Rising Stars: Meet Rachel Borders of Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Borders.

Hi Rachel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Midwestern dyslexic with a fear of dogs and tendency to exaggerate (or, as I’d say, make things more interesting). Naturally, I became a TV writer. A little over a decade ago, I moved to LA sight unseen. I knew no one. I took improv classes to make friends. (No, I won’t go to your improv show. Bless, but I’ve had a life’s full.) I studied screenwriting at Brown University and came here knowing I wanted to write. My plan? Work my way up the ladder on a show: showrunner’s assistant, to writers’ assistant, to writer. I was able to do this over the years on a series of different shows, but it was not a smooth road. More like a malfunctioning rollercoaster, constantly stalling, equal parts exhilarating and nauseating. Like most LA creatives, I’ve had a bizarre array of jobs between seasons. Some of my favorites include game show clue creator, SAT tutor (no one should let a dyslexic do this), and death doula. A few years ago, fed up with TV development, I took the plunge to start writing short plays through Playground-LA. Best decision I’ve ever made. It opened me up to a whole different side of the city. I’ve since developed full-length plays with IAMA Theatre, Road Theatre Company, and PlayLA. While I love the shows I’ve worked on (and the protections of writing under the WGA #union), theater is where I can truly express myself. So now I, sometimes literally, write on TV shows during the day and craft my plays at night. Oh, and I also direct, but honestly who here isn’t a multi-hyphenate?

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I came into the industry at the tail end of peak TV. So, the beginning was much easier than now. There were a lot more shows and opportunities. I was staffed by 26, then hit some roadblocks and decided to repeat levels rather than be unemployed. I was briefly cursed by an Etsy witch (*proof pending*) to only be on shows that were canceled after one season. My friends and I like to say that success in entertainment is 20% talent, 10% vibes, and 70% luck. I’ve often thought that I used up all my luck being born into my lovely life. This is probably true, but I’m happy to say the curse seems to be broken because I’m now a writer on “Virgin River”, a Netflix original series that has definitely had more than one season. [Knock on all the wood!] Alongside luck, I got here by continuing to make connections, writing a bunch, and taking jobs I was overqualified for. I didn’t quit. I went to therapy and kept going. No day is perfect, but it’s pretty damn amazing that I get to make up stuff for a living.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my own writing, I tend to make comedic issue plays that focus on a specific societal struggle. Thus far, my plays have been about the acceptance of trans youth, sexual assault, and the death industry. Lighthearted stuff, I know, but my work blends in comedy to hopefully produce well-rounded and unpreachy pieces. Like Mary Poppins, I always carry a seemingly bottomless tote and try to trick people into enjoying their medicine. A spoonful of humor makes the leftist politics go down. I want my work to say something but still be entertainment. A showrunner once read my first draft of an episode and asked me, “Is this a group of firefighters or an improv troupe?” For the record, I see no reason why they can’t be both. As someone who laughs at the worst times, I believe a little levity never hurts.

What’s next?
I’m getting married in March and trying very hard not to make it my whole personality. I wrote an episode on the forthcoming 7th season of “Virgin River.” So, please stream that on repeat when it airs. I have two play readings in April 2026. I’m workshopping “Death Doula” at the Road Theater and will also be premiering an all-new play with PlayLA. I don’t have a title yet. Instagram (@rachelraybow) is my only marketing tool, so you’ll eventually find details there. I love seeing original theater, so don’t hesitate to invite me to your show! I promise to tell everyone it is wonderful, even if it isn’t. Making art is hard.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelraybow/