Roy Vella to Receive Stockley Superhero Award

San Francisco (August 13, 2005) - Roy Vella, former treasurer of the BATS Improv board of directors and long-time supporter of the organization, is the 2005 recipient of the Rebecca Stockley Superhero Award. 

The award will be presented to him on Saturday, Aug. 27, the final weekend of BATS' 11th Annual Summer Improv Festival, before the BATS vs. Los Angeles Theatresports show. Tickets are available at www.improv.org.

Over the past seven years, Vella has supported BATS, the Bay Area's largest improv school and performance company, in numerous ways. Most significantly, he served as board treasurer, bringing his business savvy to help strengthen the organization's financial position. He oversaw the implementation of new accounting and budgeting systems and worked diligently to expand BATS' capacity to hire professional staff.   

He was a key leader in strategic planning and restructuring efforts. Vella co-chaired two capital campaigns: one in 2001 to install new seats at the Bayfront Theater, and a second in 2005 to build a new, wheelchair-accessible stage. Beyond leadership, he is also a generous donor to the organization and a tireless promoter of BATS. 

Vella was first introduced to Theatresports-style improv by his coach at Stanford University, Patricia Ryan-Madson. (Ryan-Madson was the 2004 recipient of the Stockley Award.) While obtaining his JD & MBA  at Stanford, Vella was a member of the Stanford Improvisors from 1995-1998. Upon graduation, he moved to San Francisco and joined BATS Board at Ryan-Madson's recommendation. 

The Stockley Award is presented annually to an individual who has provided extraordinary service to the organization. Nominations are submitted by the BATS community and reviewed by a selection committee. The award is named in honor of Rebecca Stockley who served as dean of the BATS Improv School for 10 years and is currently a member of BATS Main Stage Company.

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