All posts by Chad Hembree

Auditions

A Community Theater

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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

 

 

 

News/Blog

Pay What You Can Performances

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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.
Adult Actors, Comedy, Show, Teen Actors, The Bluegrass Players

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
 

Adult Actors, Child Actors, Family-Friendly, Show, The Bluegrass Players

Peter Cottontail Show & Easter Egg Hunt (April 18 & 19)

Performed by The Bluegrass Players

🌸🐰 Hop into Spring with Peter Cottontail! 🐰🌸April 18 & 19, 2025 | 6:30 PMThe Spotlight Playhouse

Come enjoy a hoppin’ good time with our adorable spring show, Peter Cottontail, based on the charming animal stories of Thornton Burgess! This delightful production is full of fun, friendship, and furry woodland friends.

🎟️ Tickets: Just $5 per person!That includes the show and a special Easter Egg Hunt for children 12 and under, right after the show!
And guess what? Peter Cottontail himself will help lead the egg hunt! 🐇💐

Bring your baskets, bring your smiles, and get ready for a heartwarming evening the whole family will love.

📍 The Spotlight Playhouse🗓️ April 18 & 19 at 6:30 PM


Book now

Family-Friendly, Show, Spotlight Acting School, Teen Actors

Into the Woods JR (May 2-18)

Performed by Spotlight Acting School Students Age 9-14

What happens when your favorite fairytale characters all share one story? Find out in Into the Woods JR., a magical musical adventure brought to life by the talented students of Spotlight Acting School!

Follow Cinderella, Jack (and his beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood, and more as their stories twist and tangle deep in the woods. With catchy songs, colorful costumes, and lots of heart, this show is perfect for the whole family!

🎭 Performance Dates:📅 May 2–18, 2025📍 At The Spotlight Playhouse

✨ Don’t miss this enchanting tale filled with music, magic, and meaningful lessons—all told by our amazing young performers!

If you intend to support a specific actor, please ask them which cast to see.  If not, all the casts are equally talented.

Blue Cast (May 2-4)
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Purple Cast (May 8-11)
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Red Cast (May 9-11)
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Green Cast (May 16-18)
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Adult Actors, Comedy, Family-Friendly, Show, The Bluegrass Players

If the Good Lord’s Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise (May 2-10)

Presented by The Bluegrass Players

If the Good Lord’s Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise is a zany comedy full of eccentric characters and laugh-out-loud moments. The story revolves around “Doc,” a retired judge who spends his days in odd pursuits, from flying his hot air balloon to writing nonsense books. His daughter, Charlotte, thinks he’s lost his marbles and conspires with a sly lawyer to take over his estate.

Throw in a psychologist on her first case, love-struck teenagers, a fiery school bus driver, and more, and you’ve got a recipe for hilarity. At its core, this play is a heartwarming tale of individuality and the joy of embracing a little madness now and then.


Book now

Adult Actors, Show, The Bluegrass Players

Let the Women Sing (May 16-25)

🎶✝️ Let the Women Sing: The New Testament ✝️🎶
May 16–25, 2025
The Spotlight Playhouse
Written by Trudy Tait

Following the powerful storytelling of Let the Women Sing: The Old Testament, we are proud to present Part Two of this moving musical journey through scripture.

Let the Women Sing: The New Testament continues the story with all-new songs, scenes, and voices—highlighting the women of the New Testament Told through heartfelt music and performance, this original production shares stories of faith, hope, and strength from a fresh and inspiring perspective.

✨ No need to have seen Part One—this chapter stands strong on its own!
But for returning audiences, the journey continues with even deeper meaning.

Come be inspired—and let the women sing.

Tickets coming soon.

Child Actors, Family-Friendly, Show, Spotlight Acting School

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS (May 30 – June 8)

🐾🎭 Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS 🎭🐾Performed by Spotlight Acting School Students (Ages 4–11)May 30–June 8, 2025The Spotlight Playhouse
Get ready for tail-wagging fun in this delightful musical adventure starring our youngest performers, ages 4 to 11! 🐶✨

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS follows the story of Pongo, Perdita, and their adorable puppy pack as they outwit the evil Cruella De Vil and her bumbling henchmen. With catchy songs, playful performances, and a heartwarming message, this show is perfect for kids and families alike!

📅 Performance Dates:

  • May 30, 31
  • June 1, 6, 7, 8📍 At The Spotlight Playhouse

🎟️ Don’t miss the cutest cast in town as they bring this Disney favorite to life!


Book now

Adult Actors, Family-Friendly, Show, The Bluegrass Players

Disney’s Mary Poppins (May 30-June 7)

Presented by The Bluegrass Players

May 30–June 7, 2025
The Spotlight Playhouse

It’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! ✨Join us for the magical and heartwarming tale of Mary Poppins the Musical, brought to life by The Bluegrass Players! When Mary Poppins arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry Tree Lane, she turns the Banks family’s world upside down—in the most delightful way.

This family-favorite musical is full of unforgettable songs, whimsical fun, and charming surprises. With stunning costumes, energetic dance numbers, and a spoonful of imagination, it’s the perfect show for all ages!

📅 Performance Dates:

  • May 30, 31
  • June 1, 6, 7📍 At The Spotlight Playhouse

🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Bring the whole family for an enchanting night at the theater.


Book now

Drama, Show, Spotlight Acting School, Teen Actors

The Diary of Anne Frank (Jun 13-22)

🎭 The Diary of Anne Frank
By Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
Presenter: Spotlight Acting School (SAS)
Age Group: 14-18 years
Venue: The Spotlight Playhouse, Berea, KY

📖 In this transcendent true story, Anne Frank’s diary comes to life as a powerful testament to the human spirit. During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, 13-year-old Anne Frank and her family are forced into hiding in the sealed-off upper rooms of an Amsterdam warehouse. Over the next two years, Anne vividly describes their confinement, the daily threats of discovery, and her hopes, fears, and dreams in her diary.

This compelling dramatization, crafted by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence while showcasing the power of hope even in humanity’s darkest hour. Performed by our exceptional 14-18 year old actors, whose college-level artistry brings profound depth and maturity to this challenging material, this production promises a moving and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

📅 Performance Dates: June 13-22, 2025

Tickets coming soon.