Gettysburg Community Theatre Signs on to Join THE GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT

The Ghostlight Project will bring together over 500 participating organizations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. From Broadway to high school auditoriums, members of the theatre community will gather from coast to coast on January 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.in each time zone to light a light and make a pledge. Inspired by the theatrical tradition of keeping a "ghost light" on in a darkened theatre, we create light for what for some may be challenging times ahead. The Ghostlight Project is open and welcoming to all, regardless of political affiliation or party. The event is not "a protest" but an act of solidarity and affirmation of values. The focus is not on "rallying against" but on "standing for"-and what the Ghostlight Project stands for are the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion in our theatres and our country.

"GCT has always taught acceptance," says Gettysburg Community Theatre's Founding Executive/Artistic Director, Chad-Alan Carr, "and this theatre is definitely a place where all are welcome. We are a place for all ages and abilities. While many in the country may be very concerned, uneasy, or seeing bullying as something that is acceptable right now, we at GCT strive to 'be a light' as a safe place for all where bullying is not tolerated and everyone is accepted for who they are. I feel GCT shares similar values of the Ghostlight Project and therefore I am very happy to advocate for a project such as this as it does advance our mission and goals here."

From Saheem Ali, Director and member of the Ghostlight Project Steering Committee:

"The act of expressing something outloud has significance. [It] demonstrates solidarity and a firmness of belief. Our most solemn ceremonies-weddings, graduations, ordinations-are by design public and communal because they demand witnesses. By standing outside the privacy afforded by one's four walls and declaring something in full voice, one asks to be held accountable for the stance being taken."

At 5:30pm on Thursday, January 19, 2017, GCT will be have an informal open house. All are welcome to come inside to tour the theatre, hear about the Ghostlight Project, meet friends old and new, see the theatre's ghost light on stage, as well as the light from windows above the street sign that will be left on throughout the year so that all who see GCT will know this is a safe place no matter who you are. Gettysburg Community Theatre is located in the original Elks Lodge building at 49 York Street within the first block of Lincoln Square in historic downtown Gettysburg. More information about GCT is available online at www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org

GCT Mission Statement: To inspire creativity and confidence, provide cultural enrichment,and instill a love of the theatre arts in people of all ages and abilities through quality education, training and performance.

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