College of Communication Hosts Actress Jessica Chen for Workshop on Authentic Screen Performance

【Article by College of Communication】

The College of Communication at National Chengchi University (NCCU) recently invited Hollywood-based Asian American actress Jessica Chen to give a workshop in the EMI International Leadership Course. During the session, Chen guided students through both theoretical and practical exercises to explore the power of authentic reactions and genuine emotional connection in screen acting.

Jessica Chen has performed in various productions with BBC, HBO, and Discovery Channel, and was nominated for Best Actress at the British Urban Film Festival (BAFTA Qualifier). Her session provided students with valuable first-hand insights into the global film industry and professional acting techniques.

In class, Jessica introduced the Meisner Technique, particularly its repetition exercise, encouraging students to “play” as a way to discover emotional truth within a scene. Working in pairs, students rehearsed short dialogues in different genres—such as comedy, musical theatre, and horror—learning to simplify lines, amplify body language, and respond truthfully to their partners and the moment.

“Don’t just perform—play. Let your reactions become real,” she emphasized. Beyond in-class coaching, Jessica also shared her professional journey in the UK and Hollywood, discussing audition preparation, time management, and the importance of taking initiative to create one’s own opportunities. “Opportunities may be limited, but you can always create your own stage,” she encouraged.

At the end of the session, Jessica advised students to practice singing regularly, cultivate gratitude, and face challenges with kindness. The workshop reflected the College of Communication’s EMI program mission—to inspire students to deepen their creative and artistic practice through cross-cultural professional exchange and an expanded global perspective.