A Field Guide for Theatergoers: The Good, The Bad, and The Dramatically Unaware
Live theater is magical—until the audience becomes part of the show. From curtain rise to standing ovation, every performance features a colorful cast both onstage and in the seats. Here’s a playful look at the personalities you’re almost guaranteed to encounter.
2026 KPA Bradley Awards Announces Nominees for May 31 Ceremony
The Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA) Bradley Awards is officially announcing this year’s nominees and the ceremony will take place on May 31, 2026 at the historic Brown Theatre in Louisville. This program is an official regional awards program of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®), known also as The Jimmy Awards®. The KPA Bradley Awards will introduce talented youth in Kentucky and Southern Indiana to the national stage while celebrating the importance of theatre arts education.
Teddy Abrams Conducts the Louisville Orchestra for a Free Independence Day Weekend Concert
The Louisville Orchestra, under the dynamic direction of Teddy Abrams, is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Independence Day concert, Play America, a spectacular free concert event celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America’s founding! This musical extravaganza, set to take place on July 2nd, 2026, at America Place at River Ridge, promises to be our biggest year yet with an evening of community, family fun, and musical excellence.
Leslie Smart Transitions Role as Louisville Ballet CEO to Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the 75th Anniversary Celebration
After a pivotal chapter of leadership, Louisville Ballet’s CEO, Leslie Smart, will transition from her role as Chief Executive Officer of Louisville Ballet to serve on its Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the 75th Diamond Anniversary Committee.
Smart stepped into leadership nearly three and a half years ago during a critical moment for Louisville Ballet, guiding the organization to a strong financial footing with renewed momentum. “Leading Louisville Ballet during this transformative period has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Smart. “Together with our board, staff, donors, and community, we have built a strong, stable foundation for the future. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident
in the organization’s continued growth and artistic excellence.”
Actors Theatre to Host Season Launch Party June 7 w. Tony Awards Broadcast
Actors Theatre of Louisville will host its 2026–2027 Season Launch Party on Sunday, June 7 in the Pamela Brown Auditorium. The event is a celebratory fundraiser that weaves live performances from the upcoming season with a live broadcast of the Tony Awards®.
Shakespeare in the Parks Takes You to the Islands in April & May
This spring, Kentucky Shakespeare is bringing The Tempest to a park near you. Or should that be an island?
Set on an enchanted island, the bard’s final play has a tropical feel, complete in this production with toe-tapping Puerto Rican bomba music. Watch it, and you may feel you’ve finally left behind the winter of our discontent (to quote another Shakespeare play).
The 2026 Shakespeare in the Parks tour runs through most of April and May. It will visit 44 parks across the metro area and venues as far away as Berea, Ky., and Richmond, Ind., as well as 20+ area schools. Thanks to presenting sponsors, each park performance is 100% free, although donations are welcome. CLICK HERE for the complete schedule—including rain locations.
Kentucky Tourism: Camping at Kentucky State Parks
Spring has sprung in our New Kentucky Home, and that means it’s time to go camping! Whether you prefer camping in a tent or an RV, Kentucky State Parks have locations across the commonwealth for you to visit.
Campgrounds that have opened for the season include Barren River Lake, Big Bone Lick, Blue Licks Battlefield, Carr Creek, Columbus-Belmont, Dale Hollow Lake, General Burnside, General Butler, Grayson Lake, John James Audubon, Kentucky Dam Village, Kincaid Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Lake Malone, Natural Bridge, Paintsville Lake, Pennyrile Forest, and Yatesville Lake.
The KPA Bradley Awards: Shining a Spotlight on Kentucky’s Next Generation of Theater Stars
The KPA Bradley Awards have quickly become one of the most vibrant celebrations of high school musical theater in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Now in its second year as an official regional affiliate of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards — widely known as the Jimmy Awards — the program honors young performers, technicians, and educators across every facet of the art form. From powerful lead performances and dynamic ensemble work to innovative lighting, sound, costumes, and community outreach, the awards recognize the full spectrum of talent that brings high school musicals to life.
Broadway Preview: A Book of Mormon – May 5-10 – Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
When The Book of Mormon arrives in Louisville as part of the PNC Broadway in Louisville season May 5-10, audiences can expect an evening of bold satire, dazzling musical theater, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Since its Broadway debut in 2011, the smash-hit musical has become one of the most celebrated shows of the modern Broadway era, entertaining more than 20 million people worldwide with its infectious score, outrageous humor, and surprising heart.
Created by South Park masterminds Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Frozen songwriter Robert Lopez, the musical follows two young Mormon missionaries sent from Salt Lake City to Uganda on a mission to spread their faith. What begins as a straightforward religious assignment quickly spirals into a wildly funny adventure filled with culture shock, unlikely friendships, and plenty of absurd situations along the way.
