A continuous liquid ejection system includes a substrate defining a liquid chamber. An orifice plate, affixed to the substrate, includes a MEMS transducing member. The MEMS transducing member includes a first portion anchored to the substrate and a second portion extending over and free to move relative to the liquid chamber. A compliant membrane, positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member, includes an orifice and a first portion covering the MEMS transducing member and a second portion anchored to the substrate. A liquid supply provides a liquid to the liquid chamber under a pressure sufficient to eject a continuous jet of the liquid through the orifice located in the compliant membrane. The MEMS transducing member is selectively actuated to cause a portion of the compliant membrane to be displaced relative to the liquid chamber to cause a drop of liquid to break off from the liquid jet.