Putting a Spotlight on the Darkness

A ghost light is an electric light that is left energized on the stage of an unoccupied theater that would otherwise be completely dark. Much like a ghost light, the murder of George Floyd has shed much-needed light on the injustices that have plagued people of color in this country for centuries.

Racism has permeated many aspects of society in our country and it’s up to all of us to eradicate that which divides us while embracing the fundamental truths that bring us together. Center Stage Players stand with the countless protesters who gather in our city and across this country to put a spotlight on social inequities.

To embrace a new direction, we must reflect on our past practices and be accountable. In the past, Center Stage Players has cast and costumed non-people of color to maintain the productions’ authentic integrity. We understand that in doing so, our actions might have been viewed as offensive. Our intention was never to negatively caricaturize or demean any ethnicity. We would like to apologize to our theater family and the broader community for these acts.

Our program began in the backyard of our owner with the goal of providing every child the opportunity to be center stage regardless of race, sexual orientation, background or ethnicity. Seventeen years later, we stand firm in our commitment to providing a platform for artistic expression in whatever form it takes.

Maya Angelou, the famous poet, said it best, “Courage may be the most important of all the virtues, because without it you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.”

Let us all come out of the darkness of inaction and walk towards the light of lasting change. 

Black Lives Matter!