The 2025-26 professional theater season in Somerset, Kentucky, is approaching its highly anticipated finale. As the community moves into the late spring and summer months, the Flashback Theater Co. (FBTC) schedule shifts its focus toward a major musical production in May and a series of intensive educational workshops designed for local artists and enthusiasts. Understanding the remaining timeline of the current season is essential for theatergoers looking to secure seats for the final performances or participate in professional development.

The May Centerpiece: Fleetwood Macbeth

The most significant entry on the current flashback theater schedule is the production of Fleetwood Macbeth, written by Ricky W. Glore. This production represents a departure from traditional Shakespearean stagings, blending the classic tragedy of Macbeth with the aesthetic and musical energy of the 1970s.

Production Concept and Setting

In this adaptation, the narrative is transposed to a 1970s radio station, WS 103.5 "The Shakes." The character of Macbeth is reimagined as "Mac," a radio personality aspiring to "the throne"—the coveted position of lead disc jockey currently held by a figure known as "The King." The production incorporates a lineup of hits from Fleetwood Mac, utilizing the music to underscore the ambition, betrayal, and psychological descent inherent in the original play.

Performance Dates and Times

The production will run from May 14 through May 24, 2026, at The Virginia. The schedule is structured to accommodate both evening attendees and weekend matinee audiences:

  • Thursday, May 14: 7:30 p.m. (Opening Night)
  • Friday, May 15: 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 17: 2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, May 22: 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 23: 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 24: 2:30 p.m. (Closing Performance)

Directed by Julie Chere Son and Sommer Schoch, this production serves as the concluding mainstage event of the 12th season. Audiences can expect a runtime that balances the intensity of the dramatic source material with the rhythmic flow of a jukebox musical parody.

Summer 2026 Educational Series and New Play Development

Following the conclusion of the mainstage season, the flashback theater schedule transitions into its education and outreach phase. These sessions are intended for individuals looking to sharpen specific theatrical skills or contribute to the creation of new works.

June: New Play Development Workshop and Festival

In June 2026, the focus turns to the future of the craft. The New Play Development series provides a platform for playwrights to see their scripts evolve from page to stage.

  • Development Workshop: A collaborative environment where local actors and directors work through new scripts, providing feedback to the authors.
  • Festival of New Plays: This event typically showcases staged readings or shortened versions of the developed scripts, allowing the community to witness the birth of new theatrical voices.

July: Masterclasses and Stage Combat

For performers interested in technical physical skills, the July schedule features specialized training. These classes are often divided by experience level to ensure safety and effective learning.

  • Intro to Stage Combat: Unarmed: This workshop covers the basics of performing physical altercations safely, focusing on timing, distance, and the illusion of violence.
  • Stage Combat: Unarmed Intermediate: Designed for those with prior experience, this session delves into more complex choreography and storytelling through physical action.
  • Artist Showcase Tour: The end of July often features a touring showcase that highlights the work of resident artists, bringing professional performances to various venues around the Lake Cumberland region.

Ticketing Information and Box Office Policies

For those planning to attend the May performances of Fleetwood Macbeth, early booking is generally advised due to the limited capacity of regional venues. The theater maintains a transparent pricing structure and flexible exchange policies.

Single Ticket Pricing

  • Adults: $23 when purchased in advance; $25 at the door.
  • Seniors: $20 for both advance and door sales.
  • Students: $12 in advance; $15 at the door.

How to Purchase

Tickets can be secured through multiple channels to accommodate different preferences:

  1. Online: Reservations are available through the official ticketing portal, which provides a digital ticket that can be scanned at the venue.
  2. Phone: The box office can be reached at (888) 394-3282, extension 1.
  3. In-Person: The box office, located at 209A East Mt. Vernon St, Somerset, KY, is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Reservation Policies

Flashback Theater Co. offers a no-cost exchange policy if made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled performance. This is particularly useful for patrons whose schedules may change unexpectedly. Seating is typically assigned at the time of reservation, and digital check-ins are available at the door, meaning physical tickets are not strictly required if you have your confirmation email.

Venue Details and Attendance Tips

The 2025-26 season has utilized various venues across the Lake Cumberland region to uphold the mission of making theater accessible.

  • The Virginia: Located in downtown Somerset, this venue will host Fleetwood Macbeth. It offers a professional atmosphere with modern amenities.
  • Parking: Attendees should arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early to find street parking or use the nearby public lots in downtown Somerset.
  • Content Considerations: While Fleetwood Macbeth is a musical parody, it is based on a tragedy and may contain thematic elements unsuitable for very young children. Patrons with specific concerns regarding explicit language or stage effects should contact the box office for a detailed content advisory.

Reflecting on the 2025-26 Season Journey

As the current schedule concludes, it is worth looking back at the diversity of programming that has defined this year. The season opened in October with the court drama Getting and Spending, followed by the intimate and emotionally resonant musical The Last Five Years in December. Most recently, the February production of Men on Boats utilized an all-female and gender-non-conforming cast to provide a comedic and historically inaccurate take on American exploration.

This variety reflects the artistic vision of Sommer Schoch, who emphasized that the season was designed to be "vulnerable" and "personal." Each production has served as a touchstone for the Lake Cumberland community, exploring different facets of human ambition and connection.

Looking Ahead: The 2026-27 Season Announcement

While the current flashback theater schedule is still active with May performances and summer workshops, the community has already begun looking toward the future. In April 2026, the 12th Annual Season Announcement Cabaret took place, revealing the slate of plays and musicals for the upcoming 2026-27 cycle.

Season tickets for the next year typically go on sale shortly after the announcement. These tickets remain the most cost-efficient way to support local professional theater, often priced around $85 for a full four-show package. Subscribers gain priority seating and early access to special events, which is a significant advantage for popular musical titles.

Participation and Community Involvement

Flashback Theater Co. is not merely a venue for observation; the schedule is designed to invite community participation. Many of the actors and crew members seen on stage in May are local artists who went through the audition process in the previous August.

For those inspired by the spring performances, the next cycle of auditions for the 2026-27 season will likely occur in late summer. These opportunities are open to individuals of various experience levels, and the theater provides a supportive environment for those making their stage debut alongside seasoned veterans. The stipends provided to cast and crew members further underscore the theater's commitment to maintaining a professional standard within the local arts economy.

Whether attending as a spectator for the rock-infused Shakespeare in May or participating in a technical design workshop in June, the remaining 2026 Flashback Theater schedule offers multiple points of entry for anyone interested in the performing arts in the Lake Cumberland region.