Pictured – Paula Davis and Darrell Harrison in the original production of Dracula: The New World 2015
BEREA, KY – This November marks a milestone for The Spotlight Playhouse as Dracula: The New World celebrates its 10th anniversary. What began in October 2015 as a creative experiment has become a beloved Halloween tradition that helped transform a fledgling community theater troupe into the thriving Bluegrass Players we know today.
From Spotlight Players to Bluegrass Players
When Dracula: The New World first took the stage in October 2015, the community theater arm of The Spotlight Playhouse was still finding its identity. Back then, it was called the Spotlight Players—a name that caused confusion with Spotlight Acting School and made it unclear that adult productions were happening alongside the youth programs.
“We were in our infancy as a community theater,” says Chad Hembree, Executive Director and playwright of Dracula: The New World. “People weren’t associating the fact that we did adult shows. Changing the name to Bluegrass Players made it clear that these productions were something different—community theater for adults.”
That rebranding, along with the consistent success of shows like Dracula: The New World, helped establish Bluegrass Players as a distinct and valued part of the local arts scene.
A Transylvania in Appalachia
The inspiration for Dracula: The New World came from an intriguing piece of local geography: the Transylvania area near Berea. Hembree, a Berea College alumnus with a deep appreciation for local history, saw an opportunity to weave together Gothic horror with Appalachian heritage.
“I was always intrigued that this area was called Transylvania,” Hembree explains. “I knew Daniel Boone had been through here, and I wanted to tie in that Berea College history I’d learned.”
The result is a completely original take on the Dracula legend. In Hembree’s version, the infamous vampire fakes his death in London to escape those hunting him and flees to the New World. But why Kentucky?
“Dracula had read some of Daniel Boone’s writings about the area and how it was so similar to the Carpathian Mountains where he was from,” Hembree says. “He escaped to a new place that’s sort of familiar and comforting where he could start all over again.”
The premise is both creative and surprisingly believable—a fresh twist on a classic tale that audiences have never seen anywhere else.
A Decade of Dedication
One constant throughout all 10 years has been Daryl Harrison, who has portrayed Dracula in every production. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when live theater came to a halt, the show went on—reimagined as a radio drama to keep the tradition alive.
“We didn’t skip it,” Hembree notes with pride. “Even in 2020, we found a way.”
This year’s production, running November 7-9, 2025, features several returning actors who have become part of the show’s legacy. Paula Davis returns alongside Harrison, and several other cast members have participated throughout the years, some for five or six seasons.
“There have been dozens of actors in this play throughout the years,” Hembree reflects. “We’ve had a lot of fun putting it on.”
A Final Curtain (For Now)
After 10 consecutive years, Dracula: The New World will take a rest after this November’s performances. The decision comes partly from scheduling challenges—this year, two casts of We Are Monsters for Spotlight Acting School pushed Dracula into November instead of its traditional October slot and reduced it to a single weekend.
“That might have been the nail in the coffin for me that I just want to go with something else next year,” Hembree admits. “I have a couple things in mind. I think I’ll bring a Halloween musical back and then I’ll find another creepy story to work on.”
But this isn’t goodbye forever. The show that helped build Bluegrass Players will always be part of The Spotlight Playhouse’s history, and Hembree hints it may return someday.
For now, audiences have one more chance to experience this unique Appalachian vampire tale. And for those who’ve never seen it, this is the perfect opportunity to discover why Dracula: The New World has captivated Berea audiences for a decade.
Performance Details
Dracula: The New World
November 7, 8, and 9, 2025
The Spotlight PlayhouseBerea, KY
For tickets and showtimes, visit thespotlightplayhouse.com or call 859-756-0011.
Chad Hembree notes there are so many funny stories from the 10 years of productions that he plans to share them in a podcast or videocast this week—too many to fit in one article.
About The Spotlight Playhouse
The Spotlight Playhouse is a 13,000 sq ft performing arts facility in Berea, KY, featuring two Black Box Theaters and serving as home to both Spotlight Acting School (ages 4-18) and Bluegrass Players community theater. For more information, visit thespotlightplayhouse.com or email chad@spotlightactingschool.com.