Do-it-all mom takes top VPA award

Valley Life editor

Finding time to act in Valley Performing Arts productions is hard for Tami Shelton, as the single mother of three boys also has two jobs. That's why the Best Actress award she earned on June 13 at the annual VPA awards banquet means so much to her.

Shelton won the award for her performance in "Lost in Yonkers" in which she plays Aunt Bella, a woman who is slightly mentally challenged.

The award is the second for her in eight years at VPA, but this one is the highest honor, she said.

"Last year I was awarded the Artistic Director's award, which basically thanks you for volunteering and helping out," Shelton said. "But the best actress award is awesome. I was really surprised. I knew the role had potential, but I didn't expect to win."

Voting for the award is done by VPA season ticket holders who are mailed ballots at the end of every season (see related story, below).

Shelton tries to appear in one VPA production each season, but finding time is challenging. She has twin 13-year-old boys and a 7-year-old boy, and she works full-time at Nobody's Inn, so finding the time for even one production is a victory for her. She also takes in a 15-year-old and an 11-year-old when their father goes to the Slope, making the Shelton household full and cozy.

"I've got a great support system. My mom and dad live in Muldoon, and they help me out so much. I couldn't do it without them," Shelton said. "Whenever I need a hand, they are there. I'm a real high-energy person, so that's good. I have to be."

Shelton said she knew the character of Aunt Bella in Lost in Yonkers was a challenge, and that it had the possibility of being an award-winning role.

"She is slightly mentally challenged, but the depth of her character is amazing," Shelton said. "For me, it was a constant challenge to bring out both sides of Bella's character. I had to make both sides stand out."

The Lost in Yonkers role was the second time Shelton has played a Bella.

In Gaslight, she also played a character named Bella.

"I thought that role was just as intense, and just as good as this one," Shelton said. "Maybe I should always pick a character named Bella."

The kudos are nice, and Shelton is certainly proud of her award, but she said more than anything, theater is a release for her -- a way to escape to another world for a few hours each night.

"It's a passion of mine, because it's new every single time," Shelton said. "There has never been a burnout moment for me in theater. It's always something I look forward to and enjoy doing. It's extremely rewarding in that way."

She said she has been cast in a movie project VPA artistic director Grant Olson is making, although filming has slowed pending budget concerns.

"Who knows what the future holds for me," Shelton said. "I enjoy acting, so we'll see."