Name.

Emily Goglia

Occupations, affiliations, and projects.

Performer—actor, singer, dancer, writer, performance artist; creator and performer of my solo cabaret show STAGES: Girl Meets Boy, Boy Meets Boy, Girl Meets Drink.

“People Who Do” focuses on those who excel at moving forward throughout their passions in life, why is it important to you to “do”?

I like that you say "moving forward" because that is exactly what my project ended up doing for me. Art is a way for us to heal. It is a way for us to connect to one another and to ourselves. My project is a reflective look at how we as humans react to events that take place in our lives -- well it's specifically about how I reacted to a particular event, but I think it is a subject matter to which most everyone can relate.

Tell me more about why it was important for you to perform?

To me, performing is a release. It's an outlet. It is a way to connect and be honest and raw and funny and heartfelt all at the same time. When I do my show I get to feel every emotion, all within an hour. I know that I can take people on a journey and they can get in touch with their emotions. Life goes by so quickly. Sometimes we don't actually allow ourselves to truly feel. Acting and performing forces us to look within and connect with our souls. That sounds so cheesy but it's true!

**At what moment did you discover that this was what you wanted to do?**
With regards to this show, I realized that I kept telling my story over and over, and it was starting to sound like a stand up comedy routine. And I would hear songs that described exactly what I was feeling, or how I had felt in the past, and it suddenly clicked that I should put it all together on stage. I was very careful not to exaggerate or rewrite history. I just want to tell a true account of my experience, with music.
**To date, what accomplishments are you most proud of?**
This show. STAGES is the most raw and honest thing I have ever done. And it is completely mine. I directed and wrote the piece myself (minus the songs) and it is exactly what I wanted to put onto the stage. And I'm truly proud of it. I think that's rare—to be completely behind something you've created on your own. But I am confident with this piece of work. It's a nice feeling.
**What’s your favorite thing you’ve learned so far this year?**
To Nike up and Just Do It. I had been turning this idea around in my head for so long—so finally I just picked a date, and it forced me to get 'er dun.

“Life goes by so quickly. Sometimes we don’t actually allow ourselves to truly feel.”

What’s your favorite lesson you’ve ever learned?

That I can do it. It feels like a lot of work—to put your heart and soul into a piece of art that is completely your own. And it's hard to fully believe in yourself. But you can do it.

What's your go-to song to put you in a better mood?

Right now it's Nobody Love by Tori Kelly. It's positive and fun and upbeat and gets me ready to belt for my life.

Favorite method for logging any kind of inspiration.

Haha—notes. Thanks iPhone. It's what I'm answering these questions on right now.