On January 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in each time zone across the country, members of the theater community from Broadway to regional theaters to high schools and colleges and community theaters will come together to launch The Ghostlight Project . Gathering at theaters on the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, people will join in a collective, simultaneous action, together creating “light” for challenging times ahead. Inspired by the tradition of leaving a "ghost light" on in a darkened theater, artists and communities will make or renew a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The entire Lansing theatre community is gathering on January 19 to be part of this national event.
The Ghostlight Project aims to create brave spaces that will serve as lights in the coming years and to activate a network of people across the country working to support vulnerable communities. These gatherings are a pledge for continued vigilance and increased advocacy. The Ghostlight Project is inspired by the Sanctuary Movement, which has its roots in the safe haven provided by faith based communities, and which today advocates for and offers physical sanctuary to immigrants facing deportation through such models as Sanctuary Cities and Sanctuaries Campuses. The Ghostlight Project defines “sanctuary” as a space where:
• It is safe to be who you are, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
• Diverse opinions, dissent, and argument are not only tolerated, but invited.
• Active listening and courageous exchange are fundamental values.
• Collective action, activism, and community engagement, both within and outside the walls of the theater, are cultivated, encouraged, and supported.
The event on January 19th marks the initiation for some artists and theaters, and marks another step for others with a long history of fighting for social justice and equity. As the participants all have varied backgrounds, so too is it up to each institution and individual to determine what ongoing action will best serve their institution and community.
Nine theatres in the Lansing community will all come together on January 19 at 5:30pm at the Miller Performing Arts Center (6025 Curry Lane, Lansing, MI 48911) for a program led by Debbie Mikula of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and facilitators to discuss and celebrate the current theatre scene in our community and what projects, ideas, and dreams they would like to see take place or established moving forward, with an eye toward social justice, inclusion, and diversity. Present at the event will be representatives from Ixion Theatre, Lansing Community College Theatre Department, Michigan State Department of Theatre, Over the Ledge Theatre, Owosso Community Theatre, Peppermint Creek Theatre Company, Riverwalk Theatre, Starlight Dinner Theatre, and Williamston Theatre. The event will also include music, excerpts from historical speeches, and a “community lighting”. All are welcome at this FREE public event.
The Ghostlight Project will be a resource for theaters, arts communities, and individuals to identify and create meaningful action steps, or to continue in the social justice work already underway. More information about The Ghostlight Project can be found on their website,https://theghostlightproject.com/.
The Ghostlight Project aims to create brave spaces that will serve as lights in the coming years and to activate a network of people across the country working to support vulnerable communities. These gatherings are a pledge for continued vigilance and increased advocacy. The Ghostlight Project is inspired by the Sanctuary Movement, which has its roots in the safe haven provided by faith based communities, and which today advocates for and offers physical sanctuary to immigrants facing deportation through such models as Sanctuary Cities and Sanctuaries Campuses. The Ghostlight Project defines “sanctuary” as a space where:
• It is safe to be who you are, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
• Diverse opinions, dissent, and argument are not only tolerated, but invited.
• Active listening and courageous exchange are fundamental values.
• Collective action, activism, and community engagement, both within and outside the walls of the theater, are cultivated, encouraged, and supported.
The event on January 19th marks the initiation for some artists and theaters, and marks another step for others with a long history of fighting for social justice and equity. As the participants all have varied backgrounds, so too is it up to each institution and individual to determine what ongoing action will best serve their institution and community.
Nine theatres in the Lansing community will all come together on January 19 at 5:30pm at the Miller Performing Arts Center (6025 Curry Lane, Lansing, MI 48911) for a program led by Debbie Mikula of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and facilitators to discuss and celebrate the current theatre scene in our community and what projects, ideas, and dreams they would like to see take place or established moving forward, with an eye toward social justice, inclusion, and diversity. Present at the event will be representatives from Ixion Theatre, Lansing Community College Theatre Department, Michigan State Department of Theatre, Over the Ledge Theatre, Owosso Community Theatre, Peppermint Creek Theatre Company, Riverwalk Theatre, Starlight Dinner Theatre, and Williamston Theatre. The event will also include music, excerpts from historical speeches, and a “community lighting”. All are welcome at this FREE public event.
The Ghostlight Project will be a resource for theaters, arts communities, and individuals to identify and create meaningful action steps, or to continue in the social justice work already underway. More information about The Ghostlight Project can be found on their website,https://theghostlightproject.com/.
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