About Rachel
Rachel Rivera's artistic journey began at the age of 11 in the vibrant Bay Area theater scene, with early experiences at Starting Arts and The Lincoln Theatre Guild. Fueled by a deep appreciation for the access to arts education she received growing up, Rachel pursued a formal education in acting at the prestigious American Conservatory Theater, where she honed her craft. Her passion for education led her to a fulfilling career in arts instruction, and since 2022, she has been teaching across five school districts, inspiring over 500 students each year.
Returning to her roots, Rachel rejoined Starting Arts as an instructor and expanded her teaching expertise by working with respected organizations such as The Pear. In addition, she partnered with SVCreates as a director, leading arts outreach programming for both private and public school students. Her dedication to shaping the next generation of performers is matched by her extensive stage experience, having performed with esteemed companies including South Bay Musical Theater, Sunnyvale Community Players, and the American Conservatory Theater.
In 2024, Rachel embraced a new chapter in her career by joining the board of Sunnyvale Community Players for the 2024-2025 season, marking her first administrative role in theater. With a multifaceted career that spans performance, education, and leadership, Rachel continues to leave an indelible mark on the Bay Area arts community.
The Pear Theatre
Rachel has taught for two years at The Pear Theatre for the Pear Seeds program, focusing on outreach to children through the arts. Recently, they collaborated with SVCreates to bring arts to the community through an original stage performance. Under the leadership of Sinjin Jones, The Pear Theatre has earned a reputation for intelligent and skillfully crafted productions.
Starting Arts
Rachel is an arts educator collaborating with Starting Arts, where she began acting at age 12. She teaches acting and music classes across Bay Area school districts and directs musical productions and plays for all ages. Returning to her roots, Rachel is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of performers.
American Conservatory Theater
After completing her primary education, Rachel embarked on a journey of professional growth with the American Conservatory, immersing herself in a world of stage exploration. Through their esteemed conservatory, the San Francisco Semester, and various workshops, Rachel flourished, laying the foundation for her professional career.
Sunnyvale Community Players
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For the Sunnyvale Community Players' 2024-2025 season, Rachel serves as a Board Member, advocating for a safe space for trans, non-binary, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She champions inclusion, equality, and diverse casting, direction, and management for the Sunnyvale stage.