Project Glimmer Finds Magic with Broadway’s Wicked
EMPOWERMENT IN ACTION
Friendship, identity, trust and tolerance. These are the themes Broadway’s musical Wicked confronts and brings to life. While the world is facing a new kind of crisis with COVID-19, these are the pillars our community is relying on and paying tribute to. Wicked shared this inspiring video with us that captures the heart of the show and of the world right now.
“People come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return”
— LYRICS, FOR GOOD
Our love for Broadway and specifically, Wicked, began last fall when Project Glimmer hosted a Day of Empowerment with the women of Wicked. Forty teenage girls from the boroughs of New York City watched a live performance of the show and were escorted through a secret door off the lobby to the company rehearsal room afterward to hear from the women of Wicked. It truly was like being behind the Emerald Curtain. The girls listened to an engaging panel discussion featuring women from all facets of the show who shared stories about their paths to success and their obstacles along the way:
Ginna Claire Mason - Actress, Glinda
Jennifer Marik - Stage Manager
Mary Kay Yezerski - Head of Hair Department
Alexa Bishop - Associate Company Manager
“I am so glad I got to participate in the Project Glimmer ‘Day of Empowerment’ via their post-show panel discussion. Truth be told, on a two-show day, I usually take a nap between performances! But I was so excited about what this organization represents, and I left the Q&A feeling inspired by the thoughts and inquiries of Project Glimmer’s participants. Also, by the strong women on the panel sitting next to me: a company manager, a stage manager, and the head of the hair department.
It shows that whether you are business-minded or creatively-driven, there are places for strong women all over the theatre industry!
It reminded me of one of the reasons I love playing Glinda! In act one you see the way she passionately steers the opinions and actions of her peers, and in act two we see her grow into a bold and brave leader in Oz.
Talk about empowerment! What a strong female lead.”
-GINNA CLAIRE MASON, ACTRESS
One of the more powerful parts of the day was seeing the girls interact with the panelists during the Q&A and following the discussion. Resounding themes came through from all of the women including having the courage to continue when people say you can’t, surrounding yourself with a tribe who embrace your dreams and most importantly learning from your failures and realizing that your path will be a winding one…just like the Yellow Brick Road.
“I was glad to have the opportunity with Project Glimmer to not just see Wicked, but also to speak to some of the cast and crew afterwards. I was able to talk with someone who’s working in the same field I want to go into, and be encouraged to do what I want, to have a plan—and more than one plan because it won’t always happen or go the way I want it to go.”
-GENESIS, AGE 16, DAY OF EMPOWERMENT ATTENDEE
“I have struggled to be more confident in myself even though I might seem like I’m very outgoing. Today made me think about what I want to do. I want to be confident, just as they are, every single day doing their job, you know? That was what really inspired me.”
-ERICA, AGE 17, DAY OF EMPOWERMENT ATTENDEE
This experience instilled confidence and belonging in our girls that extends beyond the Day of Empowerment. The girls found magic in Wicked and in themselves - Always believe in yourself and cherish the community around you as they do you. We are all in this together.
To inquire about hosting a Day of Empowerment or a virtual Empower Hour with your company or group, please email us to get started!