Kim,
If you're still reading this thread, please go to
http://www.theatrelouisville.org for a list of most of Louisville's theater groups, as well as contact info, auditions, listings, reviews. Catclaw Theatre, run by my boyfriend, Jeffrey Scott Holland, is always looking for new talent. Their website is
http://www.catclawtheatre.comThere are many good groups here and they are always looking for new faces. I don't know what kind of theater you're interested in, whether you have had any training, etc. It is hard to single out the "best" theater here; it depends on what you like.
Some of my favorites (besides Actors Theatre) are: Finnigan Productions (Brian Walker) is always doing new plays. Necessary Theatre produces lots of interesting work. Louisville Rep, Specific Gravity Ensemble, Pandora Productions (in no particular order except what sprang to mind first). I love musicals so I always enjoy CentreStage at JCC, Derby Dinner Playhouse, Clarksville Little Theatre, Music Theatre Louisville. More traditional community theatre groups are As Yet Unnamed Theatre Company (still unnamed after 11 years!), Shelby County Playhouse, Bunbury, Little Colonel Players in Pewee Valley....and in Corydon, the Haywood Theater has done some fine work. U of L and IUS also have excellent theater departments....I know I've left some people out unintentionally (it's late!). But check the Theatrelouisville site and also Theatre Alliance of Louisville.
I would also suggest if you have had no training in acting, that you take a class with Kathy Ellis or Megan Burnett in the Mellwood Center. There should be a link on the theatrelouisville website for contact info for their classes. There are other folks offering classes but I'm not familiar with them (I have taken a class with Megan and it was a lot of fun).
Just introduce yourself to the cast and crew at the next play you attend and you will find lots of friendly people willing to help you out. The Louisville theater scene is close knit but not exclusive.