Ria Pavia

About Ria

Ria Pavia is a director, producer, writer, and acting coach. Her film directorial debut, Second Team, nabbed 16 awards at various prestigious festivals, wrapping up at Cannes last year.

Her career in the entertainment industry launched when she performed gymnastics in a tampon commercial in the 1980s. This stint propelled her into acting in television commercials, guest spots, and film roles. Back in the day, she held recurring roles on Who’s the Boss, The Hughleys, and the soap opera Santa Barbara.

In the theatre world, Pavia has collaborated with Noah Wyle, Jennifer Aniston, and Mark Ruffalo and directed over 45 plays and musicals. She is in her sixth season as Acting Coach on Freeform’s Grownish and recently directed her first music video in partnership with TikTok and Apple. Earlier this year, she also served as Acting Coach on the latest installment of the Disney Descendants franchise—coming soon. She’s been touted as The Cast Whisperer and vows her favorite gig remains setting actors up for success through private coaching sessions via Zoom and in person.

Pavia attended Interlochen Arts Academy for high school as a Theatre Major; studied under the late great Sanford Meisner in the West Indies; and finished up at UCLA focusing on Theatre, TV & Film. Her most rigorous training revolves around the title of Mother to Adrianna (22 years old) and Dominic & Rocco (19-year-old twins).