Oline Cogdill writes

Anyone who loves theater knows that South Florida has a terrific array of professional theaters.

Each year these theaters and the hard-working actors, directors and staff are honored during the Carbonells, South Florida's awards for theatrical excellence.

The Carbonells are the region's oldest arts honors and were presented Monday during a benefit show raising scholarships for arts students at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. (You can find the winners here.)

Naturally the winners’ usual acceptance speeches included many thank yous to the directors, co-stars, staff and other professionals that pull together to make theatrical magic, as well as the long-suffering spouses and children.

Jim Ballard who won best supporting actor for his funny, wonderful performance in Urinetown at the Actors Playhouse, thanked all those people.

And then he added an additional acknowledgment to two special members of his family who have supported him constantly and who, he added, was probably leaving a gift right now on his carpet: His Italian greyhounds, whose names he did mention but, frankly, I’ve forgotten.