Tickets are on sale for our late night Holiday Cabernet set for Friday, December 14 at My Buddy's.
Enjoy an evening of holiday classics (or not-so-classics) by favorite G.E.T. (that's Ghostlight Ensemble Theatre) performers, emerging artists and surprise guests in a cabaret-style setting hosted by everyone's favorite foul-mouthed Ghost of Christmas Spirits Past, Present and Future, Miz Caitlin Jackson.
The evening includes a wide variety of acts ranging from musical to clown to more traditional theater. And it wouldn't be the Holiday Cabernet without a good dose of holiday cheer in a glass. So get into the holiday spirits and join us for a late night of song, theatre, good cheer and revelry.
G.E.T. yule holiday fun on!
Up Next: Must Eat TV: A(nother) Live Reading of Your Favorite Thanksgiving Episodes
Ghostlight Ensemble brings back the popular Thanksgiving installment of its ongoing live movie reading series, Must Eat TV 2: A Live Reading of Your Favorite Thanksgiving Episodes.
Thanksgiving is all about stuffing yourself silly with family and friends; screaming matches over politics with your great uncle Carl; giving thanks; and television. So join your Ghostlight family, friends and great uncle Carl for a celebration of everyone's favorite eating holiday.
The lineup features selections from New Girl, How I Met Your Mother and Cheers at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at My Buddy’s.
The live reading is directed by Miona Lee.
There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door, which will help Ghostlight fund its upcoming season, AND a non-perishable good or additional cash donation to benefit Common Pantry, of North Center.
Find out more on the show page!
‘Picasso At The Lapin Agile’ Opens on Friday
Ghostlight Ensemble will tackle the age-old debate of which is more valuable to society: art or science with its fall production, Picasso at the Lapin Agile.
The absurdist comedy by American humorist Steve Martin imagines a meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter sets the art world afire with cubism.
Ghostlight’s production will explore the struggles and similarities between science and art, but also between genius and fame, big ideas and mere notions and optimism of the new and skepticism of the familiar.
“The play imagines the absurd and mundane in the lives of two men who really did go on to impact the world and alter history,” Director Holly Robison said. “With Picasso, we are asked to consider the men as much as the myth, to see their flaws, silliness, insecurities, hopes and dreams, as much as their towering legacies. The mythic men are humanized. We can see ourselves in them and understand their desires.
“Even if we are not all geniuses, we all, to some degree, have the same flicker of desire to create, to inspire, to change the world and leave something behind.”
Picasso at the Lapin Agile runs October 19, 2018, through November 4, 2018, at the Otherworld Theatre’s new home at 3914 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with one industry evening performance at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 22, 2018. Tickets are $20 General Admission, $15 Seniors and Students and available in advance through Brown Paper Tickets.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Find out more about Ghostlight Ensemble and its entire 2018-2019 Season here.
Update: Stage Manager needed for Picasso at the Lapin Agile for Tech & Performance only
Ghostlight Ensemble seeks a Stage Manager for the run of its production of Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile. The absurdist comedy imagines a meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter sets the art world afire with cubism.
In addition to the usual duties, the stage manager will be required to act as light/sound board operator for performances.
This position is only needed to fill tech week and performances, not rehearsals. The performance stage manager will begin attending rehearsals no later than October 12 or 13, taking over from the current stage manager, who will meet with the candidate and provide updated cues and notes at a paper tech, which will be scheduled according to availability.
Schedule Details
Tech week is October 15-18, evenings only. Load-in is scheduled for Sunday, October 14.
Performances run October 19 through November 4, 2018, on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. with one industry performance at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 22. All performances are at Otherworld Theatre in the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago.
Stipend
A small stipend will be available for this position.
More information about the production is available on the project page.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and a statement of interest to production manager Chad Wise at chad@ghostlightensemble.com.
Up Next: Oh My Godddddd!!: A Troll 2 Live Reading
Ghostlight Ensemble presents the next installment of its ongoing live movie reading series: Oh My Godddddd!!: A Troll 2 Live Reading.
Join us at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at My Buddy's (4416 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640) to kick your season of Halloween celebrations off to a frightful start — not because the movie is scary, just scary bad.
Troll 2 is a 1990 horror film that has nothing to do with trolls or the movie to which its title claims to be a sequel. The plot concerns a family pursued by vegetarian goblins who seek to transform them into plants so that they can eat them. It is widely considered to be the worst film ever made.
The reading is directed by Christopher Paul Mueller.
There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door, which will help Ghostlight fund its upcoming season. Costumes are encouraged.
