All posts by Chad Hembree

A Community Theater

The Spotlight Playhouse is a community theater at its very heart.  Open auditions are held regularly.

Auditions for The Bluegrass Players Community Theater Troupe. Every show has a recommended age range, which serves more as guidance than a strict rule. Community productions retain only the actors necessary for the performance.

We are also the campus for the Spotlight Acting School. Spotlight Acting School primarily serves students aged 4-18, but it also occasionally presents intergenerational shows. Adult actors volunteering in school productions are not required to pay tuition. The school strives to keep student tuition affordable, with financial aid available. Every student is guaranteed a role. Enrollment is straightforward and can be finalized on the audition day.

Auditions for both groups are hosted on the Spotlight Acting School website and designated by SAS (Spotlight Acting School) or BGP (Bluegrass Players)

 

Chad Hembree, Executive Director of Spotlight, will gladly answer any questions about joining either group.
chad@spotlightactingschool.com or 859-661-0600

 

 

 

Pay What You Can Performances

The “Pay What You Can” initiative at The Spotlight Playhouse is part of our commitment to making the performing arts accessible to all. These performances allow you to decide the price of your ticket. Whether you use your spare change for an evening of theater or choose to contribute a bit more to help further our cause, every bit counts. Make sure to review the rules below before your visit.

RULES:

  1. “Pay What You Can” performances usually take place on Friday evenings. The specific performances eligible for this offer will be detailed in the show’s information.
  2. Unsold tickets will be made available online or at the box office two hours before the performance starts, on a first-come-first-served basis.
  3. Tickets purchased under the “Pay What You Can” initiative are non-transferable and cannot be resold.
  4. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

Once Upon a Mattress (Mar 21-30)

Performed by Spotlight Acting School Students Age 14-18

Experience the hilarity and charm of “Once Upon a Mattress,” performed by the talented students of Spotlight Acting School, ages 14-18! This full Broadway musical brings a delightful twist to the classic tale of “The Princess and the Pea.” With witty dialogue, catchy songs, and a whimsical storyline, it’s a show that guarantees fun for the entire family.

As famously performed by Broadway legends like Carol Burnett, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Sutton Foster, this production offers the same humor and heart, brought to life by our rising stars. Don’t miss this enchanting and comedic journey that proves even the most unlikely princess can find her happily ever after. Reserve your tickets today for a magical night of theater!


Book now
 

Spotlight Shenanigans: Skits and Giggles (Apr 4-13)

Performed by The Bluegrass Players

Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter with “Spotlight Shenanigans: Skits and Giggles”! This family-friendly comedy extravaganza features a hilarious blend of classic sketch comedy, side-splitting improv, and unforgettable moments you’ll be talking about long after the curtain falls. With a mix of carefully crafted skits inspired by comedic legends like Carol Burnett and spontaneous antics dreamed up on the spot, every scene promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Perfect for audiences of all ages, “Spotlight Shenanigans: Skits and Giggles” is more than a show—it’s an experience. Don’t miss your chance to see local talent shine in this Bluegrass Players production. Whether you’re a fan of timeless comedy or just looking for a fun night out, this is one performance you won’t want to miss!


Book now
 

Much Ado About Nothing (Apr 11-27)

Presented by The Bluegrass Players

Step into a world of wit, romance, and comedic chaos with William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” brought to life by the Bluegrass Players. Directed by the talented Jennifer Woodruff, with the support of her husband, Edwin Tait, this production highlights their passion for bringing Shakespeare to our community theater. Set in a lively Italian villa, the play captures the clever banter of Beatrice and Benedick, the tender love story of Hero and Claudio, and the hilarity of mistaken identities and scheming plots.

Jennifer and Edwin’s dedication to the arts has made Shakespearean performances a cornerstone of our community’s cultural offerings. This rendition of “Much Ado About Nothing” showcases the humor, depth, and timeless appeal of one of the Bard’s most beloved romantic comedies. Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespeare fan or new to his works, this production promises an evening of laughter, drama, and unforgettable storytelling. Reserve your tickets now for a performance that celebrates the joy and complexity of love and friendship!


