Shelby County Community Theatre names Cyndi Chaney as Executive Director
Shelbyville, Ky. (July 1, 2025) — The Shelby County Community Theatre, a longtime pillar of the arts community in Shelby County, has appointed Cyndi Chaney as its new executive director.
Chaney joins SCCT at a pivotal moment as the theatre prepares for its 50th anniversary in 2027 and begins an ambitious expansion to better serve the community. She formerly served on SCCT’s Board of Directors and has actively contributed to the theatre’s programming and outreach efforts for several years, including chairing the season selection committee.
“Cyndi has a proven track record of artistic leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement,” said Sacha Powers, president of the SCCT Board of Directors. “Her appointment marks a new era of growth and excellence for the theatre, and we are excited to work with Cyndi as we prepare for the next fifty years of SCCT.”
In her new role, Chaney will manage daily operations, spearhead fundraising and development efforts, and work closely with the board, staff, and volunteers to boost the theatre’s visibility and influence. With experience in both the performing arts and public service, she plans to strengthen partnerships, draw new audiences, and expand SCCT’s legacy as a vibrant cultural hub in the Louisville region.
“I’m honored to take on this role during such an exciting period of growth,” said Chaney. “Shelby County Community Theatre has always been a space where creativity and community come together, and I look forward to building on that foundation with new energy and a continued focus on inclusivity and excellence.”
Chaney most recently served as the public relations coordinator for Shelby County Public Schools, the same district where she had been a classroom teacher for over 20 years, teaching drama and history and directing numerous shows at the school, many of which received awards at statewide theatre competitions. She is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education, and Georgetown College, where she earned a Master of Arts in Education.
SCCT attracts thousands of visitors every year to downtown Shelbyville, supporting the local economy through hospitality, dining, and retail. In addition to its mainstage productions, the theater provides educational programs, community workshops, and youth activities that promote workforce development through the arts. Established in 1977, SCCT is one of Kentucky’s oldest community theaters, showcasing classic plays, modern works, and youth programs for audiences throughout the region. Recent productions have included shows spanning various styles, from musicals like 9 to 5 and Mamma Mia! to thought-provoking dramas like Waiting for Godot and Our Town.
Chaney takes over for Cheryl Van Stockum, who retired as SCCT’s executive director last August.
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About SCCT — Founded and chartered on June 30, 1977, with founding leader Robert C. Shy, SCCT began with a lively community production of The Music Man on the stage of Shelby County High School. Over nearly five decades, SCCT has built a strong performance and educational program, including children’s theatre, classes, workshops, and juried arts events. The organization has received many awards from the Kentucky Theatre Association and has become a key cultural and economic contributor for Shelbyville and the greater Louisville area. For more information on partnership opportunities or upcoming productions, visit www.shelbytheatre.org and follow the theatre on Facebook and Instagram.
