Today we’d like to introduce you to Ria Pavia
Hi Ria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
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’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“If it was easy, everyone would do it.” Amirite? I’ve had more disappointments than I can count including, but not limited to, booking a pilot as an actress, then getting fired after the table read before shooting began. Sure, it was because I looked too young next to the actors I was supposed to be older than (and the powers-that-be had never seen us all together before), but that did NOT make me feel any better. As a wise studio exec once told me: “STICK AROUND!” I did. And I continue to do so.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an acting coach and director for the stage and screen. Having lived in four states and thrice as many houses before I was 14, quickly and comfortably playing in “new sandboxes” is one of my strengths that translates to both professions. My vast life experiences from a young age also inform my unique voice as a creative. I am fascinated by other humans and love nothing more than to devour life stories poured from the mouths of the storytellers, be it at a BBQ, on an airplane, or on set.
I believe it’s vital, when at the helm of a production, to exude warmth and inclusivity. These traits are infectious, and set the tone for the production.
I voraciously seek to find the funny; the levity – even in the most weighted material. Conversely, I’m passionate about aiding actors in grounding their comedy, keeping it “real.”
I should add that attending Interlochen Arts Academy for high school as a Theatre Major, followed by UCLA as a Theatre, Film, Television Major and finally, studying under the late great Sanford Meisner in the West Indies for a month when I was in my twenties, dramatically shaped me and taught me to embrace the beauty in the often messy experience of being human. I seek to shine a light on the raw, the flawed.
My most cherished hat I wear is that of Mother to Adrianna (23 years old) and Dominic & Rocco (21-year-old twins).
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am eternally grateful for supportive parents, who had their pom-poms out from the jump! I’ve also been fortunate to have the support of many directors and other creatives who have held the door open for me and others as we forge our own paths. Likewise, I am honored to set others up for success whenever and wherever I am able.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,riapavia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ria.pavia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riapaviadirector
- Other: https://vimeo.com/riapavia
