Ghostlight

Stageable
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Performing Arts
  • Weekly

What does it actually take to build a sustainable life in the arts? Ghostlight is a podcast about the intersection of creativity, business, identity, and survival. Hosted by entrepreneur and theater artist Benjamin Reed, each episode features candid conversations with performers, playwrights, directors, producers, and builders navigating the realities of creative work. Together, they explore the mechanics behind artistic careers: money, leverage, burnout, storytelling, ambition, audience building, self-worth, and the challenge of creating meaningful work without destroying yourself in the process. Because making art is one thing. Building a life around it is another.

  1. Oct 20

    230. Michelle Scott: Letting Go of "Should"

    What if becoming a better leader isn't about doing more, working harder, or fixing what's wrong with you? In this episode of Ghostlight, Benjamin Reed sits down with Michelle Scott, an executive and leadership coach who helps leaders develop greater self-awareness, navigate internal expectations, and find more fulfillment in their work and lives. Michelle shares her journey from a demanding career in accounting through burnout and into a deeper exploration of self-awareness, spirituality, and personal growth. Together, they examine how perfectionism, self-criticism, and the expectations we place on ourselves can become obstacles to the very success and fulfillment we're pursuing. The conversation becomes personal as Benjamin explores his own experience in servant leadership. How do you continue to lead by example when your responsibilities no longer allow you to be on the front lines? Michelle offers a different way of understanding guilt, self-judgment, and the patterns that keep us attached to old ways of working. Drawing connections between leadership, acting, and hospitality, they explore what it means to get out of your head, become more present, and pursue growth without believing you need to fix yourself. At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: We can recognize what needs to change without judging ourselves for where we are. Topics include: Self-awareness and leadership • burnout and perfectionism • letting go of “should” • self-judgment and guilt • servant leadership • getting out of your head • presence and mindfulness • the connection between actor training and leadership • finding purpose in everyday work • somatic awareness • personal growth and self-acceptance Guest: Michelle Scott Host: Benjamin Reed Podcast: Ghostlight Learn more about Michelle: michellescottcoaching.com Michelle's presence quiz: michellescottcoaching.com/quiz

  2. Oct 13

    229. Jack Young: Be a Citizen, Not a Customer.

    What does it mean to train actors for an industry that no longer looks like the one their training was designed for? In this episode of Ghostlight, Benjamin Reed sits down with Jack Young, head of the MFA Professional Actor Training Program at the University of Houston and Artistic Director of the Houston Shakespeare Festival. Jack traces the history of American actor training from the rise of regional theater to an industry where actors are building careers across theater, film, voiceover, education, entrepreneurship, and entirely different fields. Along the way, they explore what has changed in the students entering training, the effects of technology on attention and observation, why theater audiences have changed, and what arts organizations can learn by paying closer attention to the communities they serve. The conversation ultimately asks a larger question: What are we actually training artists for? Jack and Benjamin discuss sustainable creative lives, the decline of the resident theater model, the relationship between hospitality and theater, and Jack’s distinction between a customer and a citizen mindest: waiting for the world to serve you versus actively participating in the community you want to exist. At the heart of it is a case for attention, collaboration, resilience, service, and the willingness to simply “do the thing.” Topics include: Actor training and the changing industry • attention in the smartphone era • customer vs. citizen • declining theater audiences • designing for your community • the resident theater model • hospitality and theater • sustainable artistic careers • entrepreneurship • why artists have to “do the thing” • building a life in the arts Guest: Jack Young Host: Benjamin Reed Podcast: Ghostlight

  3. Sep 15

    228. Aaron Simms: Engagement Over Reach

    Arts organizations everywhere are asking the same questions: How do we build sustainable institutions? How do we serve our communities? And what needs to change if the arts are going to thrive in the decades ahead? In this episode of Ghostlight, Benjamin Reed sits down with Aaron Simms, Executive Director of Shakespeare on the Sound and founder of Inwood Art Works, to explore the future of arts leadership. The conversation covers the economics of nonprofit theater, why cash flow matters more than most people realize, the shift toward hyperlocal communities, the role of technology and AI, and how arts organizations can build deeper relationships instead of simply chasing bigger audiences. Whether you work in the arts or simply care about the role creativity plays in society, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at where we've been and where we might be headed next. Guest Links Website: https://www.shakespeareonthesound.org/ Inwood Art Works: https://www.inwoodartworks.nyc/ Connect with Ghostlight Website: https://www.stageable.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/stageableofficial