Derby Dinner Playhouse Presents “Hairspray” Thru May 17
Big hair, big dreams, and even bigger heart take center stage this spring as Derby Dinner Playhouse brings the high-energy Broadway sensation Hairspray to life. Opening April 1 and running through May 17, 2026, this toe-tapping production promises a vibrant night of music, laughter, and feel-good storytelling just across the river.
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday® Set to Kick-off Season on April 22
91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville and Waterfront Park are delighted to announce the 24th season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday. The concert series returns on Wednesday, April 22, with Deep Blue Something (8:00 p.m.) and Small Time Napoleon (6:30 p.m.). Proceeds from WFPK Waterfront Wednesday benefit two beloved local nonprofits, Louisville Public Media and Waterfront Park.
“WFPK Waterfront Wednesday has always been about coming together through music, and this lineup really feels like that.” said Stacy Owen, WFPK promotions director, “We’ve got artists you already love, a few you’re about to, and a night on the river that just feels good to be part of.”
Songs, Stories & Soul: John Legend Returns to His Midwest Roots at Whitney Hall (Exclusive Interview)
From the modest church pews of Springfield, Ohio, singing gospel hymns and family harmonies, to sold-out stages worldwide and rare EGOT status, John Legend has become one of the most revered voices in contemporary music. Today, the singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer brings his acclaimed intimate theater tour, A Night of Songs & Stories, to Louisville’s Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center on April 12, 2026 as part of the Glenview Trust Enriching Life Series.
Audience publisher Doug Dreisbach caught up with the famed singer to talk about his Midwestern roots, the pivotal moments that launched his career, his collaborative songwriting process, and what makes his current solo tour so special.
Listen to the interview below:
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Riverdance (**Special 3-show run – March 24-26)
Riverdance returns to Louisville for a special three-show engagement March 24-26, bringing its signature fusion of Irish dance, global rhythms, and breathtaking precision back to The Kentucky Center. Celebrating more than 30 years of worldwide acclaim, this anniversary production pairs the iconic footwork and sweeping music audiences love with refreshed choreography, vibrant visuals, and a dynamic new cast.
The Pulse of a City: How Fund for the Arts Fuels Louisville’s Creative Ecosystem
For more than 75 years, Fund for the Arts has raised funds, distributed grants, and championed programs that make arts and culture accessible to the entire community. Guiding that mission today is interim President and CEO Brett Shepherd, a longtime advocate for Louisville’s arts and cultural institutions.
We caught up with Brett for an interview to hear more about Fund for the Arts.
Listen to the interview below:
Louisville Ballet Announces 75th Anniversay Season
Louisville Ballet’s 2026–2027 season marks a milestone 75th Anniversary, celebrating the company’s rich legacy while embracing a bold vision for the future. Known for blending classical technique with contemporary innovation, the Ballet once again delivers a lineup that is both visually captivating and emotionally engaging, appealing to longtime patrons and new audiences alike.
Celebration of the Arts Returns April 11
Fund for the Arts presents the third annual Celebration of the Arts on April 11 and will feature local performing and engagement artists, music, dancing, onstage and live artmaking and engagement activities for guests offstage—all from local artists and arts organizations. The event will take place at Christy’s Garden at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall.
Every year has been a great acknowledgement to the wealth of talent in the community and we look forward to another fantastic year.
Kentucky Opera Announces 2026-2027 Season
Kentucky Opera recently announced their 2026/2027 season with a powerful blend of four mainstage classics and compelling new works that invite us to see our world through the lens of family, both given and found.
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Beauty & The Beast (March 10-15)
Broadway in Louisville continues in March with an unforgettable production that bring classic stories, iconic music, and global spectacle to Whitney Hall. Don’t miss the magic of Disney with Beauty and The Beast (May 10-15) for must-see theater.
Broadway in Louisville Announces a Blockbuster 2026–2027 Season
The 2026–2027 PNC Broadway in Louisville season was recently announced and offers one of the most dynamic and crowd-pleasing lineups in recent years, blending blockbuster classics, pop-music driven biographies, inventive new musicals, and visually spectacular productions. Anchored at the historic Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, this seven-show season brings together Tony Award® winners, beloved jukebox hits, and fresh Broadway storytelling that spans generations and genres.
Louisville Orchestra Announces 2026-2027 Season
The Louisville Orchestra recently announced their 2026–27 season, continuing the exceptional momentum of one of the nation’s most dynamic arts organizations. The new season offers major collaborations, world premieres, and an ambitious artistic vision rooted firmly in Louisville.
