Ria Pavia

Director & actor · born 8 October 1967 · Ohio, USA

Ria Pavia is an award-winning director whose debut, Second Team, recently won over a dozen awards on the festival circuit from 2020- 2021. Pavia also works as a dialogue/acting coach, privately coaching dozens of actors to prepare them for set and self-tape auditions. Prior to her coaching work, Pavia worked as a stage director, helming more than 20 plays and musicals. In the theater world, she has collaborated with actors including Jennifer Aniston, Noah Wyle and Mark Ruffalo. Her debut as a director represents a new step into film and television for Pavia, who has worked extensively in the industry. Previously, she worked as a "punch up" writer for feature films and staff writer on Ask Harriet, starring Ed Asner, as well as Pauly, starring Pauly Shore. Pavia's varied experiences as a casting associate included the classic movies Twister, Dead Presidents, and Flirting with Disaster. Though she excelled in her directing roles, Pavia began her career as a commercial actor; her "big break" came via a memorable gymnastics performance in a tampon commercial in the 80s. She went on to recur on hit TV shows ranging from sitcoms like Who's the Boss and The Hughley's to the soap Santa Barbara, before moving behind the camera. Pavia's creative education began in high school as a Theatre Major at Interlochen Arts Academy. She then studied under Sanford Meisner in the West Indies and finished up her education at UCLA, with a focus on theatre, TV and film. Her most rigorous role to date is the title of "Mother" to three spirited spawn: Daughter, Adrianna (20) and twin boys Dominic and Rocco (17). Pavia is based in Los Angeles.

Where to start: Candyman (1992).