Alison Araya Riverdale Interview

Australian Alison Araya stars in Riverdale as Ms. Weiss

Alison Araya is an actress and writer, known for Arrow (2012), Riverdale (2016) and The Unseen (2016).


Question: What inspired your passion for acting?

Alison Araya: For as long as I can remember I have been captivated by storytelling. I was the child that 'performed' at every social event. At parties, there would always be a show that I either perform solo, or I would devise a show with all the other kids to perform for the adults! God bless my godfather and his infinite patience. I'd task him with introducing me to my audience and until he got it right I'd keep making my entrance! But beyond childhood shenanigans, I knew deep within that a career in acting was where I would find purpose. Attending Newtown Highschool of the Performing Arts, gave me a solid understanding of the craft I needed to develop and offered me a solid foundation to pursue acting professionally. And since that time I have continued to expose myself to different teachings and techniques in an endless pursuit to deepen my understanding and continue to grow as an artist.


Question: You're currently based in Canada – what motivated the move?

Alison Araya: I believe it was graces that lead me to Canada. I'd met an actor in a class back in Sydney and I was telling him how I planned to get to LA on a wing and a pray. He looked at me and said "Vancouver. You need to go to Vancouver." I didn't know anything about Vancouver, I didn't even really know where in Canada that was. But it made sense, being a part of the Commonwealth I could live and work in Canada, and certainly there'd be less Latina actresses in Vancouver than in LA. I'd found that at the time, the industry in Sydney, at least in my experience was not receptive to embrace diversity. I knew I wanted to act, but if I wasn't going to be seen then, I knew I'd have to leave Australia. Fortunately for me, I had and continue to have the full support of my family, so it made the move easier. I've been truly blessed with many incredible experiences in my time in Vancouver, but I won't lie, I would love to work on something closer to home.


Question: Can you tell us about your time on the Riverdale set?

Alison Araya: Growing up my bedroom was lined with posters of both Jason Priestly and Luke Perry. When I got to set and met Luke, I had to focus all of my energy to not have a total fan girl moment. But inside, teenage Alison was totally freaking out! So much so, I confessed to one of the writers that happened to be on set that day, that I was totally fan-girling on the inside. I had such a wonderful time on Riverdale; I was blown away by the talent of the cast. The show is runaway success and it's easy to understand why. They've created a world so unique and characters that are familiar but each with an edge. It makes for great television, and it's a thrill to be a part of it.


Question: Will we see you in season 3 of Riverdale?

Alison Araya: I can only hope!

Question: What was it like working with Anna Kendrick on Noelle?

Alison Araya: I've been a longtime fan of Anna's. I mean her twitter is reason enough to love her, right? I was very excited to work with Anna Kendrick and director Marc Lawrence. Christmas is my favourite holiday, to be a part of an epic Christmas movie that has the potential to be on your Christmas movie watch list, is everything. On set, Anna was a consummate professional and in between takes, cracking jokes and having fun. Despite long days and many moving pieces, everyone on set was having a good time and there to tell the best story possible. I am so excited to see this one!


Question: How would you describe Reverie?

Alison Araya: When I read the pilot for Reverie I was hooked. The pilot just aired and is receiving stellar reviews. The show delves into the minds of those choosing to exist with the state of Reverie, a virtual world where our happiness if fulfilled. It poses interesting questions about the role of technology, our ability to sustain empathy and human interactions. It promises to take audiences on some epic journeys and ask yourself, 'what would you do?'


Question: How do you decide which projects to audition for?

Alison Araya: I have a wonderful management team at Premiere Talent that vet all audition requests for me. I feel blessed to have powerhouse women overseeing my career advancement. It's rare to have a big break early on in your career, for most it's a steady climb inching your way to bigger opportunities with each booking. At this stage in my career, I mostly audition for leads and guest star roles.


Question: How does it feel to see yourself on the big screen?

Alison Araya: It used to feel so odd, but after a while, it just becomes another part of the job. You grow used to it, at least I have. What I find is really odd and I can't get used to, is walking the red carpet - inevitably I feel like a deer caught in the headlights!


Question: What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Alison Araya: If acting drives your soul, then never give up. If the art of acting moves you to move mountains to fulfill your purpose, then do it and don't let anything stop you. To be an artist is to agree to a life of unpredictability, highs and lows, feasts and famines and an endless pursuit for truth. It is a beautiful ride, not without its sacrifices but if there is nothing else for you, then dive in, hold on and keep going! I wish you the best!


Question: What's next, for you?

Alison Araya: A lot! I will be working on a few projects in the States starting September, unfortunately I can't reveal details, but I am very excited! The move to the US has been a long time coming and I am ready to embrace the opportunities LA has to offer. And again, I hope to one day work and create in my home town of Sydney, life is unknown, there are no previews, so all we can do is show up. Here's to showing up.


Interview by Brooke Hunter