Testimonials

Press

Theatre Work

Always Greener Receives MAP Fund 2019

Melancholy Play: “Jacob Watson’s scenic design emphasizes otherworldly beauty: the portal behind the onstage musicians is covered in white curtains, and dim chandeliers dangle over the actors.” - Chicago Critic

Tell Me What You Remember: "Finely acted and evocatively staged by Erasing the Distance, this one-hour play asks some of the hard questions we encounter in the course of growing up and growing old." - Chicago Reader

Education

Scholastic Media: Lyric Opera Empowers Youth During COVID-19 - Newcity Stage, April 2020

After The Stage Goes Dark, Teen Performers In Chicago Find Their Way Online - WBEZ, May 2020

Jacob Watson and the Heroes of Piccolo Elementary - Urban Gateways, March 2014

Community Engagement

Can harm reduction, the philosophy that stems HIV transmission and heroin overdoses, help curb a Thanksgiving COVID-19 meltdown? - Chicago Tribune, November 2020

Program helps people tell their stories through musical theater - ABC News, September 2017

“We appreciate that what you give us is not only interesting in the moment, but has traction to help us continue to move thoughtfully through challenges.”

— Dr. Lyndall G. Miller, Director, Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Initiative

Testimonials

From program participants

“I am so grateful for your presentations. I've learned so much—things that helped me immediately with my [project], and beyond! I especially enjoyed the dancing and improv-style collaborations. I admire your openness and curiosity, and I hope I will get a chance to learn from you again soon.”

“Jacob took the stress out of thinking about implementing change. I looked forward to his sessions and was able to push myself to think beyond a status quo.”

“Jacob was fantastic! I always looked forward to his workshops knowing that I would learn so much and have take-aways to use immediately.”

“If all graduate students teaching for the first time were required to take Jacob and Anneke's workshop, we would literally change the university (and not just our university, very many universities), for decades in the future.”

“Jacob is outstanding, empathetic, wise, and flexible. I really treasured his time and advice in the moments I sought them, especially in our small groups”

“Jacob's work has been consistently incisive, often opening up novel and innovative pathways for thinking. His lively intellect and personable way of being has made him a strong model and mentor for new researchers on our team.”

— Flossie S. G. Chua, Principal Investigator at Project Zero, Harvard University Graduate School of Education

 

“Jacob Watson demonstrated great patience and he was knowledgeable about the thought provoking information presented. Jacob kept us on task yet was available to answer questions effectively. Also his warm demeanor was appreciated!”

“Jacob is awesome. The energy and creativity he brought to our group was helpful in conveying the wealth of material.”

“Love Jacob and everything he taught us. He made us widen our minds and feel comfortable to ask questions and open up.”

“Jacob is outstanding, empathetic, wise, and flexible. I really treasured his time and advice in the moments I sought them, especially in our small groups”

“The experience has been absolutely incredible, and I find myself using the tools we learned together in my work all the time. I am so grateful for the time and effort you both put in to make this experience meaningful for the cohort online and the feedback and support you provided throughout the process. Because of you, I feel more equipped to create change in the future with the community I am serving at heart.”

Testimonials

From youth participants

 

“Jacob was an amazing aspect of the program. He helped whenever anyone needed it and also brought the acting out of so many students.”

 

“Love him and his positive energy.”

“He was great with leadership along with everyone else. He was very great with coaching and helping anyone that needed it in an easier way.”

 

“He was always there and super bright".

“Jacob was a really fun instructor. I loved how he was patient and kind.”

 

“Best teacher 10/10 very supportive.”