Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryainna Lopez.
Hi Ryainna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ryainna Lopez, I’m 13 years old and currently based in Arkansas!
I had always wanted to be on a movie/tv show when I was younger, but I was suppeerrrr shy! So, I hadn’t taken action. But, when “Five nights at Freddy’s” released back in 2023, it gave me motivation to begin my career. I began looking for acting classes, and immediately jumped in with Bret Loehr Studios (Which is who I train with to today)!
After I got into classes, I began extra training with going to my local theatre. Which helped me gain strength with memorizing, volume, diving deeper into characters, etc! My first play was in 2024, Charlie and the chocolate factory. I’ll never forget it, I played “Veruca Salt”.. and of course, had to play the small part of an Oompa Loompa.
This year, I began writing my own movie “Step 10”. That’s where I really blossomed. I also casted it, directed it, acted in it, and so much more! It was so much to carry, especially at 13— but anything is possible if you set your mind to it! It took five months in total to write and film, and is releasing on Halloween day, October 31st.
I also got into another play at that theatre—Inside Out 2, as “Anxiety”! Shout out to Arts Live Theatre!
After that, I began taking my own headshots, making more connections on social media.. whether it being somebody small, or somebody with a large following, everything matters! Connections are key. I began booking after that, however, which I got into my first short film, “Office Hours” by Rerolled Studios! I played Mia, and it was SOOO fun! (Available on YouTube now)
I have to however give one of the biggest credits to YouTube. SERIOUSLY it is the best resource with starting out. When I started in 2023—I watched so many YouTube videos! I would sit there for hours, watching acting tips, behind the scenes of movie vlogs, etc! I really enjoyed watching Makayla Lysiak, she definitely helped me understand everything better and gave me basic resources. Genuinely, I heard most things in my acting class that I heard from YouTube!
So really—acting is about research, connections, and having fun. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, definitely not a smooth road at ALL!
I’ve had so many ups and downs, I mean.. yes acting is about fun, but let’s be so honest—It can be challenging.
I don’t think any actor/actress could sit down and tell you they haven’t had any struggles in their career. If they do, they’re lying.
I think the hardest thing can be rejection—Yes, you move on. Yes, it leads you to book something bigger and better. But I don’t want to spread false information and say that It doesn’t sting hearing all of those no’s. You put so many hours into one audition, just for your dreams to be crushed. Sometimes, you don’t even hear anything back at all!
You really have to learn how to handle rejection, to not give up because you didn’t get at least a callback to be an extra in one of your favorite franchises, or even a new one you want to make history with.
It’s also very stressful, because often times you don’t feel as if you’re enough. You hear so many no’s, until you hear that one yes. I say if you feel that way—cry it out, go to sleep.. wake up the next day, and go bigger and better with your next audition. The more effort you put in, the more results you get back!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a director, actress, editor, writer, singer, costume designer, and so so much more!
You probably know me from my movie, “Step 10”, where I play “Phoebe Riverdale”. But I’m also known for being in “Office Hours” as “Mia”.
I’m most proud of my writing, to be honest. To write a film that was supposed to be 114 minutes at 13, is absolutely insane. I think I wrote the Step 10 script within 3 months? Yeah—that’s insane. I feel like I did.. pretty good. But, I definitely didn’t make the next “Scream”.
What sets me apart from others I think would be how much I’ve done already. Within two years of taking acting seriously, I’ve booked one short film, gotten two speaking parts in theatre plays, made a movie by myself (and I have two more coming shhh), And I’ve been editing for 6 years. I have about 20 credits already—maybe more.. maybe less.. I don’t keep count. Yes, there are more thirteen year olds with better credits and recognition… but at least I don’t have nothing!
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters the most to me is my family and friends. I feel like the ones who love you are the most important, the ones who stick with you by your side during your highs and lows. I love my family so much—I try to stay as connected with them as possible, to see them as much as I can, while I still have that chance. And for my friends? I have nothing close to enough words to express my love for them. They’ve helped me so much, and I thank every single one of them for that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryainnalopez
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ryainnalopez
- Twitter: https://x.com/ryainnalopez
