Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Toltzis.
Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was nine years old, my mom signed me up for a musical theater camp to get me out of the house. While it started as a way to keep me busy during the summer, it quickly became my whole life. I went Oberlin College where I learned I could do more than musical theater, spending semesters and summers at The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and The Moscow Art Theatre School. From there, I went to UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television for my MFA in Acting. While I was there, I learned I could also write and create my own work, so I made my very first short film. I’m very grateful my mom signed me up for that camp because now I am at camp professionally.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggles have come with accepting the idea of not knowing–not knowing when the next job is going to come along or how my short films will come out because so many things are out of my control, even in a small production.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an actor, singer, and filmmaker. I love working on material others have created and joining their teams while also creating my own work and being able to create whacky characters. Most recently, I was in two episodes of Showtime’s YOUR HONOR in the recurring role of Angela. In addition, I’ve also written, starred in, and produced two award-winning films: GEORGEANNE.MOV (Best Mockumentary, Austin, Portland, and Houston Comedy Film Festivals) and LUMPED TOGETHER (Official Selection, Big Apple Film Festival and Best Comedy, Portland Comedy Film Festival).
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I really love the Calm app. I use it every day to keep me relaxed and focused. And then, when I want to undo the calm energy, I listen to the podcast, Poog (shoutout to Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak).
Contact Info:
- Website: jessicatoltzis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesstoltzis/?hl=en
