Below are the auditions for the Spotlight Acting School and The Bluegrass Players Community Theater Troupe.

Each group will be identified in the audition title (SAS or BGP) with suggested age ranges and dates.
The Spotlight Acting School tuition and financial aid will be listed in the details.
Community shows typically do not have any cost to join, but more expensive shows may have fundraising requirements.

 

Explore the Magical World of “Giants in the Sky” at Spotlight Acting School!

Join us for “Giants in the Sky,” a delightful musical adventure by Beat By Beat Press, performed by our talented students aged 4-11. Directed by Daesha Miller with musical direction by Letha Hembree, this production promises to take audiences on a whimsical journey above the clouds where Giants live and play.

Audition Date: August 3
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: The Spotlight Playhouse – 214 Richmond Rd, Berea, KY
Age Group: 4-11
Directors: Daesha Miller
Music Director: Letha Hembree
Performance Dates: November 15-17 (Blue Cast) and November 22-24 (Purple Cast)
Rehearsal Schedule: Blue Cast – Saturdays at 9:30 AM; Purple Cast – Saturdays at 10:30 AM
Tuition: $105 per month before discounts and financial assistance
Financial Assistance: Available; meet with staff at the audition; no student turned away due to lack of funds
Inclusive: Spotlight is committed to including students with challenging and special needs in its productions, ensuring a supportive and accepting environment for all participants.
Casting Policy: Every child who auditions is guaranteed a role in the production. You may request a specific cast to avoid schedule conflicts.
Audition Details: Prepare a song of your choice—there is no time limit, and it can be something simple like “Happy Birthday” or a favorite Disney tune. Note that radio songs are not usually good choices for musicals.

About the Show:
A Spotlight Staff favorite, “Giants in the Sky” tells the story of Giants who live above the clouds and keep the sky beautiful by polishing stars, poking clouds to make it rain, and painting sunsets. This magical story explores what happens when one giant takes a big risk and comes down to Earth. With themes of friendship and adventure, this musical is perfect for young performers and audiences alike.

For more details, contact Mr. Chad at [email protected] or call 859-661-0600.

Join us in bringing this enchanting story to life and be a part of a magical theatrical experience!

Join us for the world premiere of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” dinner show, an original script by Chad Hembree, directed by Chad Hembree. This unique and interactive performance is brought to you by The Bluegrass Players and is open to actors aged 11 and up, though most leading roles are intended for adults.

Audition Date: Sunday, August 4 at 6:00 PM
Location: The Spotlight Playhouse – 214 Richmond Rd, Berea, KY
Rehearsal Schedule: Entire cast rehearsals on Sunday afternoons with additional days as needed for smaller scene work.

About the Show:
Step into the eerie and comedic world of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” This dinner show is highly interactive, involving audience participation and improvisation, ensuring a memorable experience for both actors and attendees. The story revolves around the quirky and zany Ichabod Crane, his attempts to win the heart of Katrina Van Tassel, and his encounters with the mysterious Headless Horseman. Other beloved characters include Brom Bones and more, bringing the haunted town of Sleepy Hollow to life.

Audition Details:

  • Cold Reading: Actors will read from the script.
  • Improvisation: Be prepared to act out improvisational scenes.
  • Monologues: Welcome but not required.
  • Singing: The show may include a song or two, but singing is not required.

Casting Policy:
We will only keep the actors needed to complete the cast. Many roles are open, and we encourage you to showcase your ability to engage with the audience and handle improvisation, as the dinner show often includes off-script interactions.

Performance Dates: October 3-6

This family-friendly show is mildly scary at times but primarily focuses on comedy, especially highlighting Ichabod’s humorous failures and attempts to impress. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to be part of a world premiere and a beloved tale reimagined!

For more details, contact Mr. Chad at [email protected] or call 859-661-0600.

Spooky Fun with the Monster Mash Cabaret at Spotlight Acting School!

Join us for the Monster Mash Cabaret, a thrilling and fun-filled performance that brings together young talents for a Halloween extravaganza! This year, with our STARS program on break until after the holidays, we are opening this exciting cabaret to all students aged 9-18. Directed by Jazzlyn Threlkeld, this show offers a unique opportunity for a new crowd to participate in a Spotlight favorite and showcase their talents in singing, dancing, and acting.

