Actors Theatre apprentice Samantha Beach prepares for mock auditions while learning how to embrace being cast as a certain type. Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks goes through the process of developing her character for her very first public performance with the company, while Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond switches from villain to comic relief in "Cinderella."

Week 7: In the Spotlight

Every season, performing arts companies take on a group of young up-and-comers who will work, and learn, with the pros. The ballet calls them trainees. At Actors Theatre of Louisville, they’re apprentices. Kentucky Opera has studio artists. They’re in residence at a professional company for the first time, understudying for the stars and taking on small roles while learning the ins and outs of the business.  

In the series "The Big Break," we’ll go inside the Ballet, Actors Theatre  and the Opera through the eyes of three developing artists in residence. Claire Horrocks, Samantha Beach and Brad Raymond are keeping audio diaries.