Ernie Rivera can hardly remember a time when he didn’t want to be an actor.
“It’s something I've always had in me to do,” he explained. Pretend worlds and playful imitations in childhood eventually evolved into practicing and recording monologues in his living room, landing roles that turned into more opportunities, and ultimately devoting himself to what he’d come to appreciate as a profound and satisfying medium for storytelling and emotional connection with an audience.
“It starts off with playing pretend, but as you get older and grow into it, you figure out ways to really explore the world through the eyes of another,” Rivera said. “It’s a chance to tell stories that affect countless people and exchange that spark.”
A Backstage success story
Rivera’s early acting career began not with digital headshots and online submissions but the crinkling pages of Backstage as the weekly printed publication many working actors relied on for its roundup of the latest casting calls and industry tips and tricks.
“Boy, I can't even remember how long I've been using Backstage,” he marveled. “What keeps me coming back is that it is an incredibly inclusive one-stop shop. They post great jobs, have amazing articles, and it’s the perfect place to find acting resources.”
In recent years, Rivera has been cast in numerous and diverse Backstage projects, including the Warner Bros-funded, award-winning feature film Voodoo Macbeth with director Dagmawi Adebe, which led to him being cast in Adebe’s acclaimed short film The Ball Method.
But, as is so often the story, Backstage hasn’t been just about landing gigs for Rivera, it’s been a source of meaningful industry connections. Backstage was his path to getting connected with new friend and director Shawn C. Phillips and being cast in that director’s indie horror film Skate to Hell.
Photo credit: Ernie Rivera, behind the scenes of Skate to Hell
“All of these were truly amazing experiences!” Rivera raved, adding that one experience leading to the next is how he has built a career of exciting roles and invaluable connections.
“No one project (or lack thereof) is going to make or break you,” he advised. “Stick with it. If it’s not this project, it will be the next one, or the next one.’
For industry newcomers, his advice is simple: “If you always wanted to be in entertainment, but had no idea where to start, sign up for your first community college acting class and get a subscription to Backstage. Create your profile, and read everything you can on the platform. You'll save yourself years of how-can-I's and what-ifs.”
Building relationships in a digital age
Rivera has been in the industry long enough to recognize its changing landscape and the influence of powerful digital tools like social media platforms.
"Social media has changed my world when it comes to building relationships," he said. He emphasized creating dedicated social media accounts to build and have easy access to an online portfolio, showcase his work, and use them to connect with professionals and future collaborators.
“I use social media to find out who's working on what, who's casting what,” he explained, adding that he often sends personal and polite inquiries about opportunities and projects that interest him. “Sometimes you get no response, sometimes you get a polite ‘no,’ but sometimes they want to see something you've done or even meet in person.”
Preparation and networking your way to success
Like so many successful actors, Rivera believes in meticulous preparation for auditions, advising actors to know their lines “backwards and forwards until it’s in your bones.” This foundation allows for deeper, more authentic character interpretations.
And, he reminded, once you get to set, be committed to learning as much as possible whenever possible and making new connections, because you never know how your paths may cross again later. “If you don’t know something, ask an A.D. Ask other performers. Swap socials, you might not have a question now, but you might have one in six months,” he advised.
“Remember, we're all in it for the same reason, to create and share. So, meet others, figure out what you like about what they're doing, and don’t be afraid to let them know.”
And, he emphasized, don’t forget to say thank you. “When you do get cast, or when you work on a project, don't be afraid to send out those thank you notes. Everyone loves a thank you note!”
Remembering your why
Beyond the technical aspects of the craft, Rivera's advice centers around staying true to your passion and what made you begin this pursuit at all.
"Remember why you are in it," he urged. "There will be times when people will try to make you do what they want. There will be times when you want to quit. Block out the noise, put those blinders on, and do it for you, because you love it.”
And that love for the craft? Share it! Rivera is a big believer in creating content and using online platforms to connect with an audience. He routinely records and posts monologues online to share with others and improve his skills. “Not only do I get that chance to share what's inside me with the rest of the world, but recording new material weekly gives me perspective and makes me, I believe, a stronger, more capable artist.”
Not waiting for permission
As any working actor knows, the next job can be elusive. But Rivera isn’t waiting for anyone to tell him when his career starts and stops.
“I don't need to wait for someone’s approval to start creating. I can create all of the time, I can create now, because I love it, because I choose to,” he explained. “People come into this with all of these fantasies and goals, destinations to reach. The truth is, it’s not about any destination, it’s about creation. And you don't need to wait on anyone to do your thing and share it with those around you.”
"The moment is now," he declared. "Do your thing, do it now, do it because you love it. Stay consistent. And, eventually, your audience will grow."
Photo credit: Kevin McIntyre
Staying positive and moving forward
Rivera shared that his biggest hurdles have most often involved overcoming self-doubt and uncertainty about the future.
He said the most challenging moments he’s had in his career have not been related to a bad audition or a role he didn’t get. Instead, his most trying times were battling a persistent feeling “that it’s ‘too late’ for this, or ‘too late’ for that,” that he somehow missed his window of opportunity.
But now he knows better.
“It’s never too late. The moment is now,” he assured. “If you have something in your heart, it’s for a reason. You don't need to know how to do everything. Just put one foot in front of the other until a path becomes clear.”
“If I had one wish for everyone out there, it would be this: Create, make the world better, just start now!”
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