Audition Date: Aug 10
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: The Spotlight Playhouse – 214 Richmond Rd, Berea, KY
Age Group: 9-18
Director: Jazzlyn Threlkeld
Performance Dates: Oct 18-20
Rehearsal Schedule: Saturdays at 3:30 pm
Tuition: $105 per month before discounts and financial assistance
Financial Assistance: Available; meet with staff at the audition; no student turned away due to lack of funds
Inclusive: Spotlight is committed to including students with challenging and special needs in its productions, ensuring a supportive and accepting environment for all participants.
Casting Policy: Every child who auditions is guaranteed a role in the production.
Audition Details: Prepare a 1-minute song. Participants will learn a short dance routine to repeat for the director.

For more details, contact Mr. Chad at [email protected] or call 859-661-0600.

Embrace the excitement and creativity of the Monster Mash Cabaret and make this Halloween a memorable one. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a beloved tradition and share your talents on stage!

 

Unleash the Horror with “Dracula: The New World” Auditions at The Spotlight Playhouse!

After a year off to revamp the script, Chad Hembree is bringing back his thrilling production “Dracula: The New World,” performed by The Bluegrass Players. Set in Appalachia, this high-intensity thriller imagines that Dracula escaped London by faking his death and fled to the New World for a fresh start. The Appalachian Mountains, similar to the Carpathians, provide a familiar and comforting refuge for the infamous vampire.

Audition Date: September 3, 7:30 PM
Location: The Spotlight Playhouse – 214 Richmond Rd, Berea, KY
Age Group: Adults, some teens, and two roles for children
Director: Chad Hembree
Performance Dates: November 1, 2, 3, 8, 9
Rehearsal Schedule: Entire cast on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM; select cast members on Thursdays as needed

About the Show:
“Dracula: The New World” is not for the faint of heart. This production is a high-intensity thriller filled with suspense and horror. It features a new soundtrack and Appalachia-inspired songs used for transitions and mood setting, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the play. While not a musical, the music plays a crucial role in creating the chilling experience of the show.

Darrell Harrison will return as Dracula this year, continuing to bring this iconic character to life. All other roles are available for audition, offering many great breakout opportunities for actors.

Audition Details:

  • Prepare for an intense and thrilling audition experience.
  • Cold readings from the script and acting-out scenes may be required.

Notes:

  • This production contains elements of horror and is intended for mature audiences.
  • Children cast in the show will play key roles that add to the eerie and suspenseful nature of the story.

For more details, contact Mr. Chad at [email protected] or call 859-661-0600.

Be Our Guest for “Beauty and the Beast JR.” Auditions at Spotlight Acting School!

Join us for the enchanting musical “Beauty and the Beast JR.,” performed by our talented students aged 9-14. This beloved Disney classic offers young actors the opportunity to bring the magical story of Belle, the Beast, and their unforgettable friends to life on stage.

Audition Date: September 7
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: The Spotlight Playhouse – 214 Richmond Rd, Berea, KY
Age Group: 9-14
Directors: Sarah Jeck, Jazzlyn Threlkeld, Kelly Fischer
Music Director: Letha Hembree
Performance Dates: December 6-8 (Blue Cast) and December 13-15 (Purple Cast)
Rehearsal Schedule: Blue Cast – Saturdays at 8:30 AM; Purple Cast – Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Tuition: $105 per month before discounts and financial assistance
Financial Assistance: Available; meet with Miss Letha at the audition; no student turned away due to lack of funds
Inclusive: Spotlight is committed to including students with challenging and special needs in its productions, ensuring a supportive and accepting environment for all participants.
Casting Policy: Every child who auditions is guaranteed a role in the production.

Audition Details:

  • Song Requirement: A song is required for consideration for a leading role; any song will do, even “Happy Birthday”. Just show up and follow directions – no pressure! A short dance routine will be taught at the audition.

About the Show:
“Beauty and the Beast JR.” tells the timeless story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under a spell. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed back into his former self. But time is running out! If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

This production is a fantastic opportunity for young performers to develop their acting skills, make new friends, and be part of a magical theatrical experience. Don’t miss your chance to shine on stage and bring this enchanting story to life!

Note: Purple Cast performances coincide with the MSHS Elf performances.

For more details, contact Mr. Chad at [email protected] or call 859-661-0600.

Unravel the Mystery with “Mystery on 13th Street” Auditions at Spotlight Acting School!

We are thrilled to announce auditions for “Mystery on 13th Street,” the latest production for our talented students aged 9-14. This lighthearted mystery, written by Shari Potter, offers a fun and engaging story perfect for young actors.

