Smith, and WYSO Board member Renee Farley. VACT accepted the WYSO Rabin Youth Arts Award at its April 27 production of Newsies.
“This theater group has had a profound impact on the youth for many years,” award nominator and VACT supporter Nicole Smith said. “VACT is helping young people get involved in the arts, and its productions truly offer a community feel.”
VACT was presented with the Rabin Youth Arts Award at its April 27 production of Newsies, the culmination of its spring youth and teen production season. Learn more about VACT at vact.org.
WYSO seeks nominations for the Rabin Youth Arts Award from Wisconsin groups involved in music, dance, theater or visual arts each year. Learn more about the award and past recipients at wysomusic.org/about/rabin-youth-arts-awards/.