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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by Doug Dreisbach | Mar 31, 2026 | FRONT PAGE, LOUISVILLE BALLET
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.
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by Doug Dreisbach | Mar 26, 2026 | FRONT PAGE, LOUISVILLE BALLET
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.”
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