"Our middle school students got to experience hearing voices a lot closer in age to their own than they usually get to when they see theatre, and that alone was very powerful for them. We have been looking at issues facing the LGBTQ community as a class, and How We G.L.O.W. really helped to bring together a lot of the discussions we've had that had seemed disconnected. Our teachers were also able to gain insight into the generation gap, as the play so eloquently describes, and it will foster discussions for us about what that means for our future curricula."- Kathleen Boyle, Special Ed and Drama teacher, Q300 Middle School
“In our school community the discussions inspired by How We G.L.O.W. provided a bridge between generation, language, and lived experience for our students and teachers. Our adults left feeling empowered to share their own stories and amplify the stories of others, and our students left feeling more heard, supported, and valued in their school home." Erica Corbin, Director of Community Life and Diversity, The Chapin School, and Chair, NYSAIS Diversity Committee
"Bringing How We G.L.O.W. to campus was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Emily was patient and flexible with our scheduling needs, and her enthusiasm for the project carried through every email and phone call. Once on campus, the cast truly connected with our students, and went above and beyond--having dinner with them and staying long after the show concluded to chat and answer questions. The production itself drew students in and kept them engaged. It provided mirrors for those students who could relate and see themselves in some of the characters, and provided windows to new perspectives and to important issues that many students hadn't considered previously. We received great feedback from all in attendance, and students were still mentioning the positive impact of the show months later as they reflected back on the year!" -Jen Cotton, Associate Dean of Students at St. Paul’s School
“When I first heard of How We G.L.O.W., I was mainly excited about having a great program centered on queer experiences and story sharing on my college campus during the week leading up to National Coming Out Day. After I experienced how thoughtfully and humorously the creators of this production wove together such diverse, yet universal narratives of courage, self-determination, and togetherness; I knew I had to let other people know how they will be touched by this special and timely show.” - Demetrius Colvin, Assistant Director, Lealtad-Suzuki Center, Department of Multicultural Life, Macalester College
"The real-life stories and experiences are organized in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The play's beauty rests in the much needed, yet often silenced, cadence of LGBTQ+ youth.
This play is appropriate and necessary for middle schoolers to view because middle school is a time when young people consider, question, and define their identity, most notably their sexuality. One hears the simultaneous uncertainty and certainty in the play's voices. It provides middle schoolers with the knowledge that they are not alone nor the only ones with their questions and thoughts about who they are. Similarly, upper school students can see themselves reflected in the play, regardless of how they personally identify. There are universal moments throughout the play, specifically our need to become independent and more authentically ourselves. At the same time, the play investigates what happens when one's identity challenges the societal norms and expectations around sexuality, age, etc. Additionally, the adults in the community are reminded of their own lived experiences about how they came to be who they are.
I highly recommend How We GLOW and strongly suggest that there is time set aside to discuss and debrief the play; it will only add to the experience. I took students to see the play in its limited theater run and also invited them to perform for our school community, including parents, administrators and others. Each time, I have seen the show, I have walked away with a new thought about who I am and how I can better support our LGBTQ+ students." -Dwight Vidale, Director of Community Engagement, Riverdale Country School
