5 Questions with EMOJILAND's Tanisha Moore!
Kevin Ray Johnson
I would like for you to meet the very talented Tanisha Moore. Ms. Moore is currently performing Off-Broadway in Emojiland the Musical. Tanisha has toured the country with Flashdance the musical and Broadway’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and some of her regional credits include - Gypsy (June), Smokey Joe’s Café, The Wiz, and the world premiere of Disney’s Freaky Friday. Emojiland is truly one of the more unique musicals to come to New York City in a long time and from all the great things I have heard it was quite a privilege to have the chance to interview Tanisha!
1.) How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
I was very late to the party when it comes to deciding that I wanted to perform professionally. I’d always danced for fun, I started in studios with the frilly costumes and big bows like everyone else! It wasn’t until my mom encouraged me to go to performing arts high school that I really started to take things seriously.
2.) Where did you study? Are there any mentors that truly helped make you the performer you are today?
Growing up in Jacksonville, FL, I hopped around from different dance studios for a while. I really struggled to find a place that I felt challenged and prioritized (there are SO many talented dancers there, it’s easy to be overlooked). My high school, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts really changed the game for me. It taught me to train, not just dance. It’s also where I fell in love with theater thanks to Dr. Lee Beger! I went on to study at Florida State University where my professors Kate Gelabert and Gayle Seaton really became another set of parents for me- they still are.
3.) Congratulations on Emojiland! What a fun and unique show! How has your time been in the new musical?
I’m having such an amazing experience with Emojiland! It’s really been a group effort putting this show up. Every single person brings something special to our show and our leaders have given us incredible space to play with that and tell our story. I’ve also been given the opportunity to be the dance captain for this production, which is so much fun for me! I love keeping track of the choreography, formations, etc. It’s sort of my own little way of nerding out over our show haha
4.) Are there any other shows that you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart?
Of course! Just thinking about my high school experience right now brought up so many memories of doing Aida. I love that show so much, and our high school production was a pretty big deal at the time (shout-out to FL state thespians!). That experience was life-changing for me, so I definitely hold that close.
5.) What advice would you give young performers who want a career in this business?
Find your mentors! If you don’t have immediate access to someone in your community, use the internet as your resource. The industry is so different now from when I was growing up and there’s literally someone to look up to for anyone. There IS someone like you conquering the big things and if not, fill in the gap and be that person for yourself.
Emojiland has been extended through March 19th at The Duke. For more information make sure you visit - www.emojiland.com; and to learn more about Tanisha make sure you visit her official website at - www.tanishamoore.com