Hardin County Playhouse is ready to take its first steps back on stage since it had to cease productions during the pandemic.

Now that spring has sprung, connecting with nature is a great way to have fun while maintaining social distancing. At Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the warmer weather and the sights of springtime.

In a typical season, Kentucky Shakespeare performs on stage at the Hardin County School’s Performing Arts Center, but this hasn’t been close to a typical season.

On Saturday, Hans Christian Andersen’s classic folktale “The Emperor’s New Clothes” will be brought to life at the Hardin Schools Performing Arts Center at John Hardin High School through a musical adaption presented by Missoula Children’s Theatre.

Wild Lights are on display at the Louisville Zoo.

Song, dance, levita­tion and little bit of magic will be on display this weekend at the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center at John Hardin High School as Allegro Dance Theatre presents “Matilda the Musical Jr.”

Elizabethtown country artist Gracie Yates just dropped her first single and music video.

Through a series of painting parties, Christy Kelly of Vine Grove is using her passion for art to give back. Specifically, Kelly is using proceeds from the parties to benefit local pediatric cancer patients Tenley and Adley Ward of Sonora in LaRue County.

Demarcus Wright has been mak­ing music for 15 years, but started taking it seriously about three years ago.

When Dezi Eddins was a child, she would receive drawing and art kits for every holiday and birthday. Displaying a keen interest in art at an early age, Eddins said she spent her childhood drawing outfits for her dolls and creating them with anything she could find around the house.

“I really can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in art,” said Debbie McQueary of Elizabethtown about her life-long love of art. “I’ve always enjoyed drawing and experimenting with design and color.”

Reeling from a barrage of cancellations because of COVID-19, the Hardin County Playhouse slowly is making plans for a second act.

For high school drama departments, COVID has altered the stage plan many times. But they’ve figured out ways to continue to keep the arts alive for area teens while keeping them safe.