Spotlight Acting School

- 214 Richmond Rd N, Berea, KY 40403

For residents across Central Kentucky, finding a single location that combines professional live theater with comprehensive performing arts education for all ages is a rare gem. Spotlight Acting School, nestled in the heart of Berea, KY, is exactly that kind of cultural anchor. This is not just a drama school; it’s a thriving performing arts theater complex that houses an acting school, dance school, and music school under one roof, making it a powerful resource for artistic growth and entertainment in Madison County and beyond. Since its founding in 2004, the institution has been dedicated to inspiring creativity, building confidence, and fostering a deep love for the arts, particularly among students aged 4-18.

The ethos of Spotlight Acting School is built on the belief that experience is the best teacher. Students learn by doing, participating in full-scale theatrical productions that cover every aspect of theater arts, from performance and music to set construction and costume design. The commitment to inclusion is one of its standout features: every child who auditions for a Spotlight Acting School production is guaranteed a role, ensuring no one is turned away from the chance to perform and shine on stage. This supportive and comprehensive approach makes it a truly ‘Good for kids’ destination in Kentucky.

Beyond the school itself, the venue operates as The Spotlight Playhouse, a vibrant community theater that hosts over 125 performances annually. These productions include shows featuring their student casts, as well as performances by two volunteer professional troupes—The Spotlight Players and The Bluegrass Players—offering Kentuckians a diverse and high-quality year-round theatrical schedule. For locals looking for an engaging night out or a comprehensive artistic education for their family, this Berea location serves as a premier point of interest. As one patron noted after seeing a demanding show like Dracula, the level of investment and hard work from the actors and crew is palpable, delivering a performance that is "hands down" excellent and well worth the ticket price.

The Spotlight Acting School and Playhouse is centrally located, providing convenient access for families throughout Madison County and the surrounding areas of Kentucky. Located in the charming and artistically rich city of Berea, its physical address is easy to find, yet offers the space required for its extensive operations.

The facility’s address is: 214 Richmond Rd N, Berea, KY 40403, USA.

Situated on Richmond Road North, the theater is easily reachable from major routes in the region. A critical feature for all community members in Kentucky is its commitment to inclusivity and convenience, as the venue offers full accessibility. This ensures that every member of the community can enjoy their programs and performances without impediment.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures smooth entry and exit for patrons with mobility needs.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated parking spaces are available, placed conveniently close to the entrance for ease of use.

This focus on accessibility makes The Spotlight Playhouse a welcoming destination for all Kentucky theater-goers, guaranteeing that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the magic of live performance.

Spotlight Acting School is a multi-faceted performing arts institution, offering a wide array of educational and performance-based services to the Kentucky community, spanning drama, dance, and music.

• Drama School / Acting School: Comprehensive instruction in acting methods, improvisation, scene study, and theatrical production for students aged 4-18. Programs are tailored to various developmental stages.
• Theatre School: Hands-on, real-world training through participation in full-scale productions, covering stagecraft, lighting, sound, costuming, and set construction.
• Dance School: Classes and workshops focusing on various dance techniques relevant to musical theater and general performance, including tap and jazz styles.
• Music School: Instruction in vocal performance, musical theater, and potentially instrumental skills, integrated into their full-scale musical productions.
• Full-Scale Student Productions: Hosting numerous performances throughout the year featuring the acting school’s students, with guaranteed roles for all who audition.
• Adult Community Theater Troupes: Home to The Spotlight Players and The Bluegrass Players, who stage professional-quality drama and musical productions, often including dinner theater and adult-themed shows like Dracula.
• Affordable Ticketing and Financial Aid: Offering competitive ticket prices for shows (starting at $11 for students, $15 for adults) and running "Pay What You Can" performances on most Fridays to ensure live theater is accessible to all Kentucky families. Financial assistance is also available for school tuition.
• Facility Rentals: The 13,000 square-foot facility, including its two professional theaters, is available for rental, with proceeds supporting the school’s programs and scholarships.

The Spotlight Acting School and Playhouse possesses numerous unique features that cement its status as a vital cultural and educational center in Central Kentucky.

• Guaranteed Role Policy for Students: A key philosophical difference: every child aged 4-18 who auditions for a school production is guaranteed a role, eliminating the stress of competition and fostering an inclusive, confidence-building environment.
• Extensive Performance Calendar: The facility hosts over 125 performances annually across its two professional theaters—a Main Theatre (149 seats) and The Hall (106 seats)—offering more opportunities for student practice and community engagement than most regional venues.
• Full-Circle Performing Arts Education: Students receive training across the three major disciplines of drama, music, and dance, preparing them for the comprehensive demands of musical theater and performance.
• Accessibility for All Patrons: A genuine commitment to community access, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring the arts are available to every resident of Kentucky.
• Intergenerational Collaboration: Adult actors are invited to volunteer and perform alongside students in intergenerational shows, providing high-level mentorship and enriching the student experience.
• Community and Parent Support: The school is supported by over 100 dedicated adult volunteers, handling everything from set construction to concessions, which helps keep tuition affordable and operational quality high.
• The Bluegrass Players Troupes: These volunteer professional troupes provide high-quality, diverse theatrical entertainment for adult audiences, ranging from mysteries and thrillers to comedies, ensuring a full spectrum of theater is available locally.

Kentucky residents interested in enrolling their children, auditioning for an adult production, or purchasing tickets for an upcoming performance at this Berea landmark should use the following contact details.

Address: 214 Richmond Rd N, Berea, KY 40403, USA

Phone: (859) 661-0600

Mobile Phone: +1 859-661-0600

For Kentucky families, choosing Spotlight Acting School is choosing a comprehensive, high-value investment in artistic education and local culture. What makes this institution particularly worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to inclusion and practical experience. The policy of guaranteeing a role for every child who auditions is virtually unheard of in performing arts, making it a uniquely safe and confidence-boosting environment for young performers in Madison County. Students get to learn every aspect of theater, from behind the scenes to the spotlight, on two professional stages, preparing them with real-world skills that transcend the stage.

Beyond education, The Spotlight Playhouse provides Central Kentucky with an incredibly robust and affordable live entertainment option. As noted in customer feedback, the quality of their shows is competitive with larger, established regional theaters, offering a premium theatrical experience locally. The “Pay What You Can” policy further exemplifies its dedication to ensuring the arts are not a luxury but an accessible community resource. By selecting this Berea performing arts center, you are not only securing excellent training for your child or a high-quality night of entertainment for yourself, but you are also supporting a vital, accessible, and deeply committed cultural hub right here in the heart of Kentucky.

Spotlight Acting School

214 Richmond Rd N, Berea, KY 40403, USA