We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ria Pavia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ria below.

Ria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

A few decades ago, my two brothers, parents and I relocated from New York to South Carolina, and it felt like we moved to another country. No, really. I truly thought one of my teachers spoke another language, but it turned out to be just a thick Southern drawl -“Ria” sounded like “Reahrrrr.” Culture shock aside, I wanted to make the most of the move. I I tried out for the cheerleading squad and got rejected. Just me and one other hopeful did not make the cut. Everyone else was accepted. Tried out again and was IN this time. But the whole “team sport” culture was not resonating with me, so I pivoted my plans and auditioned for a play at the local community theater. Flashback to the mid ‘70s when my mother convinced me to audition for The Sorcerers Apprentice at a prestigious theatre in Rochester. I used the word “convinced” by design… this was NOT something I was passionate about. YET. I wanted the lead role but ended up being cast as a broom. My broom costume was itchy and made me feel self-conscious, but guess what? I was IN. Like ALL THE WAY in. That play was the beginning of my love affair with the theater, that is still going strong today. This community theater became my second home, whether I was painting sets, playing characters, or running the follow spot for Pippin, I realized the arts were my life force, my blood. I soon discovered that my southern college prep high school fit like a restrictive blouse that shrunk in the dryer, so I promptly announced that I’d like to attend New York’s Performing Arts High School. I decided I was destined to live my life like one of those actors from the movie Fame. One issue: it was NOT a boarding school, so not an option. My parents, instead of seeing this as a sign that this mission I was on was not meant to be, and attempting to keep me at home, they encouraged me to stay the course and helped me to find another option: Interlochen Arts Academy. This performing arts boarding school would be where I spent the next two years and completely changed my life. It ignited what is now my robust career in the arts. My parents’ selflessness greatly impacted my journey in the Entertainment Industry and, for that I am eternally grateful.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My career in the entertainment industry launched with performing gymnastics in a tampon commercial in the ‘80s. This stint propelled me into acting in TV commercials, guest spots, and film roles. Back in the day, I recurred on Who’s the Boss, The Hughley’s, and the soap opera Santa Barbara. My career then segued into casting associate on such movies as Twister, Dead Presidents and Flirting with Disaster. Next, I donned my scribe hat, working as a staff writer on Ask Harriet (starring Ed Asner) and Pauly (starring Pauly Shore) for FOX. In the theatre world, I’ve collaborated with Noah Wyle, Jennifer Aniston and Mark Ruffalo, directing over 45 plays and musicals. Because I’ve frequently worked with children, I earned the nickname “Youth Cast Whisperer.” My deep understanding of actors’ journeys aided in my next chapter – Dialogue/Acting Coach on various TV shows and films including Freeform’s Grownish and Disney Descendants. Serving as an acting coach also allowed me to essentially shadow dozens of directors over eight years, which paved the way for my latest transition… directing. I am thrilled to have helmed a soap opera, a single cam, a music video and a commercial campaign over the last year. Prior to that, my award-winning film Second Team swept the festival circuit, ending its run at The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmakers Showcase at Cannes. I am also honored to continue to coach actors one-on-one and on TV and film sets. I am passionate about creatively collaborating with all types of artistic humans.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Art is subjective. As such, I have a embraced a deep appreciation for the fact that when I make art – whether it’s directing a TV show, writing a pitch for an animated series, or doing a VoiceOver for a film – the feedback is subjective. There is no real metric for what we do. This fact is liberating. It’s inspiring. An creative’s task is to keep making ART – whatever that means to the each individual. How cool is that?!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

An executive uttered two seemingly simple words to me about three decades ago: STICK AROUND. This phrase was in response to my frustrations from so many rejections when I was primarily an actress. He elaborated: “If you have talent and patience and you STICK AROUND, it will all happen.” Then he added the command, “TRUST.”
He was right. I did. And I am. I also had the word TRUST inked on my forearm, to remind me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.riapavia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ria.pavia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riapaviadirector
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ria-pavia/

Image Credits

Zai