Feature: GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT at Third Wall Productions Lights the Light of Hope

On a day that saw rumors of a possible shutdown of the National Endowment for the Arts, artists from around the country came together to prove their lights would not be extinguished. This nationwide event was sponsored by the GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT and is currently serving as a beacon of hope to those in the arts community. Those behind the GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT want to advocate for theaters to stay brave spaces in which:

"It is safe to be who you are, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation."

The organizers chose the night before the inauguration to send their message. Gatherings and services at theaters were organized - any theater could sign up to be a part of the movement - all over the country. At 5:30 across the states, lights would be lit. The hope was to create a beacon across the US for the "challenging times ahead." The largest of these events was held in Manhattan in the very heart of the theater district, Times Square. Thousands of people including many current and former Broadway faves, lit the light and took the pledge.

As I was not lucky enough to be in New York yesterday, I chose to attend a smaller regional event with the Third Wall Productions crew in Baltimore County. It may not have had the crowds of Manhattan's event, but it was just as moving. This event started with a beautiful quote: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." It summed up this project perfectly. We're not choosing to stand by and watch what happens. We're making our voices heard.

After a few more readings, and a flashlight lit processional around the theater, "I Know Where I've Been" from HAIRSPRAY was beautifully sung by Melissa Fortson. And since we're all "theater people" we couldn't resist joining in on the refrain. To close out the event, Mike Zellhofer, the Executive Director of the theater, played a short clip of Royce Mann's performance of "Rise Up" in honor of Martin Luther King's birthday this year. Mann is a 15 year old that is known for his inspirational slam poetry and this performance didn't disappoint. It focused on inclusion and rising to challenges in the face of adversity. A perfect choice for an event like this one.

What really stood out to me throughout the evening, even more than the event itself, was the atmosphere these people created. I walked in knowing only one person, which is a new thing for me. I'm not usually quick to jump into situations where I don't know anyone. (Painfully shy - that's me!) But after a grand total of about 3 minutes, I was introduced to almost everyone else. They were so willing to tell me about the theater and what made it special to them. We laughed, and joked and shared theater stories that only theater people get. Every single person I met was so welcoming and kind, that I get a little emotional just thinking about it.

After all, that's what the GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT is all about - theater as an open space for everyone. And the people at Third Wall Productions were the perfect examples of this ideal. They most definitely lit their lights, and are showing it in ways they don't even realize. And because of that, I will always be grateful for this theater community.

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