Mason County, KY / Bracken County, KY / Brown County, OH / Adams County, OH — April 28, 2026
The Appalachian Creatives Theatrical Society (ACTS) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Erin Williams has been elected as Vice President, and Byron Parker has been elected as Director of Community & Artistic Partnerships. Both were officially voted in during the board meeting held on Thursday, April 17.
These appointments come at a pivotal moment for ACTS, as the organization continues to grow its programming, deepen community engagement, and expand its artistic footprint across the region.
New Board Leadership
Erin Williams — Vice President
Erin is a ceramic artist, educator, and lifelong Maysville creative whose work and leadership have become an integral part of the region’s arts community. A graduate of the University of Indianapolis with a background in ceramics and art therapy, Erin has completed apprenticeships and residencies across the country, including in Montana, Missouri, and Indiana, before returning home to Maysville in 2022. She runs a home pottery studio where she creates functional ware, sculptural pieces, and her well‑known “Bean” series. Her work is featured locally at the EAT Gallery and in regional artisan showcases.
Erin brings a steady, collaborative, and community‑centered leadership style to ACTS. Her experience as both an artist and educator strengthens ACTS’ mission to uplift local creativity and foster accessible arts experiences across the region.
“Erin’s leadership style is grounded, thoughtful, and focused on community,” said ACTS President Shery Zimmermann. “She strengthens every production she touches, and we’re grateful to have her step into this role.”
Byron Parker — Director of Community & Artistic Partnerships
Byron is a painter, teaching artist, and community arts advocate whose work spans galleries, festivals, workshops, and public arts programming throughout the Ohio River Valley. A freelance visual artist with a strong regional presence, Byron teaches painting classes, exhibits his work in local galleries, and participates in community arts events across Kentucky and Ohio.
He currently serves as Vice President of ORVAG (Ohio River Valley Artists Guild), where he supports artist outreach, gallery programming, and community engagement. His artistic practice blends expressive color, landscapes, and narrative imagery, making him a recognizable voice in the local arts scene.
Byron’s role with ACTS focuses on building partnerships, strengthening relationships with artists and cultural organizations, and expanding ACTS’ visibility throughout the region. His creative insight and community‑minded approach align closely with ACTS’ mission to celebrate and connect local arts.
“Byron’s creativity and community‑minded energy align beautifully with ACTS’ mission,” Zimmermann said. “His presence strengthens the relationships at the heart of our work.”
Current ACTS Programs and Productions
Rehearsals Underway for The Great Road Speaks
ACTS’ summer production, in partnership with Old Washington, Inc., written by local authors, and titled The Great Road Speaks, is now in rehearsal. This immersive, site‑based theatrical experience brings audiences through historic Old Washington, Kentucky, with scenes staged across multiple outdoor locations. Performances will take place June 26–28, 2026.
Tickets go on sale May 1 for $20, with an early‑bird discount of 10% available through May 15.
The production blends local history, storytelling, and community performance — a hallmark of ACTS’ mission to celebrate local culture through the arts.
‘Echoes of Appalachia’ Creative Writing Contest and Vendor Call Now Open
The third annual Echoes of Appalachia Creative Writing Contest is officially open for submissions through June 30, 2026. This year’s theme is “Trees of Appalachia.” Writers age 13 and older, at all experience levels, are invited to submit original work inspired by Appalachian themes, landscapes, or lived experiences.
Key dates include:
– Submissions open: April 1–June 30
– Judging period: July 1–14
– Winners announced: July 15
– Echoes of Appalachia Festival: September 12
Vendors interested in participating in the Echoes of Appalachia Makers Market are invited to send an inquiry to hello@acts-theater.org before June 30.
Upcoming Fall Production: M*A*S*H
ACTS will open its fall production of M*A*S*H on November 6–8, 2026, at Simon Kenton VFW Post 2734 in Maysville, KY. Auditions will be held in late summer, with a 10‑week rehearsal process modeled after ACTS’ successful Fools schedule. More details, including audition dates and cast information, will be announced in the coming months.
ACTS Turns 2 — Community Birthday Celebration on May 29
ACTS will celebrate its second anniversary with a community birthday event on May 29, 2026, at 6 PM at the Mason County Public Library. The celebration will highlight ACTS’ growth over the past two years, honor volunteers and supporters, and offer a welcoming space for community members to connect with the organization. The event will include refreshments, activities, and a look ahead at ACTS’ upcoming season and community initiatives.
More details will be shared on ACTS’ social media channels in early May.
A Season of Growth and Community
With new board leadership, an immersive summer production, a growing regional writing contest, and a milestone anniversary celebration, ACTS is entering one of its most ambitious seasons yet. The organization remains committed to accessible, community‑driven arts programming that uplifts local stories and talent while strengthening cultural connections across Kentucky and Ohio.
For more information about ACTS, how to get involved, submit to the writing contest, upcoming productions, or community programs, please contact:
Email: hello@acts-theater.org
Facebook: Appalachian Creatives Theatrical Society – ACTS
