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, Family-Friendly, Musical, Show, The Bluegrass Players

The Wizard of Oz Musical (Sept 5-13)

🌪️ The Wizard of Oz Musical 🌈

Presented by The Bluegrass Players

✨ Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Adventure! ✨

Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on their magical journey through the Land of Oz in this beloved musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s timeless classic! Watch as Dorothy meets the Scarecrow searching for brains, the Tin Man longing for a heart, and the Cowardly Lion seeking courage. Together, they’ll discover that everything they need has been inside them all along.

This enchanting production features all your favorite songs including “Over the Rainbow,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard.” With dazzling costumes, creative sets, and the magic that only live theater can bring, this production promises to transport audiences of all ages to a world where dreams really do come true. There’s no place like The Spotlight Playhouse for this classic tale!

🎭 Performance Dates: September 5-13, 2025


Book now

Family-Friendly, Spotlight Acting School, Teen Actors

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR (Sept 19-28)

Performed by Spotlight Acting School Students Age 9-14

About the Show
Journey down the rabbit hole with Alice in this fast-paced stage adaptation of Disney’s animated film. Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, gets caught up in a wild tea party with the Mad Hatter, and faces off with the temperamental Queen of Hearts.

Featuring our talented performers ages 9-14, this whimsical production brings all your favorite characters to life with colorful costumes, enchanting music, and the magic of live theater. Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR is a delightful adventure for audiences of all ages!

September 19-21 Blue Cast
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September 26-28 Purple Cast
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Adult Actors, Comedy, Show, The Bluegrass Players

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Sept 19-27)

🎭 Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern Are Dead 🎪

Presented by The Bluegrass Players
🤔 What happens when minor characters become the stars? 🌟
Step into Tom Stoppard’s brilliant and witty masterpiece that flips Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” on its head! Follow the bewildered courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as they stumble through the events of the Danish court, trying to make sense of their role in a story much larger than themselves. This Tony Award-winning comedy explores fate, free will, and the absurdity of existence with razor-sharp wit and philosophical depth.
Filled with wordplay, coin flips, and existential questions, this modern classic will have you laughing while pondering life’s biggest mysteries. Stoppard’s genius lies in taking two forgotten characters from literature’s greatest tragedy and making them the heroes of their own tragicomedy. It’s theater at its most intelligent and entertaining – perfect for audiences who love clever dialogue and thought-provoking drama.

🎭 Performance Dates: September 19-27, 2025

👥 Recommended for: Mature audiences and theater enthusiasts

Book now

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

Bayou (Oct 4-12)

🐊 Bayou 🌿

Presented by The Bluegrass Players

Directed by Meriel Willis with Chad Hembree

🌟 A Special Directing Debut! 🌟
🌙 Deep in the Louisiana swamplands, secrets simmer beneath the surface… 🌙
Journey into the mysterious world of the Louisiana bayou where Spanish moss drapes ancient cypress trees and the air is thick with secrets, superstition, and Southern charm. Many legends persist in the bayou, but none strikes an icy chill of fear like the mention of “Le Serpent!”  Four children set out to find the creature which can supposedly take the shape of anything or anyone it chooses!  Our brave crew stumbles upon many creatures before they free a girl caught in a trap.  She claims to live there, but no person could live that deep in the bayou.  Strange things continue to happen when the children are caught by Boudreaux, the crazy hunter, and his even stranger mother.  But when the rescued girl disappears, the creatures come out to help the other children escape.  The children quickly return to the safety of home.  Has the mystery of “Le Serpent” been solved?

Under the fresh vision of director Meriel Willis in her directing debut, this atmospheric production promises to bring new depth and perspective to the stage. With rich dialogue that captures the authentic spirit of Cajun culture and a story that explores the deep connections between people and place, “Bayou” will transport you to a world where folklore meets reality, and the past never truly lets go. Experience the magic and mystery of the bayou in this unforgettable theatrical journey.

🎭 Performance Dates: October 4, 5, 11 & 12, 2025

🎬 Director: Meriel Willis (Directing Debut!) with Chad Hembree

👥 Recommended for: All audiences who enjoy atmospheric drama


Book now

Child Actors, Musical, Show, Spotlight Acting School

We Are Monsters (Oct 17-26)

👹 We Are Monsters 🎭

Presented by Spotlight Acting School (Ages 4-11)
By Beat by Beat Press
🌟 Two Unique Casts, Double the Monster Magic! 🌟
Get ready for a monstrously fun adventure with our youngest performers! “We Are Monsters” brings together all your favorite creatures in a delightfully spooky tale that’s perfect for little ones and families. Watch as our talented 4-11 year olds transform into lovable monsters who discover that being different is what makes them special. This charming production celebrates friendship, acceptance, and the magic of imagination.
With catchy songs, colorful costumes, and plenty of giggles, this Beat by Beat Press musical is designed specifically for young performers to shine. Each cast brings their own unique energy and interpretation to these beloved monster characters. From friendly ghosts to silly goblins, our Blue and Purple casts will show you that monsters can be the best friends of all!
🎭 Blue Cast Performances: October 17-19, 2025

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💜 Purple Cast Performances: October 24-26, 2025


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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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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)