  4. Aug 11 ·  Bonus

    PILOT. Table Work: Brutus/Cassius (part 1)

    We’re testing the idea of “table work” as its own kind of show. Featuring different actors, varying scenes, and bringing in directors and dramaturgs into the the conversation. Let us know if this interests you in the comments or what would make it better. Starting with a preliminary read-through, then unpacking the text, exploring the historical and political context, and digging into the relationship between Brutus and Cassius. Along the way, the conversation moves between craft and meaning, exploring verse, performance choices, rehearsal process, and the tension between love, honor, and leadership inside the play. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens before a performance takes shape, or whether that process is worth watching on its own, this is us finding out. Takeaways The concept of 'Table Work' as a standalone showThe importance of historical and cultural context in understanding character motivations and political commentary Exploring character relationships is crucial for understanding the dynamics of a play.The themes of love, honor, and leadership play a significant role in the interactions between characters.Verse analysis and performance choices can provide valuable insights into character portrayal and storytelling. Character exploration through tableworkThe importance of investing time in tablework Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Concept00:42 The Idea of Table Work01:56 The Practical Realities of Process02:23 Technical Aspects of Scene Preparation03:06 Technical Challenges and Interruptions12:36 Exploring the Scene26:45 Historical and Cultural Context36:13 Character Analysis and Political Commentary41:01 Exploring Character Relationships42:25 The Relationship Between Brutus and Cassius45:37 Love, Honor, and Leadership01:07:10 Verse Analysis and Performance Choices01:16:04 Exploring the Characters01:18:01 The Power of Language01:19:26 The Art of Rehearsal01:25:16 The Process of Tablework01:28:42 The Value of Process01:36:22 Investing in Tablework01:39:48 The Impact of Tablework

  5. Aug 4

    227. Michael Thatcher: A Tenacious Journey to Broadway

    The conversation covers Michaels journey to Broadway, life changes and parenthood, and sustaining a long-running show. Michael Thatcher shares insights into his training, character versatility, financial struggles, and the impact of parenthood on his career. He also discusses the challenges of sustaining a long-running show and adapting to unexpected situations. Takeaways The journey to Broadway involves training, character versatility, and career building.A Broadway career comes with financial struggles and the need for stability and sustainability.Life changes, such as parenthood, lead to a shift in outlook and the challenge of balancing work and family.Sustaining a long-running show involves challenges of repetition and adapting to unexpected situations. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Broadway05:37 Lessons from Grad School11:06 Transition to New York and Broadway Debut19:16 Pandemic Experience and Wicked Audition27:11 Wicked and Transition to Broadway00:01 Introduction and Early Beginnings28:43 The Journey to Broadway32:04 The Ups and Downs of a Broadway Career35:19 Life Changes and Parenthood44:53 Sustaining a Long-Running Show

  6. Jul 7

    226. Brooke Benson: Money Coach for Creatives

    Money doesn’t have to be the enemy of creativity. This week on Ghostlight, Benjamin Reed sits down with actor, entrepreneur, and Not Starving Artists founder Brooke Benson for a conversation about the relationship between art, money, and the stories we tell ourselves about both. Brooke shares how financial anxiety led her to rethink traditional budgeting, why so many artists struggle with money mindset, and how creating financial stability can actually unlock greater creative freedom. Together, Benjamin and Brooke explore entrepreneurship, multiple streams of income, the realities facing today’s artists, and what it might take to build a healthier, more sustainable arts ecosystem. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, freelancer, or simply someone who has ever felt overwhelmed by money, this episode offers practical insights alongside a hopeful vision for the future. In this episode: • The origin of Not Starving Artists • Why budgeting often fails creative minds • The connection between financial stability and artistic risk-taking • Entrepreneurship as a creative practice • Multiple streams of income without losing your artistic identity • Why mindset matters as much as math • The future of nonprofit theatre and sustainable artistic careers • Practical financial habits every creative should know Chapters 00:00 – Meet Brooke Benson 00:30 – The Birth of Not Starving Artists 03:40 – When Saving Money Isn’t Enough 06:25 – The Mindset Behind Financial Freedom 12:35 – Building a Business While Building an Acting Career 20:20 – Why Creativity Makes Better Entrepreneurs 25:10 – Changing the Stories We Tell About Money 31:10 – Does Financial Stability Make Better Artists? 34:00 – The Money Flow Method 41:30 – Simple Financial Habits That Compound 45:15 – The Future of the Starving Artist 57:15 – Brooke’s Advice to Every Young Artist 58:50 – Where to Find Brooke About Brooke Benson Brooke Benson is an Equity actor, money coach, and founder of Not Starving Artists. Through one-on-one coaching, online courses, and her podcast, she helps artists and creative professionals build financial confidence without sacrificing the lives they’re trying to create. Connect with Brooke: Website: https://notstarvingartists.com Instagram: @notstarvingartists Podcast: The Not Starving Artist Podcast Ghostlight is a podcast about how art helps us relate to ourselves, each other, and the world. Hosted by Benjamin Reed.

