A Spotlight for Every Child

BY SHANNON HOLBROOK

As the last notes of Annie JR’s “Hard-Knock Life” linger in the air, applause and cheers erupt throughout the theater. Wide grins spread quickly across the young actors’ smudged faces as they collect their well-earned accolades before shuffling offstage for their next scene.

The scene may sound similar. But this children’s theater is unlike any other — because at Spotlight, no child is turned away. Not for talent. Not for financial resources. Every child is cast, and they pay what they can, if they can.

“We take anyone, regardless of financial situation,” said Chad Hembree, executive director of Spotlight Acting School in Berea. Hembree runs the nonprofit with his wife, Letha.

Families drive weekly from as far as the Williamsburg, Mount Sterling, and Louisville areas of Kentucky to attend the school. They come from Madison County’s neighboring cities, too.

“Children’s theater has become so competitive,” Hembree said. “They turn away five times the number of children now that audition We’re super non-competitive. We spread the parts out based on skill level, and our kids are taught from the very first audition to cheer each other on. It’s our culture. We’re a family.”

Career-minded theater students can join the Spotlight Theatrical Arts Repertory School (STARS) program. There’s also a film school for camera acting, directing, technical aspects, and what happens behind the scenes.

By nurturing their talent and character, Spotlight is helping its students secure better futures. “They’re getting scholarships like crazy,” Hembree said. “They have no chip on their shoulder, are supportive, kind, and their talent is good.”

Brady Sexton started at Spotlight in third grade and has performed in 60 of their productions. He’d just started at Bellarmine University as a music major when he won the lead in the school’s production of “Gaslight.” “That’s unheard of for a freshman non-major,” Hembree said.

While Spotlight’s mission is spot-on, paying the bills can be a struggle. The nonprofit has no grants and relies on ticket sales, tuition, fundraising, and in-kind donations to stay afloat. Most shows cost about $3,000 each (not including overhead costs), and Spotlight offers 150 seasonal performances. Most of the tuition pays for show fees and directors.

Hembree hasn’t had a paycheck in two years, but he doesn’t complain. He credits the church, Berea College, and Spotlight’s founder and his mentor, Kathy Bettler, for Spotlight’s mission.

“As alumni of Berea College, Letha and I know the value of their labor system there and use it here to help offset the financial cost for families,” Hembree said. “I also worked as a youth minister in the church, so we embrace inclusion here, too.”

Hembree added, “In our early days, when a family couldn’t afford tuition, Kathy would go find someone to pay for it.” To fundraise, this spring, they’ll host the Festival of Short Plays, featuring local playwrights. Their popular weeklong K–12 summer camps will return, too.

Hembree wants to make theater more accessible. Audience members can even enjoy “pay what you can” performances on certain nights. He’d also like to expand their show offerings even more, narrowing the age gap of current ones. “Four- and 9-year-olds are at two different developmental levels, same with 11- and 18-year olds,” Hembree said. “More opportunities would be wonderful.” For more information, visit thespotlightplayhouse.com.