Costume Designer needed for 'Picasso at the Lapin Agile'
Ghostlight Ensemble seeks a Costume Designer for its production of Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile. The absurdist comedy imagines a meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter sets the art world afire with cubism.
This production will involve sourcing costumes for 10 actors. The play takes place in a single location on a single day.
Schedule Details
Rehearsals begin September 10, 2018, with about 3 to 4 rehearsals a week on weeknights and weekends, crafted around the actors' schedules. Tech is scheduled for October 15-18 in the evenings. Load-in is scheduled for Sunday, October 14.
Performances run October 19 through November 4, 2018, on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons at Otherworld Theatre in the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago.
Stipend
The stipend for this position is $150.
Apply
Please send your resume, links to any relevant work/websites and a statement of interest to production manager Chad Wise at chad@ghostlightensemble.com.
Stage Manager Needed for Picasso at the Lapin Agile
Ghostlight Ensemble seeks a Stage Manager for its production of Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile. The absurdist comedy imagines a meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter sets the art world afire with cubism.
In addition to the usual duties, the stage manager will be required to act as light/sound board operator for performances.
Schedule Details
Rehearsals begin September 10, 2018, with about 3 to 4 rehearsals a week on weeknights and weekends, crafted around the actors' scheduled. Tech is scheduled for October 15-18 in the evenings. Load-in is scheduled for Sunday, October 14.
Performances run October 19 through November 4, 2018, on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons at Otherworld Theatre in the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago.
Stipend
The stipend for this position is $150.
To Apply
Please send your resume and a statement of interest to production manager Chad Wise at chad@ghostlightensemble.com.
Up Next: God Loves A Terrier: A Best In Show Live Reading
Ghostlight Ensemble presents the next installment of its ongoing live movie reading series: God Loves A Terrier: A Best In Show Live Reading to benefit Ghostlight and the non-profit organization New Leash On Life.
Join us at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at My Buddy's (4416 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640), and make sure you bring you Busy Bee!
Best In Show is a 2000 American mockumentary comedy film co-written by Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy. The film follows five entrants in the prestigious Mayflower Dog Show, and focuses on the slightly surreal interactions among the various owners and handlers, as they travel to the show and compete, as well as the aftermath of the competition.
The reading is directed by Miona Lee.
There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door, which will help Ghostlight fund its upcoming season, AND an additional donation for New Leash On Life, a North Center-based non-profit that is committed to finding loving homes for shelter dogs who might otherwise be euthanized.
Auditions announced for Picasso At The Lapin Agile
Ghostlight Ensemble announces auditions for our fall show Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin, directed by Holly Robison.
The play imagines a meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter sets the art world afire with cubism.
Characters Descriptions:
We are seeking a strong, ethnically diverse cast of all genders. We are casting for all roles, with ages ranging from early 20s to early 70s.
Please see character breakdown below. Some roles will be double cast. Please note: For the characters of Sagot and A Visitor, male-identifying, female-identifying and gender non-conforming actors will be considered.
- Freddy: owner and bartender of Lapin Agile
- Gaston: an older man
- Germaine: waitress at Lapin Agile
- Albert Einstein
- Suzanne: young woman who has fling with Picasso
- Sagot: Picasso’s art dealer
- Pablo Picasso
- Charles Dabernow Schmendiman: a young man with some interesting ideas
- The Countess: woman involved with Einstein
- A female admirer of Schmendiman
- A Visitor: mysterious man bearing a strong resemblance to Elvis
Material To Prepare:
Please submit your headshot and resume and if selected we will be in touch with sides and an audition appointment.
Time Commitment
Rehearsals will likely begin the week of September 10, with three to four rehearsals a week on weekday evenings or weekend days. Tech is scheduled for October 15-18 in the evening.
Performance Dates:
Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees, October 19 through November 4, 2018
With one industry evening performance on Monday, October 22, 2018
at Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
Auditions:
6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, July 23
6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 24
You must be available for callbacks on Thursday, July 26, which will be held 6:30-9:30 p.m.
There is no pay for this production.
For consideration, please send your headshot and resume to Jean at casting@ghostlightensemble.com.
Thanks to everyone who attended 'The Princess Without Pots'
Thanks to everyone who attended the inaugural production in our Nightlight young audiences series, The Princess Without Pots. We loved seeing all the tiny princesses and princes who joined us in the Land of Contentment.
In our second year of Nightlight we plan to expand the idea of what the series beyond the stage. To do this, we'd love to hear from you. What would you and your children like to get out of Nightlight? Are you interested in the craft of theater — learning how to make the props and costumes you see in the show, learning how to put on your own play, etc. — or would you like more educational programing to accompany the performances? Would you be interested in more interactive pieces? Or maybe you just want more pillows on the floor? Whatever it is we'd love to hear from you.
