Taylor Ortega – Welcome to Flatch

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for “Welcome to Flatch.”

A) “Welcome To Flatch” is a docu-com following the lives of the residents of Flatch, a small town in Ohio.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) I spent like ten years doing live comedy hoping that one day someone would pay me to do it on television. After years of auditioning for all types of film and TV and bus tours, Jenny Bicks and Paul Feig gave me the opportunity to make a living as a performer. It’s very cool of them.

Q) How was your character Nadine originally described to you?

A) The casting notice for Nadine called her “a big fish in the small pond of Flatch.” Going in, I knew she was married and had a baby and was Kelly’s (Holmes) long-term rival.

Q) Was there anything you added to her that wasn’t in the initial breakdown for her?

A) My auditions for “Flatch” were partially sides from the pilot and partially improvised moments. During the callback, Paul would ask me questions and I’d answer them in character as Nadine, based on what I knew about her. I love improv. It was my original avenue into comedy and live performance, so I really wanted to be on this show knowing we’d get to do it.

Q) How does Nadine connect to cousins Kelly and Shrub?

A) Nadine definitely thinks she’s superior to the Mallets, but not to the extent that she isn’t still bothered by them. Something about Kelly in particular really chafes Nadine, as much as she doesn’t consider them equals.

Q) Were you looking forward to sharing scenes with someone(s) in particular?

A) Our cast is really lucky to have each other. Not to speak for everyone (JK! Here I go!), but the show was cast so well that regardless of who we’re in a scene with, we know the other person is going to be so genuinely funny and committed to their character that it’s impossible not to enjoy ourselves. So, nice try, but I refuse to play favorites. That being said, I live with Holmes and I will be at their funeral. Wait, no, we will die on the same day and be buried in the same hole.

Q) Was there much room to improv in scenes or is the script so good there is no need to?

A) Paul Feig directed our first three episodes and he’s incredible at directing improvisors. I guess a lifetime in comedy and a heart of gold will do that. The “Flatch” set is the kind of environment where the more you offer up about your character, the more fun you end up having.

Q) Which episodes were some of your favorites to film?

A) In episode three, Kelly and Nadine open competing dance schools. Holmes, Kyle Selig (who plays my husband, Dylan, and is a very skilled Broadway superstar) and I spent weeks practicing choreography. I think the intention was for Holmes to be bad at dancing and for me to be pretty good. Ultimately, we both ended up being garbage at dancing and Kyle ended up dancing beautifully. It was really fun.

Q) What do you think it is about “Welcome to Flatch” that will make it a fast fan favorite comedy?

A) I think as funny as the show is, the quality that sets it apart is the emotional stakes. The characters genuinely care about each other and their town, so the show has heart.

Q) We loved you on “Succession.” What do you think of how successful and popular the series has become?

A) It’s honestly so bizarre because that was the first real job I booked, and I had one line. Yet the only times I’ve ever been recognized out in the world is for “Succession,” which is kind of a testament to the popularity of the show. If you’re recognizing some girl who had one line in season one? You’re rewatching. “Succession” has rewatch appeal, honey.

Q) What are the other projects you have been busy working on?

A) I’ve been really lucky to have booked some fun guest spots on shows I really love and worked on indie films, but mostly since I moved to LA (with Holmes, who I will die holding hands with), I’ve been doing live comedy again. It feels really good to be back on stage.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

A) I guess I would say thank you for watching because I really love that I get to do what I do for a living. So, I hope y’all are enjoying yourselves because I am. Also, if you’re watching and you’re also gay, you’re my favorite and I’ll do anything for you (within reason, don’t be crazy). If you’re watching and you’re straight, that’s fine – I’m not mad at you or anything.