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 was established in 2014, and The Bluegrass Players community theater troupe started the same year. 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 our online box office at TicketSource and select your show.
- By Phone: Call our Box Office at 859-756-0011. Online is the fastest way to book, but we’re happy to help by phone.
- In Person: Visit the Box Office at 214 Richmond Road, Berea, KY. We’re staffed all day Saturday and starting one hour before every performance (subject to availability).
When is the box office open?
We’re a small team, so there’s no fixed weekday schedule, but someone is usually here during the day. The times you can count on: all day Saturday, and starting one hour before every performance. Online booking is the fastest option, and you can leave a message at 859-756-0011 any time.
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?
Our standard pricing is the same for most shows:
- Standard Seating: Adult $15 · Senior (65+) $13 · Spotlight Student $9 · Other Student/Child $11
- Premium Seating (Theatre only) – an extra 5" of hip and shoulder space per seat: Adult $17 · Senior (65+) $15 · Spotlight Student $11 · Other Student/Child $13
- VIP Seating – wider seats with armrests: $19
Children who can sit on a lap get in free. ADA-accessible seating is available at standard pricing.
Note: Dinner theater productions have their own pricing, listed on each show’s page. Book through our online box office at TicketSource or call 859-756-0011.
What is “Pay What You Can”?
Pay What You Can is our name-your-own-price night. Every Friday performance of our non-dinner shows qualifies, so you choose the price that works for you. It’s our way of making theater 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 we don’t offer refunds in-house. If your plans change, we’re happy to exchange tickets for another performance when seats are available; please let us know before the showtime passes whenever possible, and in genuine emergencies like illness or car trouble we’ll work with you. All shows are subject to cancellation and schedule changes, and if we cancel or change a performance, TicketSource will offer a refund. You can also add ticket insurance when you buy through TicketSource: file your claim before the show performs, and TicketSource will reimburse you. For most unforeseen changes, a ticket exchange in-house is the simplest option, with no insurance claim or paperwork.
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. Wheelchair seating is in the front row, closest to the stage, and can be adjusted to fit your needs. If you have special needs, let us know when you arrive.
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. Enrollment details and audition dates are on SpotlightActingSchool.com.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Financial assistance is available for families who need support. For complete information about tuition, enrollment, class schedules, financial aid, and our programs, visit SpotlightActingSchool.com or call 859-756-0011.
The Bluegrass Players
Who are The Bluegrass Players?
The Bluegrass Players are the resident community theater company at The Spotlight Playhouse. Founded in 2014, 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
Audition announcements, notices, and cast lists for both the Bluegrass Players and Spotlight Acting School are posted on the Spotlight Acting School auditions page, with each listing designated SAS or BGP. For volunteer roles, email chad@spotlightactingschool.com and our volunteer coordinator will help you get started.
Do I have to pay to perform with The Bluegrass Players?
No. The Bluegrass Players are a community theater company for adults, and there is no cost to perform. Adults who want to volunteer in Spotlight Acting School productions can find the details on SpotlightActingSchool.com.
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?
Directors come from inside the troupe after sustained participation, assistant directing, and a recommendation from a production director. The full path is described on the Bluegrass Players website.
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.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities are arranged individually with our volunteer coordinator. If you would like to volunteer, email chad@spotlightactingschool.com and we will find the right fit.
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 using the Donate button on our website
- Volunteering your time and skills
- Sponsoring a production or a student scholarship
- Spreading the word about our shows and classes
For more information, contact us at 859-756-0011 or chad@spotlightactingschool.com.
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 Playhouse
214 Richmond Road
Berea, KY 40403
Box Office: 859-756-0011
Executive Director: Chad Hembree
Email: chad@spotlightactingschool.com
Website: TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com
Acting 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!