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Telephone: 508 993 0772
Fax: 508 993 1396
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Roger H. Allen, Publicity Manager
E-mail: ytinews@comcast.net
CITY HONORS DRAMA LEADERS
NEW BEDFORD, MA --- Two area community theater leaders have won this city’s 2005 Mayoral Commendation Award for their contributions to art and culture.
The honors go to staff executives of Your Theatre, Inc. Edward J. Maguire and Cynthia J. Messier, both of Fairhaven. Mr. Maguire is the drama organization’s artistic director and business manager. Ms Messier is assistant business manager.
Both winners have served Your Theatre, Inc. in a variety of capacities ranging from acting performance to play production to office management. Mr. Maguire has been affiliated with the company for 45 years; Ms Messier for 37 years.
Mary Lindenberg, a co-founder of Massachusetts Arts Week, nominated both honorees for the award. Mayor Frederick M. Kalisz Jr. signed their individual citations.
Now in its 59th season, Your Theatre, Inc. was rated the favorite 2005 community theatre organization in Southeastern Massachusetts in a poll conducted by The New Bedford Standard-Times.
The poll, which asked the newspaper’s reader’s to choose their preferred businesses and service providers in a variety of categories, drew more than 4,000 responses.
Founded in 1946, YTI is incorporated as a non-profit community theatre which seeks to enhance the cultural life of New Bedford, Southeastern Massachusetts, and nearby communities through the study and regular presentation of dramatic productions and other programs of high quality and professional standards.
The company also develops and encourages artistic talent through the establishment and operation of workshops, theatre productions and other dramatic training opportunities.