Audition Date: Sept 21
Time: 2:30 pm
Location: The Spotlight Playhouse – 214 Richmond Rd, Berea, KY
Age Group: 9-14
Director: Jazzlyn Threlkeld
Performance Dates: January 10-12 (Blue Cast) and January 17-18 (Purple Cast)
Rehearsal Schedule: Saturdays at 2:30 PM (Both Casts)
Tuition: $105 per month before discounts and financial assistance
Financial Assistance: Available; meet with Miss Letha at the audition; no student turned away due to lack of funds
Inclusive: Spotlight is committed to including students with challenging and special needs in its productions, ensuring a supportive and accepting environment for all participants.
Casting Policy: Every child who auditions is guaranteed a role in the production.

About the Show:
“Mystery on 13th Street” follows young members of a community club who enlist the help of the town’s eccentric inventor, Dr. VonDrugen, for a park clean-up project. However, they soon find themselves trapped in a house filled with mysterious disappearances and strange occurrences. As the mystery unfolds, the children must figure out if the rumors about Dr. VonDrugen being a mad scientist are true. With quirky characters and unexpected plot twists, this play is sure to captivate both the cast and the audience.

Audition Details:

  • Cold Reading and acting out directions.
  • Optional monologues are accepted.

Join us for this exciting new production and be part of an unforgettable mystery adventure!

For more details, contact Mr. Chad at [email protected] or call 859-661-0600.

Step into the Classic Tale of “Cyrano de Bergerac” with The Bluegrass Players!

Join us for auditions for “Cyrano de Bergerac,” presented by The Bluegrass Players Community Theater and directed by Katherine Davis. This timeless classic offers a rich tapestry of romance, wit, and adventure, providing an excellent opportunity for actors to showcase their talents.

Audition Date: September 22
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Spotlight Playhouse – 214 Richmond Rd, Berea, KY
Age Group: Teens and adults
Director: Katherine Davis
Performance Dates: January 10, 11, 12, 17, 18
Rehearsal Schedule: Sundays and Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00 PM
About the Show:
“Cyrano de Bergerac” follows the story of Cyrano, a talented poet and swordsman with an unfortunate physical feature—a large nose. Despite his love for the beautiful Roxane, he helps his friend Christian woo her, creating a poignant and powerful narrative of unrequited love and inner beauty.

This production is a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned performers and newcomers to engage in a rich, dramatic experience. With roles available for both teens and adults, this is your chance to be part of a classic tale that has captivated audiences for generations.

Audition Details:

  • Prepare for a classic drama audition experience.
  • Cold readings from the script and character interactions will be part of the audition process.

Notes:

  • This production includes complex characters and intense emotional scenes, providing a challenging and rewarding experience for all actors.

For more details, contact Mr. Chad at [email protected] or call 859-661-0600.

Hop into the Fun with “A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS” Auditions at Spotlight Acting School!

Join us for the delightful musical “A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS,” performed by our talented students aged 4-9. This charming production brings the beloved characters of Frog and Toad to life on stage in a heartwarming and entertaining story.

Audition Date: Sept. 28
Time: 11:30 am
Location: The Spotlight Playhouse – 214 Richmond Rd, Berea, KY
Age Group: 4-9
Director: Daesha Miller
Music Director: Letha Hembree
Performance Dates: January 24-26 (Blue Cast) and January 31 – February 2 (Purple Cast)
Rehearsal Schedule: Blue Cast – Saturdays at 8:30 AM; Purple Cast – Saturdays at 11:30 AM
Tuition: $105 per month before discounts and financial assistance
Financial Assistance: Available; meet with Miss Letha at the audition; no student turned away due to lack of funds
Inclusive: Spotlight is committed to including students with challenging and special needs in its productions, ensuring a supportive and accepting environment for all participants.

Casting Policy: Every child who auditions is guaranteed a role in the production. You may request a specific cast to avoid schedule conflicts.
Audition Details: Prepare a song of your choice—there is no time limit, and it can be something simple like “Happy Birthday” or a favorite Disney tune. Note that radio songs are not usually good choices for musicals.

About the Show:
“A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS” follows the adventures of two best friends, Frog and Toad, as they navigate through four fun-filled seasons. This whimsical show is full of catchy songs and lovable characters that teach valuable lessons about friendship and perseverance.

This production is a fantastic opportunity for young performers to develop their acting skills, make new friends, and be part of a magical theatrical experience. Don’t miss your chance to shine on stage and bring this enchanting story to life!

For more details, contact Mr. Chad at [email protected] or call 859-661-0600.