Frequently Asked Questions
The Spotlight Playhouse – Berea, Kentucky
About The Spotlight Playhouse
What is The Spotlight Playhouse?
The Spotlight Playhouse is a 13,000-square-foot theater, event center, and performing arts school located at 214 Richmond Road in Berea, Kentucky. We host over 125 live performances each year and are home to Spotlight Acting School and The Bluegrass Players community theater company.
What is your mission?
The Spotlight Playhouse exists to provide exceptional theatrical experiences that inspire, educate, and entertain audiences of all ages. We are committed to nurturing young talent, supporting community theater, and making the performing arts accessible to everyone in our region.
How long have you been in operation?
Spotlight Acting School was founded in 2004 by Kathie JR Bettler. Chad and Letha Hembree took over leadership in 2013 after her passing. The Spotlight Playhouse and our community theater company (originally called the Spotlight Players, now The Bluegrass Players) were established in 2014. We have been providing theater education and entertainment to the community for over 20 years.
Tickets & Performances
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available three ways:
- Online: Visit the Spotlight Plans ticketing page through our website at TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com and select your show.
- By Phone: Call our Box Office at 859-756-0011.
- In Person: Visit the Box Office at 214 Richmond Road, Berea, KY during box office hours or before showtime (subject to availability).
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
Yes, if tickets are still available. However, we recommend purchasing in advance to guarantee your seats, especially for popular productions.
What are your ticket prices?
Ticket prices vary by show and seating type. You’ll see current prices when you purchase your tickets through Spotlight Plans or at the box office.
We offer a variety of seating options:
- VIP Seating – Premium comfort with the best sightlines
- Premium Seating (Theatre only) – Enhanced seating with excellent views
- Standard Seating – Traditional theater seating
- ADA-Accessible Seating – Fully accessible seating at standard pricing
What is “Pay What You Can”?
For applicable productions, we offer Pay What You Can performances on most Friday evenings. These special performances let you choose the price that works for you, helping us make theater more accessible to everyone.
Unsold Pay What You Can tickets are released about two hours before showtime, first-come, first-served.
Note: Pay What You Can pricing does not apply to dinner theater productions, which require advance reservations at standard pricing.
Do children need tickets?
Children sitting on a lap do not need a ticket. If a child needs their own seat, they will need their own ticket, regardless of age.
Are tickets refundable?
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
What are “multiple casts”?
Some Spotlight Acting School productions have multiple casts, usually identified by color (for example: Blue Cast, Purple Cast, Red Cast, Green Cast). This helps us give more students a chance to shine on stage.
When you purchase tickets, please double-check which cast is performing at that date and time. Cast members will vary by performance.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 15–30 minutes before showtime. This gives you time to park, pick up tickets, visit concessions, and find your seats without feeling rushed.
Facilities & Accessibility
Is the facility wheelchair accessible?
Yes! All of our performance spaces offer ADA-accessible seating with companion space. We can often adjust the seating layout to help with specific accessibility needs. Please call our box office at 859-756-0011 if you need special accommodations.
Where do I park?
We offer free on-site parking for over 200 vehicles across multiple acres of property.
What performance spaces do you have?
- The Theatre – 149 seats with VIP, Premium, Standard, and ADA seating
- The Hall – 91 seats with VIP, Standard, and ADA seating
- The Studio – A 40-person capacity rehearsal space with a professional dance floor, used for rehearsals, classes, and small events
Is food and drink available?
Yes! Our concession stand typically offers:
- Bottled drinks and water
- Candy and snacks
- Fresh popcorn
- Coffee and specialty drinks
The Spotlight Playhouse is a non-alcoholic, family-friendly venue. Concessions are welcome in all performance spaces.
Spotlight Acting School
What ages do you serve?
Spotlight Acting School serves students ages 4–18, with most students between 7–14 years old.
Does everyone who auditions get cast?
