Valeria de Miguel Melo
Managing Editor
The world of theater is known for its grandeur and emotional stories. Professor Emily Palacios, Theater Appreciation professor at Broward College, focuses her classes on the beauty of imperfection in theater and, by extension, the beauty in every person’s authenticity. This unique perspective intrigued The Observer, prompting an interview to share her insights with our readers. Her enthusiasm, radiant smile, and impeccable sense of fashion add an incomparable light to Broward College, leaving hundreds of students wonderstruck by the art form that is theater.
When asked about her first encounter with theater, Palacios smiled and said, “Probably in the womb, but I don’t remember.” However, she vividly recalls attending one of her older brother Matthew’s performances when she was about five years old. As the lights dimmed and the spotlight illuminated her brother, she thought, “That’s what I want to do.”
As Palacios grew up, she balanced her academics, theater program and love for journalism. Her passion for the latter flourished when she became a devoted fan of Gilmore Girls after stumbling upon it one afternoon. The show’s depiction of the relationship between Lorelai and Emily Gilmore resonated with her own experiences with her mother, providing her comfort during a challenging period at home. Inspired by Rory’s path, she fell in love with journalism and became the editor of the pop section of her high school newspaper. “I was just trying to live vicariously in that feel-good space when, at home, I was having kind of a rough time with the living situation,” she said.
Her connection to Gilmore Girls deepened when she spent hours watching the first season on DVD with her two older brothers. She cherishes these memories, especially because her brothers, who are eight and ten years older than her, always made her feel included. On the night before her wedding, she revisited this bond by watching wedding-themed episodes of Gilmore Girls with her beloved siblings.
Although she admired Rory’s journalism path, Palacios eventually left journalism behind to pursue a career in theater. She earned her bachelor’s degree in musical theater from SUNY Cortland and a master’s degree in Acting from FAU. During her college years, she auditioned for roles, with her supportive parents driving her to every tryout. She has countless fond memories of listening to Broadway tunes in the back of the car while her parents drove toward her next audition.
Throughout her career, Palacios has portrayed numerous characters, including Debby in Old Jews Telling Jokes, Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress, Eileen Evergreen in Nice Work If You Can Get It, Ilona Ritter in She Loves Me, Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, and Agnes in Agnes of God. She cherishes each role but wishes to revisit Into the Woods and play either the baker’s wife or the witch in the future. Eventually, she found that constantly being in the auditioning environment was extremely hard on her mental health because the ambiance was impregnated with competition within women. The pressure to be the most beautiful and talented became overwhelming, leading her to transition to teaching, where she found fulfillment and peace.
As an instructor, Palacios does her best to incorporate various learning styles to make education engaging and accessible. One day per week is dedicated to discussions about the chapter, while another day focuses on visual content or theatrical activities. When asked about her favorite part of teaching at Broward College, she replied, “At Broward I get to teach and be part of a community of students that I really didn’t get to grow up… [and at BC] I get to be surrounded by people of all different colors and ethnicities and backgrounds and fam situations… [and my favorite thing] is meeting you where you are now.”
Palacios’ class is about more than just theater. She imparts life skills like public speaking, sympathy and empathy. Her class promotes love and compassion, encouraging students to embrace authenticity. She reminds her students that stepping out of their comfort zones and accepting their imperfections is essential for growth.
Palacios’ journey from aspiring actress to dedicated educator is a testament to her passion for theater and her unwavering commitment to her students. Her ability to create a supportive and inclusive environment at Broward College allows her students to not only appreciate the art of theater but also to develop essential life skills. By embracing authenticity and compassion, Palacios inspires her students to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience. Her remarkable outlook on life and her genuine care for others leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets, ensuring they walk away with a heart full of inspiration and the biggest smile possible.
Cutline: Emily Palacios as Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress courtesy of marydamiano.com
