The Ghostlight Stage Co. | Inclusive Cincinnati Theater & Interdisciplinary Arts
- Annie Jennings
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Welcome to The Ghostlight Stage Co.
At the Ghostlight Stage Company, we believe that the arts should be a constant, illuminating presence in our lives, just like the ghost light that remains lit on the stage, even when the house is dark. As a nonprofit organization in the greater Cincinnati area, we are dedicated to reimagining the arts experience in a way that makes it equitable, accessible, and inspiring for all.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter of the arts or just getting started, we're glad you're here! We got started in 2022, and it's been nonstop creativity ever since. This is our first blog post, and we're excited to "break the fourth wall", if you will, and share what we're all about.
Who We Are
Founded in 2022, The Ghostlight Stage Company was created from a vision of what theater could and should be: a space where artists feel celebrated, wanted, and safe. Our commitment to this vision is grounded in three core values: People Over Profits, Accessibility, and Collaboration.
We challenge the traditional idea of what a “stage” can be. All of our programming is rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together designers, dancers, actors, directors, and more to create unique, community-driven art experiences.
Our mission is to build community through:
Theatrical experiences that engage and uplift
Innovative interdisciplinary arts events that push creative boundaries
Unique educational programming for both youth and young professionals
We are not just a theater company, but a collaborative arts organization where all art forms are welcome, and where innovation and inclusion are the heart of everything that we do.
Our Story
The Ghostlight Stage Company was founded by Alyssa Batsakis, with the support of her sister, Eliana Batsakis, and artistic collaborator, Aiden Dalton. After nearly a decade of working professionally on the East Coast, Alyssa moved back to Cincinnati in 2022 with a dream: to build a space where artists can collaborate freely, feel empowered, and create relevant, meaningful work.
Alyssa met Aiden while working on a theater contract, and quickly discovered that he and Eliana shared her vision. Together, the three of them brought The Ghostlight to life. By April 2023, we became recognized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and in May, we hosted our first event!
Since then, it’s been nonstop creativity. Our founders, who continue to work professionally in design, direction, acting, voice, and fashion, bring their diverse talents to every project, ensuring that each of our events is as dynamic as the last.
Our Work in Action
Take a look at the ambitious programming we've brought to the Cincinnati area in only our first few seasons:
Late, a Cowboy Song (May 2025)
An intimate production of Sarah Ruhl’s unconventional play at the Falcon Theatre, exploring identity, freedom, and relationships. Our Saturday night fundraiser, co-hosted with PFLAG Cincinnati and Treehouse Cincy, featured gay trivia, mocktails, and a performance by drag queen, P.H. Dee.
Cabaret on the Runway (March 2025)
A one-of-a-kind fusion of musical theater and fashion. Designers created collections inspired by musicals, showcased in a runway show accompanied by live cabaret performances and a full band.
Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood (May 2024)
Our first-ever multi-night theatrical event took place at Keehner Park Amphitheater in West Chester! This professional outdoor production was offered free to the public, making live theater accessible to all. To enhance the event, we hosted free archery lessons and face painting before each performance, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
Stylized Clothing Swap (August 2023)
In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of West Chester, this fashion-forward community event combined the spirit of a clothing drive with professional styling. Guests enjoyed free clothing, career-ready fashion advice from local stylists, music, refreshments, and raffles (all in a 'pay what you can' format!).
Across all of these events, Ghostlight proudly paid all participating artists fair wages and offered a “pay what you can” ticket option for over 50% of our programming. Each event reflects our commitment to accessibility, innovation, and collaboration.
Looking Ahead: Our Upcoming Season
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming in our 2025-2026 season:
2025 One Act Double Feature (Oct. 13, 2025)
Staged readings of two original one-act plays– America’s Favorite Feminist by Keenya Jackson and The Judgment Day of Robert Johnson by Myles Johnson, plus designer exhibits and artist commentary.
Shining a Light Workshop & Lecture Series (all season)
Empowering young professional artists through accessible, community-driven sessions on vocal agency, storytelling, improv, and producing original work.
Ghostlight x Caracole: World AIDS Day Project(Dec. 1, 2025)
A devised performance in partnership with Caracole, featuring live painting, dance, spoken word, and original scenes inspired by real stories from Cincinnati residents living with HIV/AIDS.
72-Hour Arts Festival (March 1, 2026)
An interactive gallery of brand-new interdisciplinary work created in just 72 hours by local artists. Hosted at the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum, with 'pay what you can' entry and VIP experiences.
This season is all about deepening our roots in the Cincinnati community while continuing to innovate and inspire.
Join the Movement
Whether you're an artist, a supporter, or simply curious about the arts, we invite you to be part of something exciting. Explore our recent events, follow us on social media, and stay tuned to this blog for stories, discussions, artist spotlights, and more.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s keep the light shining, together.
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