Yes! At Spotlight Acting School, every student who auditions is guaranteed a role. We believe in giving all children a chance to experience the magic of theater.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Financial assistance is available for families who need support, and a significant number of our students receive some form of aid each year. To discuss options, please contact chad@spotlightactingschool.com or call 859-661-0600.
For complete information about tuition, enrollment, class schedules, auditions, and our programs, visit SpotlightActingSchool.com or call 859-661-0600.
The Bluegrass Players
Who are The Bluegrass Players?
The Bluegrass Players is the resident community theater company at The Spotlight Playhouse. Founded in 2014 (originally as the Spotlight Players), they are a group of performers and performing arts advocates dedicated to producing quality theater for all ages and supporting the mission of Spotlight Acting School.
Is this a community theater group?
Yes! Community members of many ages are welcome to audition, depending on the needs of each production. Some shows are more adult-focused, while others welcome teens or families. Audition notices will list any age guidelines.
How do I join The Bluegrass Players?
You can join by:
- Auditioning for an upcoming production
- Volunteering your time in tech, crew, or front-of-house roles
Open auditions are held regularly. Check our website or call 859-756-0011 for current audition information.
Do I have to pay tuition to perform with The Bluegrass Players?
No. The Bluegrass Players is a community theater company for adults, and there is no tuition to perform. Adults who want to volunteer in Spotlight Acting School productions (working alongside students) may also do so without paying tuition.
What is the time commitment for a production?
Rehearsal schedules vary by show, but we respect your time. We:
- Call only the cast members needed for the scenes being worked
- Avoid rehearsing “just to rehearse”
- Focus on purposeful, efficient rehearsals
Directors will share a rehearsal schedule so you can plan ahead.
Who can direct a play?
Any qualified member may be considered to direct a production. We welcome directors with experience, vision, and a heart for community theater.
How do you choose your shows?
Shows are selected based on:
- Community interest
- National trends
- Seasonal themes and holidays
- What best serves our audiences and performers
We always welcome suggestions! Email your ideas to chad@spotlightactingschool.com.
Do you need tech/crew help?
Yes—always! We welcome volunteers for:
- Set construction and painting
- Costumes and props
- Lighting and sound
- Stage management
- Box office and ushering
- Concessions
If you’d like to help, please contact us. Training is available for many roles.
Do volunteers get free tickets?
Volunteers working a performance (ushers, concessions, box office, etc.) may watch the show from available “Jump Seats” as part of their volunteer experience, space permitting, for the performance they are working.
Can I attend a rehearsal?
Rehearsals are generally closed to the public so that cast members can focus. In some cases, you may attend with permission from the director. To ask about this, please call 859-756-0011.
Donations & Support
Are you a non-profit organization?
Our charitable work operates under Spotlight Performing Arts, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in the State of Kentucky. All qualifying donations are tax-deductible.
How can I support The Spotlight Playhouse?
You can support us by:
- Attending performances and inviting friends and family
- Making a tax-deductible donation
- Volunteering your time and skills
- Sponsoring a production or a student scholarship
- Spreading the word about our shows and classes
For more information, visit our Donations section at SpotlightActingSchool.com or contact us directly.
Group Sales & Events
Do you offer group rates?
Yes! We welcome:
- Church groups
- School groups
- Birthday parties
- Corporate and team-building events
For group booking details, please contact 859-756-0011 or email chad@spotlightactingschool.com.
Can I rent the facility for a private event?
Yes. The Spotlight Playhouse is available for private events and rentals, such as:
- Recitals and concerts
- Meetings and conferences
- Parties and special celebrations
- Workshops and trainings
To discuss availability and pricing, contact chad@spotlightactingschool.com or call 859-756-0011.
Contact Information
The Spotlight Playhouse214 Richmond RoadBerea, KY 40403
Box Office: 859-756-0011Executive Director: Chad HembreeEmail: chad@spotlightactingschool.comWebsite: TheSpotlightPlayhouse.comActing School: SpotlightActingSchool.com
Have a question not answered here?Give us a call at 859-756-0011 or email chad@spotlightactingschool.com—we’re happy to help!