Our Mission, Our Ghostlights
Ghostlight Theater Camp has a lasting impact on campers’ lives. This is a result of our focus on ensemble theater-making, paired with the values of a positive camp experience. Our mission is to support each campers’ individual growth and for them to leave camp more confident, communicative, and connected to their communities and families back home.
We are dedicated to fostering a community of young artists that will support each other year-round and throughout their lives. This mission is realized through our summer programs and by continuing to support and inspire our campers, staff, alumni, and families throughout the year.
As a community we value self-expression, inclusivity, community engagement, participation and immediacy. We are continually growing by supporting the work of our campers and staff through our Four Ghostlights. We know that we are joining families in preparing our campers to be leaders and empathetic, kindhearted citizens of their communities in and outside of camp.
Our History
Over the years, Ghostlight Theater Camp has maintained its commitment to creating an exceptionally tight family environment for campers to take great artistic leaps and undergo personal transformations. Today, the camp continues this commitment through a rebranding to the new Ghostlight Theater Camp name.
The camp was founded in 2003 as Acting Manitou and was held at Camp Manitou for Boys in Oakland, ME. Originallya small operation, with just 12 campers during the initial summer. The program grew quickly, and in 2008 relocated to the property next door. The new facility, with a flexible theater space as well as numerous performance spaces on the grounds, has been home to more countless performances and life-changing summers.
In 2020, listening to the camp community’s message of inclusivity and representation, owners Lesley Levy and Chris Murrah decided it was time to set the course for the next generation of campers by rebranding camp with a name that would speak more intentionally to the values of camp. Ghostlight Theater Camp, a reference to the light that keeps the spirit of joy and creativity alive in a dark theater, was chosen to usher in a new act.
Ghostlight Theater Camp remains dedicated to providing high-caliber theater training in a traditional camp setting. Lesley and Chris continue to build off the traditions of joy, creativity, gratitude, and community to connect with a new generation of campers, families, and staff who will lead Ghostlight Theater Camp into the future.
Step On Stage at Our Sleepaway Acting Camp
If our mission sparks your interest, we would love to invite you to our sleepaway acting camp. Over the years, we have welcomed campers from New York City, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Boston, MA; Miami, FL; Providence, RI; Portland, ME; and beyond. When the curtain rises, make sure you are on our stage and contact our performing arts summer camp today!
