After completing school at Scoresby Secondary College, Elise Jansen took on a business degree at Monash University, while at the same time completing a short course in acting.

Jansen soon gave in to the acting bug and found herself studying at the Victorian College of Arts, and more recently at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

"I always knew that I would look into acting. When I finished high school I thought it wasn't the right time for me then. After I finished my degree I felt like having a bit more life experience."

Jansen, 27, was one of the star performers in her advanced diploma in performing arts class at WAAPA. Earlier this year, she won the best actress award at the Western Australian Screen Awards for a film called Misconception.

"It's thrilling to be nominated, but to win was just great. It's really nice to be recognised for my work as well."

For Jansen, the next step in her career is more theatre work in Perth during this month and June.

"I'm really glad I did the [business] degree, but for me my passion has always been in acting, and I knew what was the direction I would take my life. I'm really happy with what I'm doing."

Beyond that, the former Knoxfield and Wantirna resident would like to head into more film and television work.

"To get known and your work seen by people who are casting is always the thing. I'm very keen to carve my own path."