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.
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


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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

Blue Cast

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Purple Cast

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The only difference in the Blue Cast and the Purple Cast is the actors performing. The performances are the same otherwise. If you are wanting to see a specific actor, ask them what cast they are in.

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!


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Action/Adventure, Adult Actors, Comedy, Family-Friendly, The Bluegrass Players

Marion and Her Merry Men (Aug 15-24)

🏹 Marion and Her Merry Men 🏹

Presented by: The Bluegrass Players
Directed by: John Bailey
Dates: August 15-17 & 23-24, 2025
Venue: The Spotlight Playhouse, Berea, KY

Join us for this delightful twist on the classic Robin Hood tale where Marion takes center stage as the true hero of Sherwood Forest! When the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham increases taxes beyond what the people can bear, it’s Marion who rallies a band of unlikely outlaws to stand against tyranny and fight for justice.

With wit, humor, and heart, “Marion and Her Merry Men” delivers a fresh perspective on a beloved legend. Watch as Marion outwits the Sheriff, leads daring heists, and inspires her ragtag group of rebels to become heroes. This family-friendly adventure combines swashbuckling action with meaningful messages about courage, equality, and standing up for what’s right.

Performance Dates:

  • Friday, August 15, 2025 at 7:30pm
  • Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 7:30pm
  • Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 2:00pm
  • Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 7:30pm
  • Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 2:00pm

Perfect for: Families, adventure lovers, and anyone who enjoys seeing traditional stories reimagined with a modern twist! Suitable for all ages.


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Child Actors, Family-Friendly, Spotlight Acting School

Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School Junior (Aug 22-24)

Presented by: Spotlight Acting School Ages 4-11

Join the irrepressible Junie B. Jones as she shares her hard-earned wisdom in this delightful musical adaptation! After surviving over a year and a half of school, Junie B. considers herself an expert on all things elementary and is ready to write the book on everything you need to know. From bus rules and classroom behavior to lunchroom drama and playground politics, Junie B. has all the advice you’ll ever need!

With her signature humor and unique perspective, Junie B. takes audiences on a hilarious journey through the ups and downs of school life. This charming musical features catchy songs, laugh-out-loud moments, and important lessons about friendship, courage, and being yourself. Perfect for fans of the beloved book series and newcomers alike, this show will leave you with a smile and maybe even a few survival tips of your own!

Performance Dates:

  • Friday, August 22, 2025 at 7:30pm
  • Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 7:30pm
  • Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 2:00pm

Perfect for: Families, young readers, and anyone who remembers the joys and challenges of elementary school! Suitable for all ages, especially children 4-12.

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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)