The next show in the Nightlight series will be an original adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s children’s story The Selfish Giant.
The Selfish Giant is a tale of a giant who owns a beautiful garden, in which the village children love to play. The giant has been away for 12 years and upon returning is outraged to see the children enjoying themselves on his land. He builds a wall to keep them out and puts up a notice that reads: “TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.” But without the children, the garden falls into perpetual winter and the Selfish Giant finds himself isolated and all alone. Despite this bleak beginning, the story ultimately has a happy ending.
More information on this production will be available soon!
Steve Martin, Oscar Wilde Part Of Ghostlight Ensemble’s Second Season
Ghostlight Ensemble will tackle the age-old debate of which is more valuable to society: art or science, and will probe the perils of building a wall to keep out unwanted children during its 2018-2019 Season.
Pablo Picasso, 1908
This fall, Artistic Director Holly Robison directs Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile – an absurdist comedy that imagines a meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter sets the art world afire with cubism.
Ghostlight’s production will explore the struggles and similarities between science and art, but also between genius and fame, big ideas and mere notions and optimism of the new and skepticism of the familiar.
“The play imagines the absurd and mundane in the lives of two men who really did go on to impact the world and alter history,” Robison said. “With Picasso, we are asked to consider the men as much as the myth, to see their flaws, silliness, insecurities, hopes and dreams, as much as their towering legacies. The mythic men are humanized. We can see ourselves in them and understand their desires.
“Even if we are not all geniuses, we all to some degree have the same flicker of desire to create, to inspire, to change the world and leave something behind.”
Picasso at the Lapin Agile runs October 19, 2018, through November 4, 2018, at the Otherworld Theatre’s new home at 3914 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The show will have performances on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon matinees, with an industry night performance on Monday, October 22.
The company will continue its Nightlight young audiences series next summer with a new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s children’s story The Selfish Giant, written by Ensemble Member Maria Burnham.
The Selfish Giant is a tale of a giant who owns a beautiful garden, in which the village children love to play. The giant has been away for 12 years and upon returning is outraged to see the children enjoying themselves on his land. He builds a wall to keep them out and puts up a notice that reads: “TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.” But without the children, the garden falls into perpetual winter and the Selfish Giant finds himself isolated and all alone. Despite this bleak beginning, the story ultimately has a happy ending.
Nightlight is Ghostlight’s summer young audiences series with original, adapted and forgotten plays geared toward children and the adults who love them. Ghostlight believes theatre can be a beacon for children, letting them know they aren’t alone in the world, giving them a sense of security and revealing the truth that in stories they can be anything they want to be. You’re never too young – or too old – for a nightlight.
In its second full season, the company will also host a holiday cabaret this December and continue its popular Live Movie Reading Series.
Next up in the Live Movie Reading Series batting order is: You're Killing Me, Smalls: A Live Reading of The Sandlot. The reading, celebrating the 25th anniversary of this coming-of-age story set during the summer of 1962, takes place at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 16, at My Buddy's (4416 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640) and is directed by Carolyn Minor.
Alternate poster design for The Princess Without Pots (Day 5)
We've been asking our young audience members at The Princess Without Pots to come with some alternate poster art for the show, which will be featured here and on social media.
Today's design is by Elena, 8, of Chicago.
The Princess Without Pots is an empowering fairy tale about the importance of never underestimating your opponent or the power of a delicious baked good. In it, Princess Cristina’s parents have decided it’s time for their daughter to marry, so all the princes from all the lands come hoping to marry her. But, to win this princess’s heart, a prince first needs to win a battle against the fiercest warrior the age had ever seen – Princess Cristina. Learn more on the show page.
If your budding artist has a design for us, remember you can always scan it in and email it to us at maria(at)ghostlightensemble.com.
Alternate poster design for The Princess Without Pots (Day 4)
We've been asking our young audience members at The Princess Without Pots to come with some alternate poster art for the show, which will be featured here and on social media.
Today's design is by Sterling Schingoethe, 8, of Hazel Crest.
The Princess Without Pots is an empowering fairy tale about the importance of never underestimating your opponent or the power of a delicious baked good. In it, Princess Cristina’s parents have decided it’s time for their daughter to marry, so all the princes from all the lands come hoping to marry her. But, to win this princess’s heart, a prince first needs to win a battle against the fiercest warrior the age had ever seen – Princess Cristina. Learn more on the show page.