A Field Guide for Theatergoers: The Good, The Bad, and The Dramatically Unaware
Live theater is magical—until the audience becomes part of the show. From curtain rise to standing ovation, every performance features a colorful cast both onstage and in the seats. Here’s a playful look at the personalities you’re almost guaranteed to encounter.
2026 KPA Bradley Awards Announces Nominees for May 31 Ceremony
The Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA) Bradley Awards is officially announcing this year’s nominees and the ceremony will take place on May 31, 2026 at the historic Brown Theatre in Louisville. This program is an official regional awards program of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®), known also as The Jimmy Awards®. The KPA Bradley Awards will introduce talented youth in Kentucky and Southern Indiana to the national stage while celebrating the importance of theatre arts education.
Teddy Abrams Conducts the Louisville Orchestra for a Free Independence Day Weekend Concert
The Louisville Orchestra, under the dynamic direction of Teddy Abrams, is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Independence Day concert, Play America, a spectacular free concert event celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America’s founding! This musical extravaganza, set to take place on July 2nd, 2026, at America Place at River Ridge, promises to be our biggest year yet with an evening of community, family fun, and musical excellence.
Leslie Smart Transitions Role as Louisville Ballet CEO to Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the 75th Anniversary Celebration
After a pivotal chapter of leadership, Louisville Ballet’s CEO, Leslie Smart, will transition from her role as Chief Executive Officer of Louisville Ballet to serve on its Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the 75th Diamond Anniversary Committee.
Smart stepped into leadership nearly three and a half years ago during a critical moment for Louisville Ballet, guiding the organization to a strong financial footing with renewed momentum. “Leading Louisville Ballet during this transformative period has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Smart. “Together with our board, staff, donors, and community, we have built a strong, stable foundation for the future. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident
in the organization’s continued growth and artistic excellence.”
Actors Theatre to Host Season Launch Party June 7 w. Tony Awards Broadcast
Actors Theatre of Louisville will host its 2026–2027 Season Launch Party on Sunday, June 7 in the Pamela Brown Auditorium. The event is a celebratory fundraiser that weaves live performances from the upcoming season with a live broadcast of the Tony Awards®.
Shakespeare in the Parks Takes You to the Islands in April & May
This spring, Kentucky Shakespeare is bringing The Tempest to a park near you. Or should that be an island?
Set on an enchanted island, the bard’s final play has a tropical feel, complete in this production with toe-tapping Puerto Rican bomba music. Watch it, and you may feel you’ve finally left behind the winter of our discontent (to quote another Shakespeare play).
The 2026 Shakespeare in the Parks tour runs through most of April and May. It will visit 44 parks across the metro area and venues as far away as Berea, Ky., and Richmond, Ind., as well as 20+ area schools. Thanks to presenting sponsors, each park performance is 100% free, although donations are welcome. CLICK HERE for the complete schedule—including rain locations.
Kentucky Tourism: Camping at Kentucky State Parks
Spring has sprung in our New Kentucky Home, and that means it’s time to go camping! Whether you prefer camping in a tent or an RV, Kentucky State Parks have locations across the commonwealth for you to visit.
Campgrounds that have opened for the season include Barren River Lake, Big Bone Lick, Blue Licks Battlefield, Carr Creek, Columbus-Belmont, Dale Hollow Lake, General Burnside, General Butler, Grayson Lake, John James Audubon, Kentucky Dam Village, Kincaid Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Lake Malone, Natural Bridge, Paintsville Lake, Pennyrile Forest, and Yatesville Lake.
The KPA Bradley Awards: Shining a Spotlight on Kentucky’s Next Generation of Theater Stars
The KPA Bradley Awards have quickly become one of the most vibrant celebrations of high school musical theater in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Now in its second year as an official regional affiliate of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards — widely known as the Jimmy Awards — the program honors young performers, technicians, and educators across every facet of the art form. From powerful lead performances and dynamic ensemble work to innovative lighting, sound, costumes, and community outreach, the awards recognize the full spectrum of talent that brings high school musicals to life.
Broadway Preview: A Book of Mormon – May 5-10 – Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
When The Book of Mormon arrives in Louisville as part of the PNC Broadway in Louisville season May 5-10, audiences can expect an evening of bold satire, dazzling musical theater, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Since its Broadway debut in 2011, the smash-hit musical has become one of the most celebrated shows of the modern Broadway era, entertaining more than 20 million people worldwide with its infectious score, outrageous humor, and surprising heart.
Created by South Park masterminds Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Frozen songwriter Robert Lopez, the musical follows two young Mormon missionaries sent from Salt Lake City to Uganda on a mission to spread their faith. What begins as a straightforward religious assignment quickly spirals into a wildly funny adventure filled with culture shock, unlikely friendships, and plenty of absurd situations along the way.
