GHOST LIGHT Web Series Reveals Backstage World

"People backstage should never be seen or heard - until now" - that's the maxim that the new web series "Ghost Light" put to the test in its series premiere, launched recently on YouTube. An original series, "Ghost Light" highlights the passion, humor, and frustration that working backstage can bring. Since its launch at the end of January, it has been received enthusiastically by the theater community and internet audiences everywhere.

"Ghost Light," a "Waiting for Guffman"-like web series, is about a motley crew of backstage technicians working in a community theater in middle America. The premiere season will have eight episodes, and can be watched on the series' website www.ghostlighttheseries.com or their Youtube channel.

Jeanette Bonner, founder of Kelly's Pool Hall Productions and creator of "Ghost Light," is a NYC-based actress. In her adventures doing small-town community theater as well as a national tour of "Sesame Street Live," she encountered a cast of characters behind-the-scenes, and decided to create a venue to showcase them.

"There's a whole other universe behind the curtain that the audience doesn't get to see, and probably doesn't even know exist," Bonner explains. "That's the point - they're supposed to be invisible - but techs are the people who make the show run smoothly. They fix mikes, move sets, pin rips - all silently. They're also the most lovable bunch of weirdos you've ever encountered. So I thought, 'Why not give them the spotlight for once?' And the show is just that; an ode to the theater-makers, not the actors."

A unique aspect of the series is that it was shot on location at The Barn Theatre, a working community theater in Montville, NJ. Bonner performed in two productions with the Barn several years ago. Bonner says she immediately thought of it when scouting for locations. "The Barn Theatre is exactly what 'Ghost Light' is about. There is a sense of community that envelops this theater, from the volunteers who run the box office to the people who fill the audience each night. It showed me that theater is way more than just about acting - it's a wonderful collective of people wanting to create a good show."

"Ghost Light" is produced by Bonner's production company, Kelly's Pool Hall Productions. The series is directed by Neil Fennell (White Liars) who teamed with Kevin Laibson (Assistant Director), Jarrett Sullivan (Director of Photography), and Blaise Douros (Original Music). It features Bonner as Michelle (the Box Office girl), Darcy Cadman as Lee (the New Guy), Ben Sterling as Eddie (Master Electrician), Janice Goldberg as Barb (Head Wardrobe), Sean Sellers as Steffen (Props Master), Armani del Rio and Arthur Kriklivy as Rob and Martin (Run Crew), Travis Mitchell as Mr. Oldsen (Artistic Director), Tracy Mull as Michelle 2 (Board Operator), Doug Rossi as Sean (Set Design), Joseph Langham as Carroll (Front of House Manager) and Michael Jeffrey Cohen (Maintenance).

For more information, visit www.ghostlighttheseries.com.