IsabellaRivera
Boston-based actor, singer, dancer
Performances
I have been performing on stage since the age of seven as an actor, singer, and dancer. I appeared in professional productions as Little Red Ridinghood in the 2022 NEMPAC Opera Production of Into the Woods and Belle in the 2021 Equity production of A Christmas Carol at The Hanover Theatre. Other notable roles include Regina in Mean Girls, Donna in Mamma Mia!, The Witch in Into the Woods, Cassie in A Chorus Line, and Katherine in Newsies, among others.
About Me
I would love to hear from you about new projects. You may also view my profile on Backstage.
Recommendations
I am forever grateful to all the directors, teachers, and coaches who have encouraged and inspired me as an actor, singer, and dancer.
01
I have had the opportunity to work with Isabella on two productions. I directed her in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock in the Summer of 2017 and Stephen Schwartz’s Children of Eden this past summer. In both musicals, she played significant parts – Tomika in SOR, and Eve in COE. She thrived and exceeded my expectations in both projects. Isabella is a talented performer, with varied and strong skills in singing, dancing and acting. I was impressed by her levels of depth as she approached a character. Always prepared, Isabella was ready to explore the text of both the scenes and the songs. We would engage in wonderful conversations around scene work and exploring a character’s true motivations and their backstories. She is truly energized by the atmosphere. A stage and a rehearsal space seem to be a second home to her, and those around her benefit from the joy she feels. Her rehearsal ethic and performance elevated the productions and made directing them very rewarding. As much as I could write more about her success as a young performer, Isabella also brings those unteachable intangibles to each day and each project in front of her. She is a team player and a loving cast mate. She is thoughtful of others and wants the other actors to thrive. She can read the room with the best of them. Isabella has my highest recommendation. She is a talented and creative young adult, ready to explore the next level of the performing arts.
Aidan O’Hara
Producer & Director
Weston Drama Workshop
02
Isabella has a magical stage presence that transcends her lovely voice. She placed 2nd in the South Shore Conservatory Soderberg Vocal Competition in the Contemporary Division and was a Finalist in the national Hal Leonard Vocal Competition in the musical theater category. She is a naturally radiant performer; and although she is extremely serious and unassuming in her lessons, when she steps on stage, she comes alive in a way that is hard to put into words. She has the “it” factor that only requires continued nurturing to emerge into something that could be truly world class. I saw her performances of the lead young female role, Tomika, in School of Rock at the Company Theatre and Weston Drama Workshop and she was mesmerizing. Her stage instincts are already finely honed at a young age. She is a serious, committed young artist who always comes to her lessons prepared. She absorbs direction quickly, never complains, and always impresses me with her ability to memorize music quickly. Isabella would be an asset to any program, and I look forward to witnessing her continued growth as an artist.
Meredith Borden
Artist & Vocal Coach
South Shore Conservatory of Music
03
Isabella defies comparison in terms of her maturity and understanding of what is required on stage. I can say, without hesitation, she is the most polished actor I have ever worked with in her age category. Audience members inquired about her age during a recent production of The Wizard of Oz in which she played the lead character of Dorothy. They couldn’t believe that a 6th grade student could possess such presence, such talent, and such composure in this demanding role. She remained in character throughout the performance and even “saved the day” by redirecting an actor who was off script. Isabella immediately jumped in, created a line to get the actor back on track and proceeded as if nothing had happened. All this from a 6th grader! The sky is the limit for this young actor. I truly expect to see great things from her in the future. She is just getting started!
Kerry Tondorf
Educator & Director
South Shore Charter School
04
Focused, talented, optimistic, and hard-working, Isabella displays an intellectual curiosity and joy in all of her work. It doesn't matter whether she is in the ensemble or featured in a leading role, she brings a sense of wonder and intensity to her material. She truly is a joy to work with. I was amazed at her growth during her time playing the role of Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. She literally stopped the show with her dynamic performance of "Under the Sea!” She also found the humor in the script while maintaining the integrity of the material. Not only does Isabella respond extremely well to direction, she is also audacious, making choices of her own. Through her talent, work ethic, and optimism, this young lady has stood out of the crowd in our company. In addition, her support of fellow colleagues is admirable. I love catching her moments of kindness when she thinks nobody is watching. I am certain that Isabella will do great things as she is just beginning on her journey towards success.
Kyle Wrentz
Artistic Director
Break A Leg Theater Works