Paranormal "Play" on Words: Everything you need to know about the new Ghostlight Theater!
By Gwen Leahy
A Paranormal “Play” on Words
Written By Gwen Leahy
A new theater has hit the ground running in Savannah!
Those who have read our previous articles know that there is a common theme surrounding the Savannah performance community: the lack of space. We as a community are overflowing with talented humans with auspicious ideas, but nevertheless there continues to be a distinct lack of venues in which to present our gifts to the greater community. However, slowly but surely, artistically-minded folks are taking this issue in stride, and are dedicating their own time, efforts, and money into opening venues of their own. One recent example of this is The Ghostlight Theater.
Owned and operated by partners-in-crime Chris Soucy and Megan Jones, Ghostlight serves as an extension of their bustling passion project The Savannah Paranormal Museum, an exhibition dedicated to the paranormal which features haunted artifacts, possessed dolls, and tales of various cryptids that are said to inhabit the Low Country.
Though the double entendre in the naming of the theater seems obvious, it actually goes much deeper than just the mention of spectral spooks; Soucy states, “In theater traditions, the ghost light was a bare light left on after hours in the theater for safety purposes, or, if you're superstitious, for the ghosts of the theater. The Ghostlight Theater operates under the auspices of The Savannah Paranormal Museum, so the name was an instant correlation. But we want to also acknowledge the Ghost Light Project in our decision to use the name. In 2016 a coalition of theaters used the ghost light as a symbol of the safety to be found in the theater for marginalized communities. For LGBTQ+, minorities, and any artists or audience that feel targeted, oppressed, or mistreated. We hope the light we leave on can be a beacon for those in need of safe harbor as well as a spotlight to those who have something to say.”
True to their words, Soucy and Jones are both dedicated to providing a space for all of those within our community, including opening up their stage to smaller organizations in need of a home. When asked about their intentions to rent out the stage, Soucy said, ”Other companies who are looking to produce shows are welcome to come and use our space provided we can accommodate their schedule. Our hope is to always be open and available to all theatermakers and organizations seeking a place to present their work. … We want to be a home to burgeoning filmmakers, original stage plays, and provocative guest speakers.” Don’t worry, you do not need to fit the Paranormal Museum’s “aesthetic” to bring your works to the stage; any and all productions will be welcome!
The Ghostlight Theater has already begun performances, with their first show, a dramatic and puppetted reading of Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart,” having opened just three weeks after the theater itself was officially announced. Since then, they have already scheduled several more productions between now and the end of the year, the posters for which can be found in the photos linked below! Per Soucy, “The Ghostlight Theater is looking forward to presenting events, shows, and screenings of paranormal interest as well as creative outlet. ” Patrons are also encouraged to follow both The Ghostlight Theater and The Savannah Paranormal Museum on social media for more information, show listings, and some truly goofy and entertaining videos following the minutia of day to day life running a haunted museum and theater.
