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.
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

Blue Cast June 13-15
Book now


Purple Cast June 19-22
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Adult Actors, Show, The Bluegrass Players

“Finally” A Broadway Revue (Jun 13-15)

🎭 “Finally” A Broadway Revue
Presented by The Bluegrass Players
Directed by Kyrsten Daugherty

✨ The beloved tradition returns! Join us as our talented Spotlight Players fulfill their musical theater dreams by performing songs from their most cherished Broadway shows. Back by popular demand, veteran Spotlight Player and Morehead State University Theater Graduate Kyrsten Daugherty returns to direct this enchanting evening of musical storytelling, where performers finally get to share the Broadway moments they’ve always dreamed of bringing to life.

🎟️ Performance Dates:

  • Friday, June 13
  • Saturday, June 14 (2 shows)
  • Sunday, June 15 (2 shows)

📍 The Spotlight Playhouse – Theatre
214 Richmond Road, Berea, KY


Book now

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

Singin’ in the Rain JR (Jun 20-22)

🎭 Singin’ in the Rain JR
Summer Intensive Production
Presenter: Spotlight Acting School (SAS)
Age Group: 13-18 years
Venue: The Spotlight Playhouse, Berea, KY

📖 Hollywood, 1927. Silent movie stars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are the toast of Tinseltown until “talkies” come along. Can Don and his new love interest Kathy Selden make the transition, or will Lina’s shrill voice end their careers? Filled with charm, romance, and wit, this summer intensive production brings the golden age of Hollywood to life.

Performed by our exceptional teen ensemble as part of our rigorous summer intensive program, this beloved musical features iconic songs including “Good Morning,” “Make ’em Laugh,” and the legendary title number. Our advanced performers bring college-level artistry to this challenging production, showcasing the outstanding talent development that defines our summer intensive experience.

📅 Performance Dates: June 20-22, 2025

Tickets coming soon.

Comedy, Show, The Bluegrass Players, Thriller

Arsenic and Old Lace (Jun 20-28)

🎭 Arsenic and Old Lace
Presenter: The Bluegrass Players (BGP)
Director: Chad Hembree
Venue: The Spotlight Playhouse, Berea, KY

📖 Meet the Brewster sisters, two charming and hospitable spinsters who have taken it upon themselves to populate their cellar with the remains of “acceptable” lodgers. When their nephew Mortimer discovers their charitable hobby, he must deal with his homicidal family while trying to marry the woman he loves. Add to this mix a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt and another who looks like Boris Karloff, and you have one of the most popular dark comedies of the American theater.

This classic Joseph Kesselring comedy blends macabre humor with madcap fun, creating a delightfully twisted tale that has been entertaining audiences for generations. The Bluegrass Players bring this beloved theatrical gem to life with all the charm, wit, and delicious darkness it deserves.

📅 Performance Dates: June 20-28, 2025


Book now

Spotlight Acting School

Creative Arts Camp 2025

🎭 Spotlight Acting School’s wildly popular Creative Arts Camp is back in 2025! Students are challenged to learn and participate in many art activities that foster a lifelong appreciation of all things creative.

Click here to reserve your spot.

📚 This year’s theme is Storybooks! ✨

The required paperwork will need to be filled out upon the first drop-off or stop by the school anytime during the day on Saturday, June 21st. Today’s online payment will also collect the student’s name and age, therefore reserving your spot in the camp. Any special needs can be communicated at the first drop-off. If your student has any special dietary restrictions or allergies please let us know as we may share some treats.

💫 Camp tuition is non-refundable and will not be pro-rated.

📝 Details below:

  1. 💰 Cost for the week – $125.00
  2. 🍱 Bring a packed lunch (Students may also have food delivered through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or pizza delivery services)
  3. 👥 Rising 1st Graders – 9th Grade (The student activities will be divided by age groups)
  4. ⏰ Drop-off begins at 7:45 am
  5. 🔄 Pick-up by 4:00 pm
  6. 📅 Monday-Friday June 23-June 27
  7. 💧 We recommend that campers bring along a water bottle.

