Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Rivera.
Hi Chelsea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since I was a kid, I had always dreamed of becoming an actor. The only problem: my terrible fear of public speaking. So I turned to dance. I danced throughout my childhood and even danced professionally with a modern/contemporary company. However, I sustained an injury (thanks CrossFit!) and subsequently pivoted to acting. At that point, I was a Film/TV major in college anyways so it wasn’t a crazy leap for me to jump from one side of the camera to the other. And then after that? It was easy. Two cross-country moves, hundreds of auditions, and approximately 36 identity crises (per quarter). KIDDING – I think it’s closer to 25.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What is the opposite of smooth? Bumpy? No – I feel like there has to be a stronger word. Well, whatever that word is, that is what having an acting career is. Don’t get me wrong, I am having a blast and enjoying the hustle. But, I don’t think I could have anticipated the dedication and consistency it takes – and that was just to book my first co-star. Interestingly enough, I would say the biggest struggle I’ve had is developing my mindset. I have moments where I’m like what the f*ck am I doing? I should do something important and serious with my life – like sell insurance! But one thing I’m really proud of is my commitment to personal development. I do all the things – therapy, journaling, affirmations, and meditation. And it’s really helped me embrace the fact that this career is a marathon and the hard work literally never stops. I used to think if I just got one credit, then I’ll be good and it will be easy. Well, now I have multiple credits and I can indeed confirm that things are definitely NOT easy. In fact, in a lot of ways, they are harder.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor, writer, and creator. I’ve appeared in multiple films and television shows. Most recently, I appeared in the Latinx reboot of Father of the Bride, opposite Cole Sprouse in Moonshot and opposite Alfonso Herrera in Ozark.
As a writer/creator, my series, Female Friendly, screened at multiple festivals, including HollyShorts, Austin Web Fest, and iO’s LA Scripted Comedy Festival (you can stream it on Seeka TV)! Most recently, my comedic pilot, All Mixed Up, won Best Short Episodic in the Screencraft TV Pilot Script Competition and my horror/comedy feature, Devil Woman, was a semi-finalist in Screencraft’s Comedy Competition.
I’m so proud of all the work I’ve done because I feel like I have learned so much and grown from every experience. But I will say there is something incredibly special about being in the driver’s seat. My most cherished memory to date was shooting the pilot for my digital series, Female Friendly. I’m excited to continue producing my own work – specifically on the feature side.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
What is the saying? Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. Not to sound like a motivational poster in a 4th-grade classroom, but I think that quote sums up luck perfectly. I have been very fortunate – or lucky – in my career thus far but I have also invested a lot of time, money, and effort into my craft. I have also been very strategic in designing a life for myself that gives me opportunities to succeed. And knock on wood, but so far so good! I still have so many milestones I want to hit as well as growth to do as an artist (and a person) but I’m really pleased that every year seems to be a little better than the last *knocks on wood again for good measure*.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chelsearivera.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsxrivera/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6705372/
