Participants

I was on the verge of tears on Thursday as I said my daughter's name and then embraced the G.A.Y. kids. I felt so tenderly for them, and am so grateful for their huge courage. I wish that I could have done more for them besides tell my own story. I hope that they felt loved and supported by all of the PFLAG parents.

While I won't be sorry to have more time available, I will miss seeing the people who were part of this project. It was a remarkable experience and an introduction to an entirely different idea of theatre - inclusive, participatory, and fun. So thanks for the opportunity to be part of it; I think I discovered that I could do some things I wasn't prepared for, like the radio interview and singing the line from Annie, and that was liberating. I hope the audience got as much out of it as I did.
Cheers and blessings,
Reverend Anne Kelsey
PFLAG
Apple Pie Participant

"As American As Apple Pie" was a tremendous experience and a thrill none of us will forget. For me, the most important part was unleashing my creativity and learning that I could accomplish something creative and artistic. I also treasure getting to know the other PFLAG parents in a deeper way. I had the opportunity to meet the parents of some of the teenage participants, and I think those parents were particularly impacted by all of our stories. I like to think that we really made a difference in the lives of those families. And it was much fun to share my story with my many friends and supporters who came and really enjoyed themselves.
Dean Rosen
PFLAG
Apple Pie Participant

This is the project that people always talk about doing. There is always a sense of wonder when you see a show and it has totally opened your eyes to the world you thought you knew. It is really a project that can age you, as well. You can age in good ways as well as bad. This project shows you the truths of this world up close. It taught me how theatre can come together and that all you need is emotion, a space, and word document processor. .. In the words of Sebastian from The Little Mermaid, "If you want something done, you've got to do it yourself." This project helped me to see that proactive side of my artistic self. Theatre and art are tools, now go build a shelter.
Jeremie Pace
Growing American Youth
Apple Pie Participant

I totally enjoyed my first attempt at even rudimentary acting and truly hope to have a similar opportunity later. Perhaps a mid-life avocation has begun!
I was incredibly pleased with how it all came together, how well-staged it looked and the unity of the kids and PFLAG parents. The responsiveness of the audience was also very impressive from the pre-discussion topics to their applause, laughter and ovations. Everyone was really into it.

Everyone's honesty was also very moving. My friends and family were also equally impressed with every aspect of the show and they can be great critics!
Mary Wyss
PFLAG
Apple Pie Participant

Audience Members

I know Steve and I told you the night of the performance how much we enjoyed it but I wanted to tell you again how impressed I am at the talent of the kids. You really pulled it off. The staging was great and the PFLAG parents were an interesting dichotomy. You are so creative.
Ana Jennings
The DisAbility Project Participant
Apple Pie Audience Member

I went to the Saturday night performance of Uppity's As American as Apple Pie: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth and PFLAG Parents Act Out! A Happening Featuring Performance, Conversation and Apple Pie. The performance pieces created by the high school students were poignant, powerful, and sometimes outrageous. There was laughter and tears throughout the night, sometimes simultaneously. It was inspiring to see young people coming together to create theater that spoke through their own voices. The PFLAG parents bared their souls and shared a complex message about being a heterosexual and deeply loving a gay or lesbian child. And, at the same time both groups transcended the issue of sexual identity and spoke to universal truths about the human condition. Non-actors in our community coming together to create this kind of transformative work is the definition of community-based art. This is the kind of performing art that should be seen by everyone.
Steve Houldsworth
Apple Pie Audience Member