Forum Artistico: Why did you choose to be an actor?

Maria: It was something I felt inside me since I was a little girl…I remember being maybe 4 or 5 years old and going to sleep dreaming about living in NY and being an actress…I was fascinated with movies and theater. I remember talking for hours with my mom about old Hollywood stars, I would ask her million questions! My parents have always been very supportive of me and my dreams. My mother was always there for me, so proud and full of love. I was a very active kid, I did everything from gymnastics to dancing, but I could always feel that those weren’t really my things…I always felt comfortable acting though, from a very young age. It was such a rush! It was magical.

F.A.: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Maria: Life! The people who surround me, from my family and friends to strangers I pass by in the streets every day. I believe it’s very important for an actor to really pay attention to everything around him/her. We live in a world that is going faster and faster every day and way too many times we forget to stop and ‘smell the roses’, I think it’s very important to pay attention to the details around us.

F.A.:You started your acting career in Italy; did you find any difference (character approach, auditioning, opportunities etc…) in working as actor in US and Europe?

Maria: I was born and raised in Italy and the difference between Italy and the US is like night and day. The acting techniques used there are very far from me. The character approach is very different, is much more disconnected for me and it never really worked for me. The opportunities there are so tiny and the acting scene is very frustrating. I remember it when I was there, more than 12 years ago and I hear the same complaints over and over from my friends who are still there now. It makes me sad I have to say. It’s hard to see someone truly talented coming out in Italy, the shows are filled with reality stars now, with ‘names’ while so many amazing artists are left to the side…I couldn’t deal with that reality. There are so many more opportunities here in NY! And for that I’m so very thankful!

Maria Riboli in Baaahhh

F.A.:What advice would you have for foreign actors coming to New York City to pursue acting?

Maria: I think it’s important to train here in NY. You have access to some of the best acting schools in the world and you’re lucky to be able to take advantage of that. Also it will help you make connections and understand better this culture. Don’t ever feel like you don’t fit in though…if there’s a place in the world where anybody can fit right in is The Big Apple!

F.A.: Now you are coaching and teaching regularly. If a young actor wants to have you as teacher what she/he has to do and if there is any technique you recommend or teach?

Maria: At the moment I have two group classes (Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm). I offer the first class for $10, I think it’s very important for an actor to try a class before signing up for it. He/she has to be confortable and click with the teacher. I keep my classes very small, I want everybody to be able to work more than once in each class and it’s very important to me to spend a lot ot time with every single one of my actors. I also do a lot of private coaching, and here and there I do ‘1 day intensive workshops’. People can find all the info on my website (www.mariariboli.com) or just email me directly (info@mariariboli.com). I teach the Method acting teachinque, but I do incorporate other things that I’ve developed during these years. There’s no magic techinique out there...you just have to find the one that’s good for you, the one that you feel confortable in.

F.A.: Has teaching actors influenced the way you approach auditions and/or a creative process?

Maria: I’ve been teaching acting for many years now and I love it! I love my students and they are always a source of inspiration to me. Working with so many different personalities makes me grow as a director, that’s for sure! For example it’s a study for me on how different people react in the same situation, and that is so very interesting.

F.A.: What upcoming projects do you have in the near future?

Maria: I auditioned a week or so ago for a play and I got called back for the lead role and I’m very excited about that call back, it’s a beautiful script. I also have other auditions lined up so keep your fingers crossed for me ;)

F.A.: When creating a character, do you start researching and exploring from the inside out or the outside in?

Maria: It’s a very long process for me and one that I enjoy deeply! I really dig into my characters! The ‘inside’ for me is fundamental…I do a lot of research; I have to have a solid background. It’s important to me because I’m bringing to life a human being and it has to be real, it has to be solid. I need to feel the connection. I enjoy every aspect of it…from the first approach to the character, to the clothes she’ll be wearing. I like to be involved in all the different fazes of the creation.

F.A: What actors or directors influence you?

Maria: Anyone who is able to touch me emotionally. If I go see a play, a musical, a movie, a reading or anything in between and I leave feeling something in my heart, then I consider myself lucky! Actors give emotions to people, we make people laugh, cry, think and that is so very inspiring to me.

F.A: How do you keep your acting fresh, new?

Maria: I think as long as you’re having fun in this business your work will always be fresh! When you start becoming bitter, if anything has a negative side to what you do, then I think you lose the connection with the art, the pure form of this art, and that for me would be a dead end.

F.A.: Any tips for relaxing and reducing nervousness before and during an audition?

Maria: Breaattthhheeee!!! Hehehe your breath will center you and keep you calm, take slow and deep breaths. Stay focused on what you’re supposed to do, stay in the moment and please do take your time! It’s your time to shine, it’s your time to come out and show what you can do. You have to prepare, you have to relax your body and mind. You should practice any kind of relaxation or meditation every day in your life.

F.A.: How do you keep your motivational level high?

Maria: I love this art! Above all I’m in it for the love I have for acting! It’s a very tough business, but it’s a beautiful one! The love and respect I have for it keeps me motivated. I feel very thankful to be able to wake up everyday and do what I absolutely adore.

F.A.: What plays or movies have you seen recently and which ones would you recommend and why?

Maria: In the past few weeks I’ve been to two Broadway shows, “A Behanding in Spokane” by Martin McDonagh, with Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell and I also saw the musical “Next to Normal”. Two very different evenings. I personally enjoyed “Next to Normal” more. I was touched by the story and the performances. I do wish it could’ve been a straight play though. “A Behanding in Spokane” fell a little short for me. I felt like the characters were a little flat, I would have liked to see more depth in them.
I also went to the movies just last week to see “Alice in Wonderland” by Tim Burton. Visually it was stunning; however, the story wasn’t too strong for me. It’s definitely a movie you want to see at the movie theater though! I always think that is good to go out and see movies, and see plays, no matter what it is, you learn and grow from every single one, especially as an artist. I think it’s important to support the theater as well, and you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to see a show, there are many great plays Off and Off Off Broadway that are definitely affordable!

F.A.: What do you do in your spare time to relax, any hobbies?

Maria: I enjoy spending time with the people I love, I really enjoy cooking (must be the Italian blood in me) and having friends over for a nice meal. I also love walking around in NY and I can’t wait for spring and summer to be here. Another thing that I truly love doing is going to the beach. It relaxes me like nothing else!


F.A: What was the funniest event or situation you have been involved in recently?

Maria: Hmmm I have to say it’s hard to tell… I love to laugh and to also laugh at myself. I’m always in a good mood and always looking for the bright side of life…

For more information and contact Maria Riboli, you can see her profile in our community.