“She remains committed to her students”: How Alesia Rieser found confidence and community through an online course
The Swiss-born actor cites her connection with Interlochen Online instructor Ria Pavia as instrumental in launching her future in the industry.
When Alesia Rieser finished her final Interlochen Online course last December, she wasn’t quite ready to let the experience end. After taking a deep dive into acting and the entertainment business, there was still more she wanted to know. So, she reached out to her instructor, Ria Pavia.
“Her kindness and unwavering support make you feel genuinely seen—and even after the course ends, she remains committed to her students,” Alesia says. “I’ve had industry-related questions, and I’ve been able to ask her anything.”
That simple fact—that her teacher was there for her—meant the world. The support came at a crucial moment for Alesia. As a high school graduate, she felt poised to enter the acting world. Every step was critical if she wanted to reach her childhood dreams.
“I don't know when it started, but acting has always been with me,” she says. “It was like a whisper that I heard as a child, that I'm meant to do this for the rest of my life. It’s deeply tied to my sense of purpose.”
Connections and industry know-how
Alesia found out about Interlochen Online after exploring several other training options. When she was 15, she traveled from her home country of Switzerland to study film in Toronto. She quickly realized she needed more targeted training—specifically, something more aligned with the U.S. entertainment industry, where she knew she wanted to land. That’s what led her to Interlochen Online.
Alesia signed up for the Acting for TV and Film certificate program, which consists of three courses, taught by instructor and Academy alumna Ria Pavia: Acting for TV and Film, Navigating the Acting Business, and Auditioning for TV and Film. Ria is a director, actor and acting coach who has worked on Grown-ish and Disney’s Descendants; she’s also collaborated with the likes of Noah Wyle, Jennifer Aniston, and Mark Ruffalo.
The courses turned out to be the perfect fit. “Ria did an amazing job,” Alesia says. “The courses were excellent and I enjoyed connecting with my classmates—they made the experience even more rewarding. We had a lot of fun and walked away with a wealth of valuable insight.”
The learning didn’t stop at technical skills. It also opened doors to long-term connections. Alesia and her classmates, spread across the globe, still keep in touch over Instagram and celebrate each others’ accomplishments. Beyond the support of her peers, Alesia found a true mentor in Ria. Both professional and approachable, Ria made a vast amount of information easy to understand.
“I liked the way she put the program together,” Alesia reflects. “It was straightforward, well-structured and understandable. Everything was on point.”
The courses gave Alesia new confidence, rooted in the kind of practical knowledge that leads to industry success.
“We learned a lot about the business side of acting and got really familiar with key industry terms and concepts, such as the differences between multicam and single-cam setups, as well as the distinctions between sitcoms and soap operas.”
A solid foundation—and an ongoing mentorship
The early exposure has helped Alesia feel more grounded in a competitive environment. She is now studying at UCLA, which will include practical training that will allow her to immediately begin working on sets in the entertainment industry. Alesia’s training and talent have already started to pay off.
“I became much more comfortable and confident because, once you understand how the industry works and what to expect, you can approach everything with a greater sense of freedom and ease.”
After UCLA, she hopes to establish herself as a successful actor in TV and film.
“Interlochen Online was the first step that set everything else in motion,” she says. “It gave me a clearer sense of direction and helped me understand what to focus on moving forward: what I still need to learn, where I can grow, and what to prioritize.”
That preparation, and the sense of support that came with it, continue to matter. Today, Alesia is based in Los Angeles and looking forward to keeping her connection with her teacher.
“ I'm still in touch with Ria, and I’m planning to meet her soon,” she enthuses.
Interlochen Online is a year-round source of expert online arts education, offering opportunities for children, teens, and adults to develop and nurture their artistic abilities. Whether through four-week courses, certificate programs, or private lessons, you can experience Interlochen’s world-renowned training in an online environment that fosters creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
