Actor~Writer
WHO:
My name is Clifford Rivera- trained actor in many forms including Drama,Comedy,Shakespeare,Chekhov,Classical and Commedia del Arte. Also a writer of comedic monologues,dramatic monologues,jokes,sketches and one act plays.
HISTORY:
After a wild childhood which encompassed New York City and Orlando Florida- I served in the United States Navy and then upon Honorable discharge travelled the country in search of myself and my purpose for being here..sounds kooky but I honestly was clueless- I just knew I didn't want to be a career military person. After jobs ranging from bartender to bouncer, male dancer to audio/video consultant...I found the reason why I was left handed
, why I could sketch anything without training, why I could watch something and immediately mimic it- I was born a creative soul. A born artist, meant for the stage, the only joy I have found has been in the Arts. So I went to college, took drama classes,theater history,humanities classes,art classes- aced everything with 'A's and after five consecutive stage roles receiving praise from local critics and theatre goers- I auditioned for and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC. After completing the 2 yr conservatory program in 12 and 1/2 months(applause)- I then auditioned for and trained in an intensive Shakespeare program at the Stella Adler Conservatory under the guidance of James Tripp,Andrew Wade of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Angela Vitale. From there I decided to study the style of intense drama (Anton Chekhov) with Sam Schatt, then I auditioned for and transferred into the 2nd year of the 2 yr conservatory program at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts:School for Film and Television. Now a graduate of many schools and styles I am hungry,focused and ready to take on all challenges.
GOALS:
I have goals many (many) goals but the main one is to be a working actor. Contribute to the art, entertain the masses, give them their moneys' worth. I am unselfish when it comes to money and fame- I want to be satisfied and that satisfaction comes from knowing that anyone who pays for a ticket to one of my plays or stand up performances or in the future- movies..will feel like it was money well spent, they had or witnessed an experience..they leave the theatre satisfied.
Beyond that: I want to work eventually for Saturday Night Live either as a writer, performer, or host...it was and always will be one of my all-time favorite shows- a real icon of television. I grew up watching SNL behind my mom's back of course because for many of those years I was supposed to be in bed asleep ;)
I was always a fan of superheroes and comic books- I was a loner kid and all I had were my comics,my imagination and my uncanny ability to draw anything. I wanted to be a comic book artist but never pursued it. I was afraid of having my art criticized(I was young with no courage) but now with courage and and a wealth of tools I NEED TO PLAY A SUPERHERO OR A SUPERVILLAIN!! Preferably I would love to play 'Hawkeye' in an Avengers film or 'General Zod' in a Superman film.
I grew up with a mom who loved her 'novelas' so to be a cast member of "All My Children" or "One Life to Live" or "General Hospital" would be a grand tribute to a great woman.
and finally I would like to eventually perform in a BROADWAY Production.
I was raised in the shadow of the lights of Broadway,I always marvelled as I looked up at the billboards and marquis. Live theater is unmatched in providing instant gratification to the artist,you are joined on your journey on stage by the audience who has committed themselves to leaving their own reality for a short time to bear witness to your own reality. The chance to be on the grandest stage in the world in my home city performing would be a boyhood fantasy come to life.
That is me in a nutshell...
todays count:
