for over 20 years. “It had always been a dream of mine to own a musical theatre company,” Doherty said, and “when I turned 50 [last year], I thought, ‘It’s now or never.’” From there, Doherty reached out to a few others who she thought would share her vision for a theatre program with an emphasis not only on performance but also on education and inclusion. Together with these partners – Alex Bahaveolos (Music Director), William Hunter Evans (Technical Director), Colleen Gibbons (Production Manager), and Carolina Menapace (Producer) – Ghostlight was born. With programming for kindergartners through college students, Ghostlight aims to provide the “most professional non-professional theatre experience,” Doherty said. In large part, this comes from the level to which performers are challenged. Doherty wants “the kids to sing the hard harmonies,” and when the choreographer for the theatre’s recent production of “A Chorus Line” asked her how difficult to make the choreography for the performers – some of whom were untrained dancers – Doherty’s response was, “Push ‘em!” Doherty believes wholeheartedly in the potential of the young performers with whom she works, and she knows the elation that comes when the worth of their hard work is realized. “There is nothing better than when they get off the stage and say, ‘We did it!’” Doherty said. “We challenge our kids to rise, and they’ll do it. They will rise.”
BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE PERFORMS DISNEY’S FROZEN JR. PHOTO BY CM STAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
Ghostlight is able to challenge performers to the degree it does because of the environment Doherty, her team, and the young cast and crew have created. Doherty explained that Ghostlight is committed to inclusivity: “All children are welcome, regardless of identity, gender, monetary access…” Working toward non-profit status, Ghostlight strives to remove financial barriers to educational theatre by offering tuition payment plans and scholarships. The theatre emphasizes learning and having fun in a safe space. It is a culture that “all feeds down,” Doherty said. “We teach the high schoolers, who then come in to direct the K-8 program.”
From singing, dancing and acting to the educational side of costuming, light design, sound engineering, and set design, there is something for everyone at Ghostlight – including the audience. Upcoming musical productions include “Frozen Kids” (May 21-22) and “Legally Blonde Jr.” (May 20-22). Visit ghostlightetc.com for more information.
Another Theatre Program that Always Looks on the Bright Side Ten years prior to Ghostlight’s inaugural season, another local theatre program hit the suburban scene: BrightSide Theatre. A nonprofit professional theatre company, BrightSide
Continued on next page LOCAL ACTORS PERFORM GHOSTLIGHT’S PRODUCTION OF SHREK.
PHOTO BY CM STAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
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