If your budding artist has a design for us, remember you can always scan it in and email it to us at maria(at)ghostlightensemble.com.
Alternate poster design for The Princess Without Pots (Day 3)
After a few days off, we're back with more alternate poster designs by our young audience members at "The Princess Without Pots."
The Princess Without Pots is an empowering fairy tale about the importance of never underestimating your opponent or the power of a delicious baked good. In it, Princess Cristina’s parents have decided it’s time for their daughter to marry, so all the princes from all the lands come hoping to marry her. But, to win this princess’s heart, a prince first needs to win a battle against the fiercest warrior the age had ever seen – Princess Cristina. Learn more on the show page.
If your budding artist has a design for us, remember you can always scan it in and email it to us at maria(at)ghostlightensemble.com.
Today's design is by Beatriz, age 7 (well, 7 and a quarter as she pointed out several times), of Chicago.
The King calls on his tiniest subjects to show up in style
Norman J. Burt has an announcement for all the tiniest members of the Land of Contentment, where he reigns as King on the weekends:
"IF YOU DRESS IN YOU BEST ROYAL OUTFIT, OUR ROYAL COURT WILL TAKE A PICTURE WITH YOU AS THE RULER OF THE LAND OF CONTENTMENT. SO BRING YOUR CROWNS, YOUR SHIELDS, YOUR HELMETS AND ARMOR, YOU ARE WELCOME!"
Burt will put on his duct tape crown only two more times, this Saturday and Sunday, as the show he is acting in – Ghostlight Ensemble's The Princess Without Pots – comes to a close. But he wants to make sure they go out with a bang…or maybe a flourish of trumpets would be more appropriate.
Read more about Norm and his work on The Princess Without Pots in the Lakeview Patch.
Actress Sydney Ray brings empathy, kindness and her own brand of queenly spunk to role
Every weekend Sydney Ray transforms herself from an average Chicago resident into the Queen of the Land of Contentment and then watches as the eyes of the children around her light up at getting to meet royalty. To the Uptown actress it's pure joy.
"I love performing shows for young audiences," she says. "I love the honesty that children bring to an audience."
Read more about Sydney and her work on The Princess Without Pots in the North Center Patch.
For Hendrickson engaging young minds, refuting tradition is all in a day's work
What actor Sean Hendrickson relishes most about his current production, Ghostlight Ensemble's The Princess Without Pots, is the opportunity to share stories and ideas with children.
"Many of us didn't have opportunities like this growing up," he said, "So seeing them get excited and engaged with the show is wonderful."
Read more about Sean and his work on The Princess Without Pots in the North Center Patch.
Alternate poster design for The Princess Without Pots (Day 2)
We've been asking our young audience members at The Princess Without Pots to come with some alternate poster art for the show, which will be featured here and on social media.
Today's design is by Sydney Morkunas , age 5, of Chicago.
The Princess Without Pots is an empowering fairy tale about the importance of never underestimating your opponent or the power of a delicious baked good. In it, Princess Cristina’s parents have decided it’s time for their daughter to marry, so all the princes from all the lands come hoping to marry her. But, to win this princess’s heart, a prince first needs to win a battle against the fiercest warrior the age had ever seen – Princess Cristina. Learn more on the show page.
If your budding artist has a design for us, remember you can always scan it in and email it to us at maria(at)ghostlightensemble.com.
Ramos kicks imagination into overdrive for latest role
For Lakeview actress Isa Ramos, the best part about being in a show geared toward young audiences is having the freedom to think like a kid.
"I love that when performing for children, I have to kick my imagination into overdrive," Ramos said. "Childhood is the best stage of life because imagination rules our reality, and fills us with endless possibility and potential. Being an adult performing for children is the second best stage of life, because the kids challenge me to let my imagination roam big and free, the way it was intended to be."
Read more about Isa and her work on The Princess Without Pots in the Lakeview Patch.
Alternate poster design for The Princess Without Pots (Day 1)
We've been asking our young audience members at The Princess Without Pots to come with some alternate poster art for the show. Over the next few days we'll be featuring some of them here and on social media.
Today's design is by first grader Amelia Hood, age 7, of Chicago.
The Princess Without Pots is an empowering fairy tale about the importance of never underestimating your opponent or the power of a delicious baked good. In it, Princess Cristina’s parents have decided it’s time for their daughter to marry, so all the princes from all the lands come hoping to marry her. But, to win this princess’s heart, a prince first needs to win a battle against the fiercest warrior the age had ever seen – Princess Cristina. Learn more on the show page.
If your budding artist has a design for us, remember you can always scan it in and email it to us at maria@ghostlightensemble.com.