It’s official! Not only do cats have nine lives, but Mad Cat Theatre Company does, too. Well, actually, they have a Nine Lives Scholarship Award, which is essential to fostering the talents of young South Florida-based actors.

Christian Frost (Outstanding High School Senior) and Vanessa Elise (Outstanding College Senior) will each receive a $500 scholarship presented on opening night of Mad Cat’s Theatre’s next play, “Blow Me,” at the Sandbox at the Miami Theater Center on August 16.Through the Nine Lives Scholarship Awards and other programs, Mad Cat has provided young artists from the local community the space and guidance to advance their craft, hone their skills and advance their careers.

Christian Frost just graduated from J.P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs, and he wants to pursue a career in the arts. “I can honestly say that I can’t imagine doing anything else,” said Frost. “And I have come to love it so much that I want the rest of my life to be immersed in it. Theater has become such a passion of mine that I cannot even think of a life without it.”

The Outstanding College Senior award-winner, Vanessa Elisa, also can’t do without theater. “The arts gave me a voice, motivation to discover more about myself and the world around me,” Elisa said. “I feel blessed that the career I’ve chosen gives me the opportunity express my views and also let audience members, even if it’s just one, feel that their story is being told with respect and integrity be it in song or dialogue.”

Vanessa Elise.

Join Mad Cat Theatre Company for the Nine Lives Scholarship Awards on August 16th at 8 p.m. “Blow Me,” written by Jessica Farr and Directed by Paul Tei, runs from Aug. 15 – Sept. 1, Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.madcattheatre.org or https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/32115;or by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111.