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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Pay What You Can Performances

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:

  • “Pay What You Can” performances usually take place on Friday evenings for applicable productions.
  • 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.
  • Tickets purchased under the “Pay What You Can” initiative are non-transferable and cannot be resold.
  • All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

Important Note: Pay What You Can pricing does not apply to dinner theater productions, which require advanced reservations at standard pricing.

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

Disney’s Frozen JR. (MAR 20-29)

Performed by Spotlight Acting School Students (Ages 14–18)
Journey to the magical kingdom of Arendelle with this enchanting stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated film! Frozen JR. brings to life the story of sisters Anna and Elsa as they discover the true meaning of love, courage, and family. With memorable characters, catchy songs like “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”, and dazzling moments of stage magic, this musical adventure is a treat for audiences of all ages.
Join us as our talented teen performers share a heartwarming tale filled with laughter, friendship, and the magic of believing in yourself. Whether you’re a longtime Frozen fan or seeing the story for the first time, you’ll be swept away by this unforgettable theatrical experience.
Don’t miss Disney’s Frozen JR.—a story that will melt even the iciest heart!

🎟️ PERFORMANCE DATES:
🔵 Blue Cast: March 20-22 (Fri-Sun)
🟣 Purple Cast: March 27-29 (Fri-Sun)

BLUE CAST

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PURPLE CAST

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Adult Actors, Drama, Show, The Bluegrass Players

Murder on the 518 (MAR 20-29)

🚂 Murder on the 518 🔍

By Michelle Giles

Presented by: The Bluegrass Players

Red-eye travelers on the westbound 518 are in for a surprise when first one passenger, and then another, mysteriously drop dead right before their eyes! Stranded on a train with a killer on the loose, this eclectic group of passengers must work together to solve the mystery before they reach the station.

Not everything—or everyone—is as it seems in this family-friendly murder mystery full of twists, turns, and teamwork. With all the usual suspects and plenty of surprises along the way, audiences will be kept guessing right up until the train pulls into the station.

Director John Bailey returns to The Spotlight Playhouse stage following his successful debut directing Marian and Her Merry Men. Under his creative vision, this thrilling whodunit promises to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Hold on tight—Murder on the 518 is quite the ride!


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Adult Actors, Musical, Show, Teen Actors, The Bluegrass Players

“Finally” A Broadway Revue (APR 3-12)

🎭✨ “Finally” A Broadway Revue ✨🎭
Presented by The Bluegrass Players

📅 PERFORMANCE DATES:
April 3-12, 2026

🎪 ABOUT THE SHOW:
The beloved tradition returns! “Finally” A Broadway Revue is back by popular demand, bringing you an enchanting evening of musical theater magic. Join our talented Spotlight Players as they fulfill their Broadway dreams by performing songs from their most cherished musicals—the shows they’ve always wanted to perform but never had the chance! 🌟🎵

From show-stopping solos to powerful ensemble numbers, this revue showcases the incredible range and passion of our performers as they finally get their moment in the spotlight with the Broadway songs closest to their hearts. Directed by veteran Spotlight Player and Morehead State University Theater Graduate Kyrsten Daugherty, this evening of musical storytelling celebrates the joy, emotion, and artistry that make Broadway unforgettable. Whether it’s a classic golden age number or a contemporary showstopper, every song is performed with love and dedication! 💫🎶

🎯 TARGET AUDIENCE:
Perfect for musical theater lovers, Broadway fans, and anyone who appreciates the magic of live performance and heartfelt storytelling through song!


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Adult Actors, Comedy, The Bluegrass Players

The Booking Committee (Apr 17-25)

Presented by the Bluegrass Players

Written & Directed by Todd King

Step inside the wild world of wrestling—without ever leaving your seat! The Bluegrass Players proudly present a brand new, laugh-out-loud comedy: The Booking Committee.

Ever wonder who dreams up the outrageous storylines and unforgettable drama of professional wrestling? Go behind the curtain and into the chaos of the “writer’s room” where the Booking Committee scrambles to keep fans excited, ticket sales booming, and the show on the rails—all while juggling big egos, quirky personalities, and nonstop surprises from wrestlers you’ll never actually see!

This fast-paced, original comedy takes you on a hilarious ride through the unpredictable world of wrestling TV, where every meeting is a battle and no idea is too wild. If you’ve ever asked, “Who comes up with this stuff?”—prepare for answers that are as funny as they are unexpected.
About the Playwright:

Todd King is a longtime supporter of Spotlight. His wife, Angel, is a frequent actor, and both of his daughters are Spotlight Acting School alumni. We’re thrilled to debut Todd’s brand new show right here at The Spotlight Playhouse!

