Meet Ella Glabicki

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ella Glabicki.

Hi Ella, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Central Pennsylvania. My dad’s from Pittsburgh and my mom’s from all over the place. I’ve always been a bit at odds with myself, I’m just like my mom and also just like my dad. And they’re total opposites. I have reverence for where I’m from – but I always knew I was destined to explore everywhere!

I’m an only child, and I always felt like no one got me. Maybe because of that, I always had a flair for the spotlight.

I grew up in a really rural area. Banks and schools are closed the first day of hunting season where I’m from. It’s wild. But my town had the most incredible community theatre. The Reitz Theater of DuBois, PA is an impressive place. For a small town to have such a vibrant and engaged theatre scene – one that brings thought-provoking, ambitious and exciting work to their audience – it’s very noteworthy, and something to celebrate. And speaks to the power of the arts. Aside from my family, it was the first sense of community and purpose I ever felt. I’m lucky to have discovered what I want to give my life to early on.

Growing up, I spent every day acting, singing, and dancing. And I owe it to being in a place where I had so few distractions. I had trees, green hills, and silence: A recipe for a strong imagination. Every day was my personal artist retreat, and I didn’t even realize. I was just having fun. I would spend hours and hours outside choreographing dances, writing songs, acting, and playing pretend. Every day, I’m trying to live like that again.

I went to theatre school in NYC. School for me was so little about academics or developing my craft. It was about living in New York. College was right for me, but you don’t need it. I learned so much about acting through living in New York.

My senior year, I visited my now personal and professional partner, Joey Povinelli, in LA. I fell in love with him and realized I had to move, which leads me to now.

I’m still acting, dancing, and trying to stay in touch with my inner child. I just happen to be in Los Angeles doing this whole weird yet fun actor/filmmaker life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have an outstanding support system. You can’t live the art life without people who ground you in reality and remind you, “hey..you’re lucky that you get to do this!!”. At the end of the day, the things stressing me out are major privileges. I know that’s not the reality for most. It’s wild to me that I get to pursue my dreams on my terms, despite the occasional overwhelm and stress.

But I think the struggle exists in the lack of satisfaction…in the constant unknowing and uncertainty. And also in the responsibility. I have something powerful to bring into the world, which I hope people can connect to, and I don’t take that lightly.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an actress and filmmaker. I started in theatre, which, I think, is the best way to start. The sense of community and collaboration – living, breathing, in the moment – just cannot be replicated. But, of course, film sets feel similar.

Most of my work lives with my production company, jpeg Productions. We just completed our most exciting work yet, “Interitus Adfectus.” It’s a short film about a graduate student who cultivates a new breed of edible mushrooms that take over her entire apartment and destroy her life from the inside out. Our films are colorful, bold, and anachronistic. Maybe a bit bizarre. We utilize practical effects, embrace camp, and adore the grotesque. We’re inspired by John Waters, David Lynch, and Harmony Korine.

“Interitus Adfectus” felt like a real reckoning with myself as an artist/professional/person. Who am I and how do I want to relate with others? How do I want to make my work? I’ve been wrangling with this for a long time, but this felt like a huge stone unturned. I wanted it to be the best of me. I want every process to be like this one. Maybe it’s not realistic, but I can aim for it.

As an actress, I’m interested the most in discovery. I feel like I’m a private eye. I learn so much by putting myself in others’ shoes. And I hope if I do my job well, I can be a catalyst for discovery in others. Maybe we don’t have to understand everything, but if we can pull the mask back and open the channels to relate and be vulnerable…that’s what the world needs right now.

What makes you happy?
Long drives, sunsets, turning off my phone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ellaglabicki.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ella_culver/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/737640378

Image Credits
Joey Povinelli