Hi there! I am Aaliyah Dru Rivera, nice to meet you 🙂 I’m an Afro-Caribbean American actor and writer, proudly Jersey-bred and based in New York City. I trained at the Atlantic Theater Company, where I built a strong foundation in truthful, moment-to-moment storytelling and ensemble-based work.

I create to reflect the world around me. I’m drawn to work that cracks open big questions, challenges outdated narratives, and pushes forward truth—however messy, complex, or unexpected it may be. I believe art has the power to shift perspective, build empathy, and make space for voices that haven’t always been heard.

My heritage deeply informs the stories I tell and how I tell them. I’m always seeking characters and projects that feel lived-in, textured, and rooted in culture and community. Whether I’m writing, devising, or interpreting a script, I approach every piece with curiosity, care, and boldness.

I’ve also worked in arts education, with over five years of experience supporting young people as they find their creative voices. I coach students in acting, monologue work, and Shakespeare, and I believe in nurturing brave spaces where young artists feel empowered to take risks and grow their craft.

Stories are everywhere—on the street, in the classroom, around the dinner table. I keep my ears open. I bring what I find to the work.