Book now
 

The Spotlight Playhouse 2018/2019 Season

As we begin rehearsals for our last few shows of the 2017/2018 season we look forward to another season of great entertainment, all located in our new 13,000sq ft Playhouse in Berea.

The shows are listed in Chronological order, but exact dates could change at this point.

The season consists of over 32 shows for 46 weeks of entertainment with over 150 performances. Don’t let anyone say there is nothing to do in Berea.

Look at the calendar in the next few days to see performance dates.

  1. Murder Mystery Dinner Show – by the Bluegrass Players
    (Aug 2018)
  2. A Spectacular Season Preview – by the Spotlight Players
    (Aug 2018)
  3. Press Start – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 4-9
    (Sept 2018)
  4. Let Your Hair Down, Rapunzel – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 4-11
    (Sept 2018)
  5. Young Frankenstein – by the Bluegrass Players
    (Sept 2018)
  6. You Can’t Take It with You – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 11-18
    (Oct 2018)
  7. Honk Jr. – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 9-14
    (Oct 2018) 
  8. Dracula  – by the Bluegrass Players
    (Oct 2018) 
  9. Brigadoon – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 11-18
    (Nov 2018)  
  10. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – by the Spotlight Players (Intergenerational)
    (Nov 2018) 
  11. Christmas Showcase – by the Spotlight Players (Intergenerational)
    (Dec 2018)
  12. An Old Time Christmas Live Radio Show – by the Spotlight Players
    (Dec 2018)
  13. Christmas Mystery Dinner Show – by The Bluegrass Players
    (Dec 2018)
  14. Disney’s My Son Pinocchio JR. – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 4-9
    (Jan 2019)
  15. End Days  – by the Bluegrass Players
    (Jan 2019)
  16. Shrek Jr. – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 9-14
    (Feb 2019) 
  17. Space Pirates! – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 4-11
    (Feb 2019)  
  18. High School Musical – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 11-18
    (Mar 2019) 
  19. The Importance of Being Earnest  – by the Bluegrass Players
    (Mar 2019)
  20. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – by the Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 11-18
    (Mar 2019)
  21. Festival of Short Plays
    (Mar 2019)
  22. Twelfth Night  – by the Bluegrass Players
    (Mar 2019)
  23. Musicville – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 4-9
    (Apr 2019)
  24. The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe – by the Spotlight Players (Intergenerational)
    (Apr 2019)
  25. Spamalot  – by the Bluegrass Players
    (May 2019)
  26. Junie B. Jones The Musical JR. – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 4-11
    (May 2019) 
  27. Clue Dinner Show  – by the Bluegrass Players
    (May 2019)
  28. Singin’ in the Rain JR. – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 9-14
    (Jun 2019)
  29. A Midsummer Night’s Dream – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 11-18
    (Jun 2019)
  30. Oklahoma! – by the Spotlight Players (Intergenerational)
    (Jun 2019)
  31. A Broadway Revue – by Spotlight Acting School
    Ages 9-18
    (Jun 2019) 
  32. Moon Over Buffalo  – by the Bluegrass Players
    (Jul 2019)

Dracula 2017 Cast

Stuart Rose – Reverend Wesley

Kyrsten Daugherty – Sarah Christian

Ryan Peters – Robert Christian

Kayla Stewart – Mary Christian

Lucas Slagle – Professor Silas Mason

Taylor Edwards – Maude Mason

Saylour Burchfield – Phoebe Mason

Micheal Soens – Thomas Mason

Gary Burchfield – Sheriff Broaddus

Shandi Johnson – Katie Broaddus

Will Marr – Jud

Laura Case – Eva

Annie Johnson – Sadie

Braelyn Cameron – Olivia

Bradley Powell – R. M.

Darrell Harrison – Count Dracula