The Spotlight Playhouse in Berea, KY presents the Sunday Musical Series, a unique opportunity for aspiring actors with limited time to participate in a musical production. The series derives its name from the primary rehearsal day – Sundays, typically during mid to late afternoons. Over a span of 8 to 10 Sundays, participants will rehearse and then perform over two weekends.
With a single large cast, the musical is performed five times, while two distinct casts will result in six performances, three for each group. The Sunday Musical Series is a proud offering from the Spotlight Playhouse’s community theater, organized by the Bluegrass Players.
The Sunday musicals are intergenerational, encouraging actors of all ages to participate. Although the series’ founder and director, Chad Hembree, initially had modest expectations for the performances due to the shortened rehearsal time, the first three productions have exceeded all expectations.
Located at 214 Richmond Rd, Berea, KY, the Spotlight Playhouse’s website can be found at thespotlightplayhouse.com. Chad Hembree can be contacted at 859-661-0600 or Chad@spotlightactingschool.com. Participation in the Sunday Musical Series is free, but actors are expected to contribute by selling tickets, assisting with costumes, and helping with set design.
Any revenue generated from ticket sales beyond the production costs, which are minimal, will be donated to the Spotlight Acting School to support its mission of never turning away students due to financial constraints.
In the past, the Sunday Musical Series has showcased remarkable performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Let Your Hair Down Rapunzel, and OZ! The Musical. As the series continues to grow, the Spotlight Playhouse is considering an exciting lineup for the 2023/2024 season, which may include popular productions such as High School Musical, Big Bad the Musical, Cinderella, Shrek, and Surf’s Up.
However, it’s essential to note that the final selection has not yet been confirmed, and there are many other options under consideration. The primary factor influencing the choice of shows for the upcoming season will be the cost, as acquiring licenses for well-known productions, particularly from companies like Disney and Dreamworks, can be challenging for community theaters with limited funds.
In summary, the Sunday Musical Series at the Spotlight Playhouse in Berea, KY is an engaging and inclusive opportunity for actors of all ages and talent levels to participate in a musical production. With successful past performances and an exciting potential lineup, the series is sure to continue captivating audiences and providing valuable experiences for its participants.