by Doug Dreisbach | May 6, 2026 | FRONT PAGE, Kentucky Performing Arts, LOUISVILLE BALLET
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.
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by Doug Dreisbach | May 6, 2026 | FRONT PAGE, LOUISVILLE BALLET, LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA
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.
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by Doug Dreisbach | May 5, 2026 | FRONT PAGE, LOUISVILLE BALLET
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.”
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by Doug Dreisbach | May 4, 2026 | FRONT PAGE, LOUISVILLE BALLET
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®.
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by Doug Dreisbach | Apr 1, 2026 | FRONT PAGE, KENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE, LOUISVILLE BALLET, Uncategorized
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.
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by Doug Dreisbach | Mar 31, 2026 | ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE, FRONT PAGE, LOUISVILLE BALLET, PNC BROADWAY IN LOUISVILLE
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.
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