Derby Dinner Playhouse Presents “Hairspray” Thru May 17
Big hair, big dreams, and even bigger heart take center stage this spring as Derby Dinner Playhouse brings the high-energy Broadway sensation Hairspray to life. Opening April 1 and running through May 17, 2026, this toe-tapping production promises a vibrant night of music, laughter, and feel-good storytelling just across the river.
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday® Set to Kick-off Season on April 22
91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville and Waterfront Park are delighted to announce the 24th season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday. The concert series returns on Wednesday, April 22, with Deep Blue Something (8:00 p.m.) and Small Time Napoleon (6:30 p.m.). Proceeds from WFPK Waterfront Wednesday benefit two beloved local nonprofits, Louisville Public Media and Waterfront Park.
“WFPK Waterfront Wednesday has always been about coming together through music, and this lineup really feels like that.” said Stacy Owen, WFPK promotions director, “We’ve got artists you already love, a few you’re about to, and a night on the river that just feels good to be part of.”
Songs, Stories & Soul: John Legend Returns to His Midwest Roots at Whitney Hall (Exclusive Interview)
From the modest church pews of Springfield, Ohio, singing gospel hymns and family harmonies, to sold-out stages worldwide and rare EGOT status, John Legend has become one of the most revered voices in contemporary music. Today, the singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer brings his acclaimed intimate theater tour, A Night of Songs & Stories, to Louisville’s Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center on April 12, 2026 as part of the Glenview Trust Enriching Life Series.
Audience publisher Doug Dreisbach caught up with the famed singer to talk about his Midwestern roots, the pivotal moments that launched his career, his collaborative songwriting process, and what makes his current solo tour so special.
Listen to the interview below:
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Riverdance (**Special 3-show run – March 24-26)
Riverdance returns to Louisville for a special three-show engagement March 24-26, bringing its signature fusion of Irish dance, global rhythms, and breathtaking precision back to The Kentucky Center. Celebrating more than 30 years of worldwide acclaim, this anniversary production pairs the iconic footwork and sweeping music audiences love with refreshed choreography, vibrant visuals, and a dynamic new cast.
The Pulse of a City: How Fund for the Arts Fuels Louisville’s Creative Ecosystem
For more than 75 years, Fund for the Arts has raised funds, distributed grants, and championed programs that make arts and culture accessible to the entire community. Guiding that mission today is interim President and CEO Brett Shepherd, a longtime advocate for Louisville’s arts and cultural institutions.
We caught up with Brett for an interview to hear more about Fund for the Arts.
Listen to the interview below:
Louisville Ballet Announces 75th Anniversay Season
Louisville Ballet’s 2026–2027 season marks a milestone 75th Anniversary, celebrating the company’s rich legacy while embracing a bold vision for the future. Known for blending classical technique with contemporary innovation, the Ballet once again delivers a lineup that is both visually captivating and emotionally engaging, appealing to longtime patrons and new audiences alike.
Celebration of the Arts Returns April 11
Fund for the Arts presents the third annual Celebration of the Arts on April 11 and will feature local performing and engagement artists, music, dancing, onstage and live artmaking and engagement activities for guests offstage—all from local artists and arts organizations. The event will take place at Christy’s Garden at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall.
Every year has been a great acknowledgement to the wealth of talent in the community and we look forward to another fantastic year.
Kentucky Opera Announces 2026-2027 Season
Kentucky Opera recently announced their 2026/2027 season with a powerful blend of four mainstage classics and compelling new works that invite us to see our world through the lens of family, both given and found.
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Beauty & The Beast (March 10-15)
Broadway in Louisville continues in March with an unforgettable production that bring classic stories, iconic music, and global spectacle to Whitney Hall. Don’t miss the magic of Disney with Beauty and The Beast (May 10-15) for must-see theater.
Broadway in Louisville Announces a Blockbuster 2026–2027 Season
The 2026–2027 PNC Broadway in Louisville season was recently announced and offers one of the most dynamic and crowd-pleasing lineups in recent years, blending blockbuster classics, pop-music driven biographies, inventive new musicals, and visually spectacular productions. Anchored at the historic Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, this seven-show season brings together Tony Award® winners, beloved jukebox hits, and fresh Broadway storytelling that spans generations and genres.
Louisville Orchestra Announces 2026-2027 Season
The Louisville Orchestra recently announced their 2026–27 season, continuing the exceptional momentum of one of the nation’s most dynamic arts organizations. The new season offers major collaborations, world premieres, and an ambitious artistic vision rooted firmly in Louisville.
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