Ria Pavia is a director, producer, writer and acting/dialogue coach.
Her career in the entertainment industry launched with performing gymnastics in a tampon commercial in the ‘80s. This stint propelled her into acting in TV commercials, guest spots, and film roles. Back in the day, she recurred on Married With Children, The Hughleys, and the soap opera Santa Barbara.
Her career then segued into casting associate on such movies as Twister, Dead Presidents and Flirting with Disaster.
Next, she donned her scribe hat, working as a staff writer on Ask Harriet (starring Ed Asner) and Pauly (starring Pauly Shore).
In the theatre world, Pavia has collaborated with Noah Wyle, Jennifer Aniston and Mark Ruffalo; directing over 45 plays and musicals.
Ria also directed episodes of Freeform’s Grownish and General Hospital and served as acting coach for 6 seasons on Grownish. She directed her first music video starring Trevor Jackson in partnership with TikTok and Apple and the comedic sketches she directed for The Tam & Kevin Show are now viewable on Second City’s streaming platform. She was thrilled to direct Table Read My Screenplay for International Screenwriters Association at Sundance in January ‘23.
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 (20 year old twins).
“Ria’s ability to break down story, understand characters, comedy and motivation puts her at the top of her field. She enhances every scene and is a wonderful sounding board because when you talk to her about a scene, she’s already in your head with a perspective that’s spot on. I can’t wait to see what she does as a director. I believe it will be nothing short of spectacular.”
“How lucky am I to have worked with Ria! All you have to do is watch her work one day on set to know she’s ready to be the one running the show. Thoughtful, decisive and supportive, she’s the type of director you want to have behind the scenes. Very excited to support and witness this new chapter in her career!”
