Roadside’s Staff

Dudley Cocke has worked with Roadside for the past 30years as a writer, stage director, teacher, dramaturg, producer, fundraiser, and the company’s director. Cocke often speaks and writes about rural culture. He lives in Norton, Virginia.

Ron Short has worked with Roadside for the past 27 years as a playwright, composer, and performer. He is the author/composer of 15 of the company’s musical plays. Currently, he performs in Betsy, Music from Home, Mountain Tales & Music, Promise of a Love Song, Corn Mountain/Pine Mountain, and Voices from the Battlefront; is writing a new play; and is conducting community residencies. He lives in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

Donna Porterfield has worked with Roadside for the past 27 years as a writer, producer, dramaturg, fundraiser, publicist, and the company’s managing director. She scripted one of the company’s plays and co-authored others. She lives in Norton, Virginia.

Associate Artists

Nancy Smith has worked as a performer/singer with Roadside for the past 24 years. Currently, she performs in Roadside’s Mountain Tales and Music. She is the director of the nutrition program for Mountain Empire Older Citizens in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. She lives in Powell Valley, Virginia.

Bill Smith has been associated with Roadside Theater for the last four years as a storyteller, singer, and musician. Currently, he performs in Roadside’s Mountain Tales and Music. He is the executive director of “The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail” and lives in Powell Valley, Virginia.

Kim Neal Mays has worked as a performer/singer with Roadside for the past 17 years. Currently, she performs in Mountain Tales, Voices from the Battlefront, Corn Mountain/Pine Mountain, and Promise of a Love Song, and leads workshops. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ben Mays has worked with Roadside for the past 16 years as the company’s technical advisor/director. He heads his own entertainment company, Northstar Productions. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.