Presley Duyck

I saw Presley Duyck on stage for the first time as Jovie in the Firehouse Theatre’s outdoor production of ELF. It was apparent from the first time she uttered a line that this young woman has a special gift, and then she began to sing, and I was a goner. Presley is one of the most talented and versatile actors in DFW. Her range is limitless whether portraying the cynical Jovie in ELF, the domineering Nicola in Kinky Boots, or the spirited Sophie in Mamma Mia! Presley brings her own incredible magic and stage prowess to every role. Presley is a casting director’s dream. I am lucky to have gotten to know Presley a bit and can attest that she is every bit as kind, caring, and humble as she is talented. I have no idea how long we will be fortunate enough to keep Presley in the Metroplex, but for now sit back and let her dazzle you. Take a few moments to learn more about the journey of this extraordinary young actor.

When was your first time on stage?

When I was eleven, I took to the cafetorium stage for the first time as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. It was the perfect first musical for me because I had already been so drawn to Belle (there’s a story there, meeting Belle as a young girl after my sister passed, so I’ve always felt very connected to her) so it was kismet for young Presley. I watched the movie repeatedly and took meticulous notes on all her mannerisms. I was a serious eleven-year-old.

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

I feel like I have always known I wanted to be an actor. I already mentioned my little story of meeting Belle, but in that moment, I really experienced some magic that made me want to act and maybe even provide an escape or at least some joy for other people. There was never really a question that this is what I wanted to do. After I did my first show, I just couldn’t wait to do it again. And I still feel that way after most shows wrap. I can’t wait to do it again! 

Who is your greatest mentor?

I love this question because I feel so fortunate to have had so many wonderful people in my life that I look up to, but it’s SO hard because there are several people that I feel so much gratitude towards when I think of my journey. I always love learning from the people around me, but, if I must narrow it down to two, I will say Mark Mullino and Vonda K. Bowling. I almost quit theatre completely after an incredibly toxic experience in high school. Hesitantly, I decided to give theatre one last shot and auditioned for the program with Dallas Young Artists. It was life changing! I had never experienced anything like it before. I learned professionalism in a safe space as well as just how wonderful the theatre community can be. I will forever be grateful for that experience! Mark and Vonda are just the most incredible, brilliant, and superbly talented people. Truly some of the best people to work with and learn from and I continue to learn from them. I just feel super fortunate to be surrounded by such positive forces in my life.

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

I’ve been lucky to have several roles so dear to my heart, and so many shows that are forever special to me. I am going to be so wordy here, but can I choose three? 

Natalie in NEXT TO NORMAL is so close to my heart for many reasons. It would be an understatement to say that I love this show! I also believe that it’s important to be able to talk about mental health and grief, and so not only is it fulfilling as an actor to play such a complex/complicated character, but I feel very connected to her navigating the difficulties of love and loss. She will forever have my heart in a way that I can’t completely put into words. “A girl full of anger and hope.”  

Jovie in ELF was my first show back after the pandemic, and with a dream of a creative team, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be back doing LIVE THEATRE with these people. The audience was just so fun and that show brought a lot of people so much joy. I also felt so much hope because of this show - hope that I hadn’t felt since the pandemic hit. It was a true gift. 

Finally, playing Nicola in KINKY BOOTS was a blast. The story is relevant, funny, and heartfelt. Nicola is opposite of who I am as a person, so that was a lot of fun to play, and then getting to play opposite Max J. Swarner?! Come on! The director, the music director, the entire cast, and the producers - I just loved everything about this show and to be honest, I never wanted it to end. This show and the people I shared it with will forever by a highlight in my life.

 Do you have a dream role?

I have quite a few dream roles! If we’re talking shows that are on Broadway right now, Eurydice in Hadestown! I am just in love with the storytelling in that show. I have also dreamt of having the opportunity to play Louise in Gypsy. And I feel like it’s just not right that I have never been in a production of Les Mis! I laugh about feeling fomo from never having Les Mis’d, but I would really love a chance to play Eponine. 

 What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

The entire Kinky Boots cast again. Please. But also… Katrina Lenk or Adam Chanler-Berat or Bernadette Peters. 

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

I recently saw the all-female version of Hamlet at Shakespeare Dallas directed by Christie Vela. All I can say is WOW. I only want to watch Shakespeare this way from now on (sorry, dudes). It was brilliant. 

What are your career goals?

Good question! I would say my career goals are just to keep making art and hopefully get to a point where I can support myself from my work. I recently wrapped up a couple of film projects and I’ve released several original songs. So, I would love to continue to do ALL the things! I genuinely believe theatre and the arts can change lives and to be able to be a tiny part of that is just humbling and fulfilling. 

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

For Christmas, I was gifted the Gordon Ramsay Masterclass series and enjoyed the course more than I could have imagined. I weirdly find cooking to be relaxing! During college auditions when people were going out after a long day of auditions, I went back to my hotel room and watched Chopped marathons!! It was the perfect way for me to wind down from the stress. During the pandemic, I channeled more of my energy into cooking, and now I know too many fun food facts! I am obsessed with trying all kinds of cuisines and food combinations. I’ve tried some interesting dishes - charred octopus, anyone?