Perfect for: Comedy lovers, wrestling fans, and anyone who enjoys a peek behind the curtain at the creative madness that makes live entertainment unforgettable.

Tickets available soon.

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

Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS (APR 24-26)

Performed by Spotlight Acting School Students (Ages 4–11)

Dive into the colorful underwater world of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo KIDS! 🌊 This delightful musical follows the unforgettable journey of Marlin and his adventurous son, Nemo, as they navigate the wonders and dangers of the ocean. Along the way, they meet memorable characters like the friendly Dory, the laid-back sea turtles 🐢, and a host of sea creatures 🦀 who help them discover the true meaning of family, courage, and friendship.

Filled with catchy songs 🎶, lively characters, and plenty of heart, Finding Nemo KIDS is a perfect introduction to live theater for young audiences and families alike. Join us as our talented young performers bring this beloved story to life on stage with energy and excitement.

Don’t miss the adventure—come swim with us under the sea! 🌊✨


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Musical, Show, Spotlight Acting School, Teen Actors

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR (May 1- 10)

Presented by Spotlight Acting School

Performed by students ages 9–14

Get ready to “Move It, Move It” with Spotlight Acting School’s talented young performers as they take you on a wild, laugh-out-loud journey from New York City to the zaniest island in the world!
Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and a hilarious team of plotting penguins as they escape from the Central Park Zoo and find themselves on the madcap shores of Madagascar. Along the way, these lovable friends discover the true meaning of friendship, teamwork, and adventure—with plenty of toe-tapping songs and big belly laughs for the whole family.

With colorful characters, upbeat music, and non-stop fun, Madagascar JR. is a perfect night out for kids, parents, and anyone who loves a musical adventure. Don’t miss your chance to cheer on our amazing cast of 9–14-year-olds as they bring this smash DreamWorks hit to life on stage!

Perfect for: Families, kids, and musical theater fans of all ages. Gather your crew and get ready for a show that’s bursting with energy and heart!

Blue Cast (May 1-3)

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Purple Cast (May 8 – 10)

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Adult Actors, Child Actors, Drama, Show, Teen Actors, The Bluegrass Players

The Secret Garden (May 1 – 10)

Script and Direction by Dana Hendren
Presented by the Bluegrass Players
Step into a world of mystery, hope, and blooming magic as the Bluegrass Players bring Dana Hendren’s brand new adaptation of The Secret Garden to the Spotlight Playhouse stage!
Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved novel, this enchanting play follows young Mary Lennox as she is sent to live with her distant uncle in a lonely, windswept manor. There, she discovers a hidden, neglected garden—and with the help of new friends, unlocks its secrets and transforms not only the garden, but the lives of everyone around her.
Dana Hendren’s heartfelt script and direction bring all the wonder, charm, and timeless lessons of the classic story to life, inviting audiences of all ages to experience the healing power of friendship, nature, and hope.
Perfect for: Families, fans of classic literature, and anyone who loves a story of renewal and discovery. Gather your loved ones for an unforgettable journey into the heart of The Secret Garden!
tickets available soon
Adult Actors, Show, The Bluegrass Players, Thriller

Macbeth (Jun 19-28)

Presented by the Bluegrass Players
Directed by Edwin Tait and Jennifer Woodruff
Step into the shadowy world of ambition, prophecy, and betrayal as the Bluegrass Players bring Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Macbeth, to life on the Spotlight Playhouse stage.
When a valiant Scottish general receives a chilling prophecy from three mysterious witches, he and his fiercely driven wife embark on a dark and fateful journey toward power. What follows is a gripping tale of unchecked ambition, moral unraveling, and the haunting consequences of every choice.
This production promises edge-of-your-seat suspense, unforgettable performances, and a fresh vision of one of literature’s most iconic stories. Experience the tension, the intrigue, and the raw emotion as Macbeth’s world spins out of control—where no one is truly safe and fate is always watching.
Whether you’re a longtime Shakespeare fan or completely new to the Bard, you won’t want to miss this bold, atmospheric staging that makes the timeless story feel more relevant than ever. Join us for an evening of drama, intensity, and theatrical magic!
Perfect for: Lovers of drama, suspense, and classic theater. Gather your friends and family for a night you’ll be talking about long after the final curtain falls.
Ticket availability coming soon.