Ria Patel is an Australian Indian Actress, Dancer and Writer. She is well known for her lead role in Season Two of the first ever Gujarati Web-Series; Varta Re Varta, and her recent award winning shorts; Bandaid and Two Paper Nightingale which also choreographed and the film was also a finalist at the Student Academy Awards last year. As a creative she wants to connect with her audience, help them feel understood and ultimately evoke change.
What advice do you have for others looking to break into the industry? Training! You don’t have to have a degree but put yourself in an acting class, even after my acting degree I still do classes and workshops, as actors it is so important to work that muscle. It’s like going to the gym. And ask yourself your why and write it down and keep it close. It’s important throughout our career with all the ups and down we remind ourselves of our why, to help us keep going. What’s one insider tip to success you’d give for others in 2021? Go into the audition room (nowadays zoom room) with the intention of giving to them (CDs, producer, directors), this is simply a mindset thing but very important, this changes the dynamic and no longer are you in the audition with a sense of desperation.
Connect with Casting Directors and other industry people, reach out to them, via Clubhouse or DM them (sometimes CD workshops aren’t the best place to have a casual conversation) and ask questions about THEM! You want to create a relationship in a casual setting so it doesn’t feel forced. A lot of times actors have the mindset of “what can you give me give me give me”. When you talk to them, ask: “What are you excited about in your career or life”. A lot of CDs get so excited and surprised when I ask this. They are human too!
