Shatter The Glass Productions was born out of a moment of deep emotional urgency, a belief in the transformative power of art, and a determination to turn solidarity into meaningful action. What began as an idea conceived by Adriana Nocco ultimately grew into a creative partnership with Emily J Whalen, laying the foundation for a company built around their shared commitment to access, community, and equity.
In late 2024 and early 2025, amid a changing political landscape and growing concerns about the rights and safety of marginalized communities, STG co-founder Adriana Nocco found herself profoundly moved by theatrical works exploring resilience, resistance, and the extraordinary power of community and collective action. Those experiences sparked a question that would ultimately inspire something much larger: As an artist and theatremaker, how can I use my skills, resources, and community to make a meaningful difference?
Further motivated by conversations with trans and nonbinary friends navigating an increasingly uncertain and frightening political climate, Adriana began envisioning a theatrical event that could transform concern into collective action: a cabaret celebrating LGBTQIA+ authenticity, joy, and self-expression while raising funds for Point of Pride, a trans-led nonprofit supporting access to gender-affirming care and other essential health and wellness resources.
Adriana first floated the idea on her Instagram Story, asking whether anyone would be interested in donating their time and talents as a performer or collaborator. The response from the artistic community was immediate, enthusiastic, and overwhelming.
Among those who responded was Adriana's friend Emily J Whalen, who volunteered to serve as associate producer for the event. Together, they shaped an evening rooted in inclusivity, solidarity, authenticity, and the celebration of gender diversity. Their guiding philosophy? Come as you are. Dress however you like. Defy the binaries. Contest heteronormativity. Claim your space.
What began as a call for collaborators soon evolved into the inaugural Point of Pride Cabaret Fundraiser, held on March 25, 2025, at the historic Stonewall Inn, the week before Trans Day of Visibility. Given the venue's legacy as a landmark of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, and the then-recent removal of references to transgender people from the Stonewall National Monument section of the National Park Service website, the event's location carried particular significance.
The event featured 22 LGBTQIA+ performers, including 15 trans and nonbinary artists, welcomed 71 audience members, and incorporated ASL interpretation as part of its commitment to accessibility. More than a fundraiser, it was a community gathering, an act of solidarity, and a celebration of the freedom to exist, express oneself, and belong.
The event ultimately raised $2,700 for Point of Pride, exceeding the original fundraising goal by nearly $1,000 and providing tangible support for the organization's work expanding access to gender-affirming care. Every artist and collaborator involved donated their time and talents, demonstrating what a community united by empathy, authenticity, and shared purpose could accomplish together.
But the impact extended far beyond that one evening.
The success of the fundraiser made something abundantly clear: Adriana and Emily shared not only a passion for using theatre as a vehicle for advocacy and meaningful change, but also a creative partnership worth building upon.
Recognizing the potential of what they could accomplish together, Emily approached Adriana with an idea: What if they started a theatre company of their own?
Adriana enthusiastically embraced the idea and came up with the name Shatter The Glass Productions, while Emily designed the company's logo—an early example of how their distinct creative strengths complement one another! Together, they began building an organization rooted in the values that had brought them together in the first place.
And Shatter The Glass Productions was born!
That first cabaret fundraiser became the foundation for an ongoing Point of Pride Cabaret Fundraiser series and an ongoing partnership with Point of Pride's co-founders, Aydian Dowling and Jeff Main. It also helped establish the values that continue to guide STG today: access, community, and equity.
What began as one act of artistic solidarity has grown into a New York City-based production company dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, expanding opportunities for marginalized artists and audiences, challenging industry gatekeeping, and creating accessible spaces where more people can tell their stories and see themselves represented onstage authentically and unapologetically.
That one ripple turned into a tidal wave.
Real change starts with community—with people willing to show up, wear their hearts on their sleeves, and roll up those sleeves, too. And there is so much work to be done.