Ghostlight ETC — Attraction in Downers Grove

As a parent, I would never recommend this theater group to new families. After my daughter’s very first rehearsal, I reached out directly to the director with serious concerns about how excluded and unsupported she felt. It’s been over 9 days, and I never even received a response. Not a call, not an email, not even a simple acknowledgment. That lack of communication is unacceptable, especially when a parent is raising concerns about a child’s well-being.

The environment itself felt very much like a clique of kids and families who already knew each other. There was no effort made to welcome new participants or help them feel comfortable. My daughter left her first rehearsal in tears, having felt anxious, left out, and even unsafe. For a program that should be about building confidence and creativity, the exact opposite happened.

What makes it worse is the silence afterward. A true community-focused program would listen, care, and at the very least respond when a family is struggling. The message here is clear: if you’re not already part of their inner circle, your child will not be made to feel like they belong, and your concerns will not be taken seriously.

If you’re looking for a theater program where children feel safe, supported, and included, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere. There are other local organizations that do a much better job at creating a welcoming environment for...

Ghostlight ETC is a wonderful addition to the western suburbs theatre community! The management team are seasoned professionals used to working with kids in a learning environment. The shows themselves are beautiful - the sets, the costumes, the lighting and the music all add so much to the amazing performances the young actors give. The way they segment shows by age allows for age-appropriate content and instruction. Would highly recommend for both new and experienced performers from kindergarten through...

Cannot say enough positive things about our experience with Ghostlight ETC! The team is phenomenal, the facility is top-notch, and the productions are amazing. My daughter had no previous experience before auditioning and they went out of their way to make her comfortable and make sure she felt included. We were blown away by what she (and the rest of the cast) were able to accomplish and learn in such a short time. Such a wonderful experience....