Jessica Orcsik Arts Scholarship

From the founder

Pablo Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up"

Nothing could be more true in the case of my journey. My childhood self was a dreamer, a believer and an artist. When I became an adult, life faced me with adversity in many proportions that as a result, meant much of my artistic freedom and identity was lost.

As a little girl, I could watch movies and listen to music, dreaming about how one day I would be an actress and performer living in Hollywood. In 2004, that dream became a reality and I ventured across the other side of the world to do just that. Young, alone, and an immigrant to the country, there was nothing I wanted more than my American Dream. My confidence and determination was at its highest and the image of my future so real I could taste it. The trials and tribulations I survived to obtain my VISA, and the 20 years of experience as a working child actor from a showbiz family had prepared me for what I thought would be an exciting journey. Unfortunately the road paved ahead was far from what I had imagined. Instead of being greeted with my dream, I was challenged by the truth of who I was.

Until recently and my experience through Covid I never really understood how profound this impact was on my existence and my future. For the demons that surfaced within me then, as a woman, artist and creative, inhibited and limited myself from truly realising my potential and stepping into my rightful role that I now have the privilege to stand in. Demons included Self Doubt; Self Sabotage; Fear of Success; Fear of Failure, Body Dysmorphia, #metoo movement; Sexuality identifying as a Bi-Sexual woman; Gender Equality; Mental Health; the importance of Mindset; Battling my Addictions and most importantly Self Worth & Self Esteem. The battles that a true artist and creative must overcome in order for them to really live in their inner child and never be afraid of their imagination, challenges and the unknown.

Now after 18 years of living here in the United States, I look back to who I was and who I am now and I am beyond grateful. For I have battled, and continue to battle, each and every demon to be the best version of myself. Most importantly, so I can live in my inner child's artistic freedom and imagination. That is where true artists belong. Living in a place where anything is possible, and the demons we face build us up to be stronger. If it weren't for my journey to the United States I never would have discovered this. For that I am thankful. This has turned out to be my American Dream. Now its time to give back...

The J.O. Arts Scholarship will be a full year scholarship and mentorship to an artist with a dream. We encourage applicants with entrepreneurial vision and imagination, passion and purpose, most of all applicants who have felt restricted from following their true artistic dreams. Regardless of where you come from or how you identify, this scholarships will be open to any artist located in the Americas & worldwide who is looking to transform their lives and break into the industry.

OPEN TO US & WORLDWIDE APPLICANTS (EXCLUDING AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND)

Scholarship Process

Stage 1 - SELF TAPE ROUND

AUGUST 10TH 2022 - SEPTEMBER 30TH 2022

TOP 20 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

YOUTH & ADULT CATEGORY

NOVEMBER 1ST 2022

Stage 2 - CALL BACKS ROUND

NOVEMBER 2ND - DECEMBER 15TH 2022

WINNERS ANNOUNCED -

YOUTH & ADULT CATEGORY

JANUARY 15TH 2023

PRIZES TO BE COLLECTED FROM JANUARY 2023

APPLY NOW

About Jessica Orcsik

Jessica's professional career began at age 4 on TV show Richmond Hill. Since then has worked as an actress, performer and producer on various productions in TV & Film, Theatre & Stage, Music Videos and more. Training with prestigious studios and coaches across the globe including Larry Moss, Susan Batson, Lisa Robertson Studio, Matthew Barry, Lesley Kahn, Broadway Dance Center, Netherlands Dance Theatre and more.

Director of American Arts Film & Television Academy and curator in arts education for creatives, Jessica's entrepreneurial skills and dedication is to educating/providing opportunities for artists. Supporting inclusion & diversity within Film, television and performing arts. Her success in international mentorships and artist development programs in Australia and Hollywood, make her a leading curator and facilitator in arts education and mentoring for creatives around the world. Including her podcast ArtArtistBiz.

Getting her start with internationally acclaimed J.O. International Productions; producing dance expos, workshops, shows, nation wide events and competitions inc “On Broadway” "Don’t Dis Disabilities Dance Extravaganza” and "Focus On Ability USA”. From facilitating and producing international prize experiences for international events, festivals and charities; to public speaking, mentoring and hosting events. She's been invited to speak at the Actors Symposium alongside Breakdown Services in Vancouver in 2014; as well as having articles published in Dance Informa Magazine and New Idea. Jessica’s affiliates and partnerships have also included Capezio, Broadway Dance Center, Focus On Ability Short Film Festival, Special Olympics, Showcase National Dance Championships, Dance Life, The Ultimate Dance Challenge and recently the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation. She currently remains the International Marketing & Entertainment Coordinator for Focus On Ability International Film Festival, where she facilitates Australian Filmmakers and Actors on expansions of their careers on international levels. Her short documentary “Stepping Into Focus” became a starting point for her production career.

Jessica's US production company Diversity Entertainment, LLC (Diversity Pictures) see's her enter the world of writing and directing. Recent film “A Death Perspective” (writer, director and actor) received numerous awards including Best Indie Short & Best Women's Short at the Independent Short Awards. Honourable Mention at Global Shorts, Los Angeles (IMDB) and recently gained her selection for Artists Emerging Initiative with Ermantourage. Associate producer on Australian feature “Unsound” with WiseGoat Productions, which recently won Melbourne Queer Festival and rated 3rd for Top 10 Australian Films of 2020. Jessica now has several projects in development for release in 2021 including Killer Theory, Enigma & Mercy. With feature films, plays and limited series in development for 2022.

If John Hughes blended the filmmaking styling of Stephen Spielberg in Denver and Delilah Productions you’d find Jessica's aesthetic. A vulnerable and diverse storyteller in search of adventure & hope. Combining her artistic & philanthropic voice with humour, imagination & heart and creating new worlds about kids who are adults and adults who are kids.

Jessica is represented by US Management Company Industry Entertainment and is currently living in the US with her Greencard

Prizes & Application

2022 J.O. ARTS SCHOLARSHIP YOUTH WINNER:

1 x Empowering the Artist Teen Mentorship (Full year 2023)

VALUED AT $1300.00USD

2 x Young Actors Masterclass (8 weeks x 2)

VALUED AT $1294.00USD

Young Actors Conservatory (June or December - 2023 rate)

VALUED AT $3500.00USD

16 x 1hr with AAFTA Director/CEO of Diversity Entertainment Jessica Orcsik and AAFTA Director/CEO of RydeEntertainment Robbie Ryde

VALUED AT $1600.00USD

Headshot & Pro-Reel/Short Film Package with Ryde Entertainment

VALUED AT $2500.00USD

TOTAL VALUE: $10194.00USD

2022 J.O. ARTS SCHOLARSHIP ADULT WINNER:

The Actors Conservatory Program for Summer 2023

VALUED AT $9000.00USD

Empowering The Artist Online Mentorship 2023

VALUED AT $747.00USD

Truth In Performance 2023

VALUED AT $597.00USD

10 x 1hr Business/Dialect/Writing/Coaching Sessions

with AAFTA Director/CEO of Diversity Entertainment Jessica Orcsik

and AAFTA Director/CEO of RydeEntertainment Robbie Ryde

VALUED AT $1000.00USD