Be a Generous Giant for Children's Theatre

At the edge of the village was a large lovely garden with soft green grass and and beautiful flowers like stars. And every afternoon, as they were coming from school, the children use to go and play in the garden. But the garden belonged to a giant who has been away for seven years. Upon returning he is outraged to see the children enjoying themselves on his land and he builds a big wall to keep them out and puts up a notice that reads: “TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.” But without the children, the garden falls into perpetual winter and the Selfish Giant finds himself isolated and all alone.

Based on Oscar Wilde's short story of the same name, The Selfish Giant  is a story that illustrates the perils of isolationism and the negative consequences of selfishness, but it also teaches us that it is never to late for redemption and for love.

This production will intrigue children and parents alike, not just with its story, but with its method of storytelling. The adaptation uses a chorus of actors to embody human characters and mythical beasts, while building the world of trees, birds, benches and beasts with their bodies. This physical theater piece relies almost completely on the ensemble of actors telling the story.

Such a production, however, requires ample space and talented artists. We're hoping, through this campaign, you'll help us bring this story of understanding and redemption to young audiences from around the greater Chicago area.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this story that will mean so much to the smallest members of our community. And to further thank you, we've come up with some gifts for our donors.

$25 GARDEN LEVEL: Start your own urban garden with a Grow Your Own Garden Kit and receive a ticket to the show, as well as thanks in our program.

$50 OGRE LEVEL: Join cast members and the director of The Selfish Giant after a performance for apple pie and milk and to learn more about physical storytelling. Bring your kids (or you friends’ kids) so they can learn how to turn everyday objects into props to create their own plays at home. Plus: A ticket to the show, as well thanks in the program

$75 NORTH WIND LEVEL: Get a headshot session with our company photographer who will offer you one look (a.k.a. outfit, but a variety of expressions within that one outfit) and guarantee a photo you’re happy with, or you’ll get a makeup session. You get all the photos from the session on a disc to use as you wish without watermarks. This offer is regardless of whether you’re an actor looking for fresh headshots, one of our business friends looking to spruce up your LinkedIn page or an animal lover looking for a professional photo of your pupper (did we mention, this wasn’t limited to humans!) Plus two tickets to The Selfish Giant, as well as thanks in the program

$100 or more GIANT LEVEL: A Nightlight Gift bag, featuring your choice of a Nightlight T-shirt or tote bag, among other items, plus two tickets to The Selfish Giant as well as thanks in the program. 

OR

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE! Ignore all these levels and instead opt to become a Character In Your Own Play! Our Ensemble playwrights will write a personalized play for you, starring you. The amount you donate, determines how long the play will be. The rate is $5 a page. There is no minimum page requirement.

About Ghostlight Ensemble: Ghostlight Ensemble is a nonprofit Chicago storefront theater that believes theatre is a shared experience revealing our common humanity. We strive to link people and communities together- one show and one audience at a time. We select programming to provoke thought and conversation regarding social, economic or political topics of today. We believe that art, regardless of time period, can shed light on current day issues. And we also use our art to raise money for other nonprofits in our community.