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 for applicable productions.
  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, Drama, Parental Advisory, Show, The Bluegrass Players, Thriller

LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER (Oct 17-25)

✨ Presented by: The Bluegrass Players
🎬 Director: Kyrsten Daugherty
📅 Dates: October 17-25, 2025
🏛️ Venue: The Spotlight Playhouse
🌙 Step into the mysterious world of one of America’s most infamous unsolved cases! Lizzie Borden of Fall River takes audiences into the Borden residence in Fall River, Massachusetts, where a fascinating cast of characters becomes entangled in the events surrounding the notorious axe murders of 1892. This gripping drama explores the complex relationships and dark secrets that led to one of history’s most puzzling mysteries.
🎭 Experience the tension and mystery as the story unfolds through powerful performances that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This production delves deep into the psychological complexities of the case, offering a theatrical interpretation that’s both historically grounded and dramatically riveting.

🎟️ PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

🌃 Friday, October 17 • 8:00 PM
🌃 Saturday, October 18 • 8:00 PM
☀️ Sunday, October 19 • 4:00 PM
🌃 Friday, October 24 • 8:00 PM
🌃 Saturday, October 25 • 8:00 PM
🎯 Target Audience: Mature audiences (recommended for ages 13+)
Uncover the truth… if you dare. ⚖️🔍


Book now

 

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

MONSTER MASH CABARET (Nov 1 & 2)

🎭 MONSTER MASH CABARET 🎃

A Spotlight Acting School Halloween Spectacular
Get ready for spooky fun with the Monster Mash Cabaret! This thrilling Halloween extravaganza brings together young talents for an unforgettable performance filled with singing, dancing, and acting. This beloved Spotlight tradition offers students the perfect opportunity to showcase their talents in a fun, festive atmosphere!
Join us for this exciting cabaret-style show that celebrates all things Halloween with creative costumes, spooky songs, and monster-themed performances. Our talented students will bring the Halloween spirit to life on stage, creating a memorable experience for performers and audiences alike! 🦇✨
🎬 DIRECTORS: Jazzlyn Threlkeld and Rachel Wade
📅 PERFORMANCE DATES: November 1-2, 2025
📍 VENUE: The Spotlight Playhouse 214 Richmond Road, Berea, KY 40403
👻 FEATURING:
  • Spooky songs and monster-themed musical numbers
  • Creative Halloween costumes and choreography
  • Talented students ages 9-18
  • A fun, family-friendly Halloween celebration
Don’t miss this ghoulishly good time as our young performers transform into monsters, ghouls, and Halloween favorites for an evening of entertainment that’s sure to delight audiences of all ages!


Book now

Adult Actors, Drama, Parental Advisory, Show, The Bluegrass Players, Thriller

Dracula: The New World (Nov 7-9)

“Dracula: The New World” — 10th Anniversary Production
Intended for Mature Audiences

Step into the heart of Appalachia with a chilling new take on the vampire legend. For a decade, “Dracula: The New World” has captivated audiences with its blend of gothic horror and the haunting atmosphere of the Appalachian Mountains. This 10th anniversary production reimagines the classic tale of Dracula through a uniquely local lens, rich in folklore, mystery, and the eerie beauty of the hills.

Directed and written by Chad Hembree, this Appalachian experience returns with an all-new background soundtrack filled with the haunting sounds of Appalachia, creating an immersive experience unlike any other. With fresh storytelling, compelling characters, and spine-tingling suspense, “Dracula: The New World” promises an unforgettable night of thrills—a decade in the making.


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

Something Rotten JR (Nov 7-16)

🎭 Something Rotten Jr. 🎭
Presented by: Spotlight Acting School
Ages: 14-18
Show Description:
Set in 1595, Something Rotten Jr. follows the Bottom brothers—Nick and Nigel—two playwrights struggling to compete with the rock-star playwright of their time, William Shakespeare. When a soothsayer predicts that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting all at the same time, Nick sets out to write the world’s very first MUSICAL! With big laughs, catchy songs, and plenty of theatrical inside jokes, this show is a hilarious love letter to Broadway itself.
Packed with show-stopping numbers and clever wordplay, Something Rotten Jr. celebrates the joy of theater while poking fun at everything from Shakespeare to modern musicals. It’s a riotous comedy that will have audiences of all ages laughing, singing along, and cheering for the underdogs trying to make their mark in the theater world!
Target Audience: Families, theater lovers, and anyone who enjoys clever comedy and Broadway-style entertainment
📅 Performance Dates:
Blue Cast:
  • Friday, November 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM


Book now

Purple Cast:
  • Friday, November 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM


Book now

Drama, Family-Friendly, Show, Spotlight Acting School

A Christmas Carol (Nov 14-23)

🎭 The Spotlight Acting School presents: 🎭

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Charles Dickens’ timeless tale follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a bitter, miserly businessman to a generous, kind-hearted soul after he is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. This beloved holiday classic brings the magic of redemption and the spirit of Christmas to life on our stage in ways that will leave audiences absolutely spellbound! ✨🎄

Why This Will Be A Performance To Remember:
Our exceptional 14-18 year old performers are about to deliver something truly extraordinary! When our advanced age group takes on a classic like A Christmas Carol, magic happens! 🌟

This is why our advanced students are the pride of Spotlight Acting School – they don’t just perform, they transform stories into experiences that touch hearts and change lives!

PURPLE CAST

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BLUE CAST

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

TWAS THE WEEK AFTER CHRISTMAS (Dec 5-7)

🎄 ‘TWAS THE WEEK AFTER CHRISTMAS ✨

A Spotlight Acting School Holiday Musical
Get ready for a delightful holiday musical! ‘Twas the Week After Christmas takes audiences on a heartwarming post-holiday adventure filled with catchy songs, festive fun, and plenty of laughs. This Beat by Beat Press musical is perfect for spreading holiday cheer and showcasing our talented students!
Join us for this enchanting holiday production that captures the magic and wonder of the days following Christmas. Our young performers will bring this charming story to life with beautiful music, creative choreography, and heartfelt performances that will warm your heart during the holiday season! 🎁🎵
📅 PERFORMANCE DATES: December 5-7, 2025
🌟 FEATURING:
  • Catchy holiday songs and musical numbers
  • Heartwarming post-Christmas storytelling
  • Creative choreography and festive costumes
  • Talented Spotlight Acting School students
  • Perfect family-friendly holiday entertainment
Don’t miss this delightful holiday musical that celebrates the joy and magic that continues long after Christmas morning!


Book now

 

Spotlight Acting School, The Bluegrass Players, The Spotlight Players

The Spotlight Playhouse 2018/2019 Season

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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)