All posts by Chad Hembree

A Christmas Carol – A Dinner Show Experience (Dec 19-22)

Join us December 19th through 22nd for our beloved Progressive Dinner Show, back by popular demand! Last year, patrons loved stretching their legs and moving between theater spaces for each act, adding a fun, interactive twist to the dining experience. Unlike our murder mystery dinners, where the show unfolds around your tables, this progressive event lets you explore different theater settings between meal courses, making it a unique way to enjoy the holiday spirit.

All tables are wheelchair accessible, and ADA seating in the theaters is available upon request once you’ve booked. Please contact Mr. Chad at 859-661-0600 for special seating arrangements. VIP guests enjoy premium extra wide seating in the first two rows in each theater space. Secure your seats for this joyful holiday event that’s quickly becoming a favorite tradition!


Book now

Cyrano de Bergerac (Jan 10-18)

Presented by The Bluegrass Players

Join The Bluegrass Players on an unforgettable journey of love, bravery, and poetic eloquence with their production of Cyrano de Bergerac. This timeless tale, brought to life by a talented cast, tells the story of Cyrano, a brilliant poet and swordsman with a heart full of love—and insecurities to match.

Set against the intimate and charming backdrop of the Spotlight Playhouse, this production delivers a perfect blend of romance, humor, and action. Cyrano de Bergerac is a poignant and witty story of unrequited love, friendship, and personal honor. Whether you’re drawn to its poetic dialogue or the swashbuckling action, this show has something for everyone.

Don’t miss this moving tribute to the power of words and the complexities of the human heart. Reserve your seats now for a night of eloquent storytelling and heartfelt performances.


Book now

Mystery on 13th Street (Jan 17-19)

Performed by Spotlight Acting School students age 9-14

Step into the mysterious world of Mystery at 13th Street, where nothing is quite as it seems! This thrilling production takes audiences on a whirlwind adventure through the eerie Von Drugen mansion, a place where kids are disappearing, and secrets lurk around every corner. As the quirky Community Club investigates, they must unravel the strange happenings before they, too, become part of the mystery. With plenty of twists, turns, and a touch of humor, this show is perfect for families and mystery lovers alike.

Filled with colorful characters, from the odd but lovable Dr. Von Drugen to the clever kids trying to solve the puzzle, Mystery at 13th Street promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you enjoy suspenseful storytelling, quirky humor, or edge-of-your-seat excitement, this production offers it all. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the adventure—grab your tickets and find out what really happens on 13th Street!


Book now

A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS (Jan 24 – Feb 2)

Come support our talented young performers as they bring the beloved story of Frog and Toad to life on stage! In this charming musical, you’ll follow the delightful duo as they journey through seasons, share friendship, and tackle life’s little challenges together. With catchy songs, playful dances, and heartwarming moments, this production will entertain theatergoers of all ages.

Our little actors have worked hard to make this show magical and would love your support! Don’t miss this chance to cheer them on and experience the joy and humor of Frog and Toad’s world. Grab your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable show!

Tickets available January 2025

Honk! The Musical (Jan 24 – Feb 2)

The Bluegrass Players invite you to experience Honk! The Musical, the enchanting and uplifting story of a little duckling with a big heart. First premiering in 1993, this charming musical won the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Musical in London’s West End, triumphing over other beloved shows like The Lion King! Since then, Honk! has touched hearts around the world with revivals across theaters big and small.

When Ugly hatches in the barnyard, he faces challenges because he looks different from the other ducklings. But soon, he embarks on an unforgettable adventure, discovering the beauty of being unique and making wonderful friends along the way! Filled with catchy songs, laughter, and touching moments, Honk! is a treat for all ages. It’s a celebration of kindness, acceptance, and the courage to be yourself.

Perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to feel inspired, this show will warm your heart and leave you smiling long after the curtain falls. Don’t miss out – quack your way to The Spotlight Playhouse and join us for this beautiful journey of self-discovery and joy!

Tickets available in January

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.

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)