Olivia Goodman of Fincastle will receive the inaugural Sarabeth Hammond Scholarship from the Roanoke Children’s Theatre (RCT), according to an announcement by the RCT Artistic Director Pat Wilhelms and staff.

The Sarabeth Hammond Scholarship was created in memory of RCT youth actor Sarabeth Hammond, whose vibrant life was tragically cut short in December 2016. The Sarabeth Hammond Scholarship will be awarded annually to a young theatre artist in honor of the fearless spirit that Sarabeth exhibited when she participated with RCT in classes, productions, or in counseling special needs students, according to the announcement.

The yearly recipient will be allowed to enroll in as many RCT classes and camps as they desire for the upcoming season and also be guaranteed a role in an upcoming production.

Goodman has been in numerous RCT productions, most recently the RCT Kids on Stage production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and the main-stage production of “Shrek, The Musical.”

Goodman’s acting experiences also include other Roanoke Children Theatre’s productions of “Junie B. Jones,” “Pinkalicious,” “Wrecked,” “Little House Christmas” and “Madeline’s Christmas.” The Central Academy Middle School student has also performed in Mill Mountain Theatre’s productions of “Into The Woods,” “White Christmas,” “Annie Jr.,” “Pinnochio,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Also, she has danced with Floyd Ward School of Dance since age 5.

“I’m thrilled that we get the opportunity to keep Sarabeth’s memory alive through this scholarship,” Wilhelms said of the scholarship award. “Sarabeth was a vivacious theatre artist who had so much spirit, drive and dedication to the theatre. It is my pleasure to award this scholarship to Olivia Goodman as I feel that she exudes the exact same qualities. Olivia’s love for theatre is contagious and I know Sarabeth would be proud.”

Roanoke Children’s Theatre:  Professional Theatre for Young Audiences is an independently-owned and operated 501(c)3 organization located in the Jefferson Center. RCT is dedicated to providing high quality theatre education and entertainment to families, schools and children with year-round programming.