Jessica Orcsik is born to well-known Australian Actors John Orcsik and Paula Duncan. They met on a hit show in the late 1970’s called Cop Shop. For which they became the most famous couples in Australian TV history. Paula Duncan (mother ) has won 7 Logie’s – Emmy equivalent in Australia. An Order of Australia – issued by the Queen of England for her contribution to the Arts. John Orcsik (father) an incredibly seasoned actor started TAFTA – The Australian Film & Television Academy in 1994.
He directs the best and prestigious acting school in Australia. Carmen Duncan (aunt) was also an actress in the USA. She was “Iris” on daytime soap Another World. Together, my family has worked with the most well-known Australians in this industry. Through various projects through the years and are so respected both nationally and internationally.
It was obvious, from the day Jessica Orcsik was going to be in the arts. The hype surrounding my birth was incredible. So much so that magazines fought for the exclusive rights to the story. At just 1 day old I did my first-shoot and article that featured the title A Star Is Born. Photos were of my mother holding me and my family around me in the hospital.
I was just 4 years old when I got my first acting role. It was on television show “Richmond Hill” for which my mother was staring on at the time. It was a strange role, as they needed me to cut my hair and pretend to be a little boy. Only to be discovered at the end of the episode I was in fact a little girl. As a young child, my memory of this was quite funny. I wasn’t so much upset by the fact that I had to cut my hair. As I was when they asked me to spill a glass of milk on set. I was worried I would get into trouble for this.
As the years went on, Jessica Orcsik trained in Dancing, Singing and Acting as much as I could. Any chance I could perform for people or work I would. I was featured in many magazines and articles with my parents. And continued to pursue this crazy life as a performer. I tried to gain as much experience as I could working in Theatre. Not just school plays and musicals but also with my father’s theatre. TAPS – The Australian Playhouse Studio in the 1990’s.
Dance & Singing were also huge loves of my life. So, when I wasn’t acting I was in classes, competing in dance eisteddfods and putting on shows at home. Aspiring to performers such as Madonna and Michael Jackson. Though my teens, I kept working in professional projects as well as amateur projects. Keeping in check with my craft as much as possible.
By 19, Jessica Orcsik was selected to be a dancer on the film Son of the Mask. This ended up being a pivotal moment in my career. The choreographers from that were so impressed with me and my talent. They offered to help me obtain my O1 Visa to the USA. Working in the US was one of my passions since I could remember. So, this opportunity was one that could not be wasted. After getting my visa I moved to LA at just 20 years old. This was very exciting but what ended up being one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I wasn’t really prepared for the life of Hollywood. I knew very little people and was faced with so many unexpected challenges. That deteriorated my energy and love for the arts. On the day I arrived I was dropped by my manager. Which seemed strange considering the lengths of processes we had just gone through to get me there. So I was out to fend for myself.
I was lucky and I worked in a variety of projects including a pilot called The High Life. It was written by Bloodline writer Jeffrey Shakoor. I also lived in Philadelphia for a few months working with Sudden Impact Entertainment. I was doing a Horror show for which I got to lay a Bride of Dracula. This was one of the best experiences of my life. In addition to that I danced on shows like The Drop. And worked in some small roles with various different TV programs. However, so many no’s and so many knocks it was hard to find the confidence that I had once had.
Through this journey of struggle, I returned to Australia and started focusing back on Dance & Singing. I opened a performing arts school by 22 and began making performing arts my focus again. I continued my training moving to New York over several Summer’s training at Broadway Dance Centre. And, focused a lot of energy putting on productions and choreographing for various events. Though I love this side of my life. Being a performer was a part of who I was as a person. It’s all I ever knew from the day I was born. And, its all that has ever really mattered to me in my life. I knew that I couldn’t give up on my dreams.
Two years ago, I closed my school, and began pursuing acting again. Jessica Orcsik moved back to LA, and started running TAFTA USA. Over the past year there have been some new developments as an actor. I am very excited about and I will be announcing my roles on some new projects very shortly. I have never wavered from this industry and I am sure that I never will. Performing is in my blood and it’s what keeps me inspired and loving life the way I do.
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Jessica Orcsik: I did study acting. I initially joined my father’s Theatre school called T.A.P.S. (The Australian Playhouse Studio) where I studied Shakespeare, Voice and Theatre. I then went on to train in my father’s Film & TV School. Of course the most incredible training of all was the various professional roles I did growing up. Giving me set experience and teaching me the ins and outs of the industry. As my father was such an established actor. Many of his teachers were professional actors in the Australian Industry with real careers and experience to pass on. This made learning a very practical and hands on experience.
What acting technique do you use?
