SCC Professor Appointed Coordinator of Kentucky Theater Association "Roots of the Bluegrass"

Steve Cleberg, Somerset Community College Theatre professor, has been appointed by the Kentucky Theatre Association (KTA) to head up their “Roots of the Bluegrass” playwriting program. Cleberg was invited to join KTA’s board of directors late last year and was asked to coordinate the association’s playwriting program shortly after the appointment.

The Roots of the Bluegrass New Play contest is currently in its eighth year. The annual playwriting event was the brainchild of two former members of the KTA board, Bill Forsyth and Doug Schutte. Forsyth and Shutte began the program in 2009 in order to give voice to Kentucky playwrights. Winners are selected annually and cash prizes are awarded.

“I was honored to be asked to join KTA’s board of directors and quite flattered that they would ask me to coordinate this important program for Kentucky playwrights,” said Cleberg. “I will do my best to keep the program strong and to see that it develops further in the future.”

Cleberg has been the director of SCC’s theatre for the past 30 years and is a playwright in his own right. His stage series entitled Radio Suspense Theatre is a staple with local audiences. Two plays in the series are currently published by Playscripts, Inc. His first musical, Tin Pan Alley Tavern, was also produced at the college last year.

He has also written and produced notable adaptations by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Sheridan, Chekhov, Feydeau, Moliere and other classical playwrights. Additionally, Cleberg has written and directed a number of film projects including The Stronger, Journal, The Compassion Clock, A Liar’s Swag and the award winning A Simple Arrangement.

KTA’s Roots of the Bluegrass New Play Contest is currently accepting submission to for its 2016 contest. Submissions are being accepted in the ten minute play category as well as submissions fitting the one act/full length category. Three finalists in the full length/one act category and will receive readings of excerpts at the KTA conference to be held at the University of Kentucky on November 11 through 13, 2016. The winner in this category will be announced at the performance and a $250 cash award will be presented.

The winner of the ten minute play contest will receive a reading of the entire work and receive a $25 cash award.

Further information regarding entry may be obtained by contacting Cleberg via email at rotbplaywright@gmail.com. Like the “KTA’s Roots of the Bluegrass Playwrights” page on Facebook to receive regular updates of the program.