Ghostlight Repertory Theatre — the University of Mississippi’s student-run theater company — is set to offer the campus community a slate of student-written productions for its 2024-2025 season.
Ghostlight Artistic Director Kayla Jacobs, a senior design and production major from Ocean Springs, Miss., explained more about the organization’s upcoming season.
“Ghostlight serves as a place for students to experiment with new opportunities in a low stakes environment separate from the mainstage productions of the department,” Jacobs said.
This semester, Ghostlight is producing “Dear Mya,” an original play directed by student playwright Jacob Matthews. Next semester, the organization will produce “Long Live the King” directed by Cooper Thorpe and Hannah Rose Richards and “Silent but Not Silenced” created by Alexa Christian.
“I am very grateful and humbled to be given the opportunity to write, direct and commission my piece, ‘Dear Mya’. I think this play explores very important topics, topics that audiences should strive to learn about, understand and spread awareness about,” Matthews said. “I think exploring the writings of individuals around my age offers wonderful insight into how our generation views the world, what we hope to make of it and what some of us may have experienced before.”
Jacobs encouraged people to join Ghostlight.
“It’s open to anyone interested. No experience (is) required,” Jacobs said. “We love teaching people new skills and processes, so anyone interested can find a way to be involved.”
Alyssa Sheppard, a junior theatre arts major from Hernando, Miss., reminisced on one of her favorite shows that Ghostlight has produced.
“I first heard about Ghostlight at our new student orientation for our department, and it seemed like a super cool opportunity,” Sheppard said. “I saw ‘The Lightning Thief,’ which is the show that Ghostlight did last fall in the Gertrude Ford Center. This was not the first show I had seen from Ghostlight, but it was by far one of the best.”
Sheppard said that Ghostlight productions provide a valuable learning experience for students.
“If I was not already a part of Ghostlight, I would absolutely consider joining them again,” Sheppard said. “I love what the board stands for and what they are attempting to do by giving students a safe place to explore their craft whether that be design, play writing, performing, directing or more.”
Students who don’t want to be in the spotlight can still get involved with the Ghostlight Repertory Theatre’s shows through costume, set and prop design. There are also opportunities for students interested in technical aspects of production, including sound control and lighting.
Those who are not Broadway bound but appreciate theater are also welcome to enjoy the show and attend Ghostlight’s plays.
“For the people who are not interested in being on the stage, there is a place for everyone in the production process, and for anyone who wants to stick in the audience, a show cannot be successful without people to watch it,” Sheppard said. “I know that all of the people that worked on these shows are so thankful for each and every person that came to see their hard work, and I love the opportunity to support them.”
