About

About Spotlight Acting School

Welcome to Spotlight Acting School – Where Stars Are Born! 🌟

Spotlight Acting School cast in an Addams Family style production

Our Story

Founded in 2004 by Kathie JR Bettler, Spotlight Acting School has grown into a vibrant performing arts community under the leadership of Chad and Letha Hembree since 2013. Now in our 24th season, we’ve become one of Kentucky’s most dynamic theater education programs, producing over 125 performances annually.

New: Adult Performance Workshop Series

Spotlight Acting School now serves actors ages 4 through adult. Our Performance Workshop Series pairs weekly acting training with rehearsal for a full production – open to teens and adults (ages 14-adult). If you’ve known us as a children’s theater, this is new: we’re opening our stage to teens and adults who want to learn and perform.

Our Mission

We believe in nurturing creativity and building confidence through theater education. Our unique “learn through production” approach helps students develop:

  • Self-confidence and public speaking skills
  • Acting, singing, and dancing abilities
  • Focus and memory skills
  • Leadership capabilities
  • Lifelong friendships and community connections

Our Facility

Located at 214 Richmond Road in Berea, KY, The Spotlight Playhouse houses:

  • Two professional theaters (149-seat Theatre and 91-seat Hall)
  • Dance studio with wooden floor and mirrored wall
  • 13,000 square feet of performance space
The Spotlight Playhouse at 214 Richmond Road, Berea, KY
Our home: The Spotlight Playhouse at 214 Richmond Road

Get directions on Google Maps · See the full facility tour on The Spotlight Playhouse site

Our Commitment

  • It is our goal to cast everyone who auditions in a role
  • Limited financial assistance is available. We believe financial circumstances should not automatically prevent someone from participating, and our goal is to work with families whenever possible. This support is made possible through the Bluegrass Players, community members, donors, and participating families.
  • Base tuition: $105/month with sibling discounts available
  • Financial assistance and volunteer opportunities available
  • Over 125 performances annually across all programs

Student Success

Alyssa Wray performing as Winifred in Spotlight’s 2017 production of Once Upon A Mattress
Alyssa Wray, American Idol finalist, performing as Winifred in Spotlight’s 2017 production of Once Upon A Mattress

Our students carry what they learn at Spotlight into many areas of life. Research on arts participation has found meaningful connections between involvement in the performing arts and academic achievement. Past Spotlight students have won national competitions and pageants, and our students earn substantial college scholarships each year. Several former students now work in the performing arts as performers, teachers, and support professionals, and multiple former students have appeared on television, including American Idol.

Leadership Team

  • Mr. Chad (Dr. Chad Hembree) – Executive Director
  • Miss Letha (Letha Hembree) – Music Director and CFO
  • Supported by dedicated staff and over 30 volunteers
Chad and Letha Hembree at an overlook
Chad and Letha Hembree have been married for more than 30 years and have spent their lifelong journey together supporting the performing arts.

Professional Affiliations

Proud member of:

Kentucky Theater Association (KTA)

The Berea Chamber of Commerce

The Berea Arts Council

American Association of Community Theatre (AACT)