🎨 Students may take part in 6 classes each day. Classes will include musical theater dance, design(set/costumes), stage makeup, visual art, music, acting, etc. We have a full week of FUN prepared! At the end of the week (Friday) we will have a short presentation to show parents/families what we have been working on. ✨ Space is Limited. Please reserve your spot today!

📍 Location: The Spotlight Playhouse 214 Richmond Road Berea, KY 40403

👩‍🏫 Camp Director – Miss Jazzlyn Threlkeld 📞 For questions: 859-756-0011

🤝 Volunteers wishing to help with camps this year may contact Spotlight at chad@spotlightactingschool.com

Click here to reserve your spot.

Spotlight Acting School

Behind the Magic Summer Camp (June 30 – July 4)

  1. June 30 – July 4
  2. Ages 11–18
  3. Drop-off starts at 7:45 AM
  4. Pick-up by 4:15 PM
  5. Cost: $125 for the week

Join us for a fun and hands-on camp where kids get to explore what happens behind the scenes in a theater!
Campers will learn how to build sets, paint props, design lights and sound, and even try out foam sculpting, woodworking, and 3D printing!
This camp is perfect for students who love creating and want to see how the magic happens backstage.

What to Know:

  • For ages 11–18
  • Adult volunteers are welcome with approval.
  • Paperwork can be filled out on the first day or during the day on Saturday, June 28.
  • Paying online today saves your camper’s spot and collects their name and age.
  • If your child has special needs, let us know at drop-off.
  • Lunch is from 12:00–1:00 PM. Kids need to bring lunch or my order delivery.
  • No child may leave campus.
  • Please bring a water bottle each day.
  • Camp fees are non-refundable and not prorated.

Camp Highlights:
🎨 Set Design – Build cool backgrounds for shows🔊 Sound Design – Learn how music and sound effects work on stage🖌️ Painting – Paint props and set pieces🪵 Woodworking – Make things from wood for the stage🧽 Foam Sculpting – Create props using soft foam💡 Lighting – Learn how stage lights change a scene🖨️ 3D Printing & Laser Cutting – Use tech to make awesome designs

Camp Director: Katherine Davis
Want to volunteer? Email: chad@spotlightactingschool.com


Book now

Family-Friendly, Show, Teen Actors, The Spotlight Players

Disney’s Newsies JR (Aug 1-10)

🎭 Newsies JR Presenter: Spotlight Acting School (SAS) Age Group: 14-18 years Venue: The Spotlight Playhouse, Berea, KY

📖 Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.

Based on the 1992 motion picture and the 2012 Broadway musical, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. This challenging production showcases our advanced teen performers at their finest, delivering college-level performances that consistently amaze audiences. With complex choreography, sophisticated vocal arrangements, and nuanced character development, our 14–18-year-old performers demonstrate theatrical excellence that rivals collegiate productions.

📅 Performance Dates: August 1-10, 2025

Tickets coming soon.

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

Anne of Green Gables (Aug 1-9)

🍁 📚 Anne of Green Gables 🏡 ❤️
Presented by The Bluegrass Players
Directed by Dana Hendren
August 1–9, 2025
The Spotlight Playhouse

Welcome to the enchanting world of Avonlea! When the Cuthbert siblings decide to adopt an orphan boy to help with their farm, they get quite the surprise when the imaginative, fiery-haired Anne Shirley arrives instead. With her vibrant red braids and even more colorful imagination, Anne transforms Green Gables and the entire community with her irrepressible spirit and heart.

The Bluegrass Players bring L.M. Montgomery’s beloved classic to life under the direction of Dana Hendren. Experience the laughter, tears, and timeless charm of this heartwarming story about finding your place in the world and the family you were always meant to have.

📅 Performance Dates: August 1, 2, 3 August 8, 9

📍 The Spotlight Playhouse 214 Richmond Road, Berea, KY 40403

🎟️ Perfect for families, dreamers, and anyone who believes in the power of imagination!


Book now