Jessica Orcsik (JO): Although through the years I have touched on many different techniques with the craft of acting. This includes Audition Technique, Classical Training and of course Method. I find the best technique is not one specific style, rather its taking bits and pieces from various teachers you have had through the years of training and developing a method that works for you. I have been lucky enough to train with so many people internationally, and been exposed to so many different styles and techniques. Depending on the role or situation, I tap into many of those and find the tools that will help me get the best performance I can.
Tell us about TAFTA?
Jessica Orcsik (JO): TAFTA is The Australian Film & Television Academy. Founded in 1994 by Jessica Orcsik parents, TAFTA is dedicated to teach and help develop the craft of Acting in Film and Television to students of all ages and help them towards a professional working career. Over the years, TAFTA has designed a series of short and long-term courses that have been developed to progressively train participants in this difficult and often frustrating industry. After decades of running one of the most prestigious acting schools in Australia (with courses running in over 5 states) we have continued expansion of our workshops and courses to the United States.
“LA Experience – Acting Intensive Program” We now have several students booking various roles in Malaysia, United Kingdom, Australia and obviously the USA. Previous TAFTA successors in the US include James Frecheville (Animal Kingdom, The Drop), Mahesh Jadu (Marco Polo, I Frankenstein), Chris Pang (Tomorrow When The War began, I Frankenstein, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon – The Green Legend), Deniz Akdeniz (Tomorrow When The War Began, The Water Diviner and several TV Shows), Teressa Liane (Into the Badlands, The Vampire Diaries), Daniel Webber (11/22/63) and many more. All of our students IMDB’s are also accessible.
TAFTA USA currently runs “LA Experience” which is an intensive 6 week course for Australian Actors. In the course we cover all of the ins and outs about being a working actor here in the US including: Film & Television Acting Coaching; American Dialect Coaching; Voice work; Movement and Body Awareness; Improvisation; Genre specific training – Sitcom, Acting for film, Primetime TV, Soap Opera, Sci-Fi/Horror, and Commercial; Audition Technique; Business training – Social Media, PR, Marketing and Branding; US VISA Immigration; Management Seminars; Talent Agent Seminars; US Headshot’s & Showreels; Casting Director Workshops & Intensives; Casting Office Experience; Self Tapes and more.
JOIP is J.O. International Productions. This is my own production company that I started over 8 years ago. J.O.I.P. specializes in creating opportunities for performing artists on a global scale. With a variety of incredible performing arts tours, workshops and courses to choose from, as well as producing productions and performing arts events.
Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Jessica Orcsik (JO): I constantly take classes and courses to improve my skills. I don’t believe you ever really know it all and one can always improve and be better at their craft. As you grow older you learn more and more about yourself as a performer and about life, its important to keep your skills up and current as the times move on. I am lucky that I work for TAFTA USA here in Los Angeles as I have access to so many incredible classes with incredible coaches. When I return to Australia, I also continue that training there as well.
What acting books do you read?
Jessica Orcsik (JO): To be honest, acting books are new to me. I have found that I am a practical learner and so actually being physically involved in my learning is always the best way for me to retain information. If I read books, I like to read more self-help books that can aid in my growth as an individual and be the best person I can be. I think a great performer is a great person and one who is always willing to look to improve themselves. I also enjoy reading auto biographies of various actors as I feel that learning about others stories, and struggles can fill you with inspiration.
How do you keep fit as an actor?
Jessica Orcsik (JO): Keeping fit….well usually I must work out at least 4-5 times a week. Though sometimes if the work load is heavy this can sometimes fail. I do think its important to keep your body as active as it can be. Yoga, dance classes and walking can be some of the best releases for keeping fit. Mentally, I love to surround myself with like-minded people and talk about the industry. Try to collaborate on new projects and be as creative as possible. After all this is what fuels us. I also spend a lot of time helping others in this industry, this includes charities like Special Olympics Dance Group and Focus On Ability Short Film Festival. I also try to help other young performers starting out as there is no greater feeling than seeing someone else achieve milestones in their careers and knowing you were able to help them through that.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next?
Jessica Orcsik (JO): When I get offered a role, beyond sharing in the excitement obviously, the first thing I like to do is familiarize myself with the overall project as much as possible. If it’s a show already on air I watch it and get a sense of the tone of the piece, if it’s a new pilot then I re read the script and make sure I am really a part of the world in which I am about to enter. I do not like to over rehearse scenes, so I will learn the script and practice doing it a various amount of ways. Then I leave it till I am actually rehearsing with the other actors or on set and see what I feel at the time. I feel as an actor its important to always incorporate what you feel at the time you feel it because it’s real and natural. It helps gives your performance life and energy.