  7. Jun 30

    225. Ben Grimes: Serving is a Core Value

    Episode 225: Ben Grimes: Serving Is a Core Value Actor. Army veteran. Founder. Artistic Director. Ben Grimes has spent much of his life moving between worlds: from a performing arts high school in Arkansas, to the hustle and bustle of New York City, to military service in Iraq, and now to leading one of Kentucky’s most impactful theater organizations. In this conversation, Benjamin and Ben explore how theater became a tool for self-discovery, why service remains one of Ben’s core values, and what the military taught him about leadership, purpose, and community. They discuss the surprising connection between Shakespeare and trauma recovery, the scars we carry through life, and the role storytelling can play in healing. The conversation also examines the future of American theater: resident companies, community engagement, artist compensation, nonprofit sustainability, and Ben’s vision for Market House Theatre as a cultural anchor for western Kentucky. At its heart, this episode asks a simple question: What happens when we gather in a room together and truly pay attention? Topics DiscussedGrowing up as a military brat and finding identity through theaterWhy acting became a path to self-discoveryThe challenges of pursuing a career in New York CityMilitary service, leadership, and life after the ArmyShakespeare, PTSD, and the healing power of storytellingTrauma, empathy, and the scars we carryThe rise and fall of resident acting companiesCommunity theater vs. professional theaterHow nonprofit theaters actually workEndowments, sustainability, and arts fundingBuilding Market House Theatre’s futureWhy theater remains a powerful tool for community buildingAbout Ben GrimesBen Grimes is the Artistic Director of Market House Theatre in Paducah, Kentucky. An actor, Army veteran, arts administrator, and founder of Riverside Actors Theatre, his work centers on storytelling, service, and the transformative power of the arts. Chapters00:00 Finding Identity Through Theater Ben’s childhood, ADHD, and discovering drama. 06:32 When Acting Wasn’t Enough New York City, artistic ambition, and joining the Army. 15:45 Service as a Core Value How military service reshaped Ben’s perspective. 19:05 Can Shakespeare Heal Trauma? PTSD, storytelling, and the science behind theater’s impact. 29:01 Building a Theater for Healing The Breach, Riverside Actors Theatre, and therapeutic arts. 37:28 What Is Professional Theater Anymore? Resident companies, community theater, and artist compensation. 46:46 The Future of Market House Theatre Ben’s vision for western Kentucky. 56:31 Theater as a Gym for Empathy Why communities still need shared artistic experiences.

  8. Jun 22

    224. Jenny Bennett: Hope is a Discipline

    What does it mean to spend a lifetime making theatre? Actor, director, educator, and fourth-generation theatre artist Jenny Bennett joins Ghostlight host Benjamin Reed to explore the power of presence, communication, and community. From growing up backstage in Michigan to building a theatre company in Taiwan, Jenny reflects on the experiences that shaped her artistic vision and her belief that meaningful communication begins with listening. Together, Bennett and Reed discuss actor training, directing, language acquisition through theatre, the economics of the arts, why live performance still matters, and the unique ability of storytelling to bring people together across cultures and differences. Along the way, Jenny shares lessons from a life in the theatre, why the best collaborators aren’t always the most talented people in the room, and why she believes that hope is not a feeling, but a discipline. Topics: Theatre, directing, acting, Taiwan, communication, community, arts funding, Shakespeare, collaboration, storytelling, attention, hope.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What does it actually take to build a sustainable life in the arts? Ghostlight is a podcast about the intersection of creativity, business, identity, and survival. Hosted by entrepreneur and theater artist Benjamin Reed, each episode features candid conversations with performers, playwrights, directors, producers, and builders navigating the realities of creative work. Together, they explore the mechanics behind artistic careers: money, leverage, burnout, storytelling, ambition, audience building, self-worth, and the challenge of creating meaningful work without destroying yourself in the process. Because making art is one thing. Building a life around it is another.

Information

  • Creator
    Stageable
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stageable
  • Show Website
    Ghostlight