CEO/ACADEMY DIRECTOR

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Robbie Ryde's journey through the worlds of film, television, and performing arts education is nothing short of remarkable. He's not just a seasoned actor, educator, and filmmaker; his story is as compelling as the characters he portrays on screen.

Hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, Robbie's early career path veered far from the arts. He chased his dreams in sports, making strides as a semi-professional Australian Rules Footballer and a skilled carpenter. But deep down, he knew his true calling lay elsewhere. So, he took a leap of faith, immersing himself in acting, a pursuit that set his soul on fire.

Today, Robbie is the driving force behind Ryde Entertainment and our beloved American Arts Film & Television Academy, which he co-owns with his partner, Jessica Orcsik. Under his guidance, the academy has become a hub of excellence, nurturing emerging talent and sparking creativity on a global scale.

Robbie's impact as a mentor at AAFTA is profound. Under his wing, aspiring actors have blossomed into stars, landing roles in acclaimed projects like "God Is A Bullet," where Chloe Guy shared the screen with industry giants like Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jamie Foxx, and January Jones, under the direction of Nick Cassavetes. Robbie's commitment to his craft and his students' success shines through in their numerous achievements.

In the past year alone, Robbie and AAFTA have launched a wave of rising stars, each with a story of triumph that resonates with resilience and talent. Our students have graced screens alongside industry heavyweights, infusing their passion and skill into feature films that have captivated audiences worldwide.

With a dedication to storytelling excellence and a drive to empower others, Robbie Ryde continues to make his mark on the entertainment world. His journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring creatives everywhere, reminding us that with perseverance and belief in our dreams, anything is possible.

Liz, a native of New Jersey, boasts a rich professional background spanning across Los Angeles and New York City, where she has excelled as a performer, producer, and educator. With an extensive portfolio cultivated over the past half-decade, Liz has contributed significantly to the educational landscape, delivering elective courses, crafting curriculum, and nurturing faculty talent within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
Beyond her instructional endeavors, Liz dedicates herself to providing personalized guidance, aiding students in honing their executive functioning abilities and mastering daily workload management.
Her tenure in New York City and Los Angeles has been marked by notable contributions to a diverse array of off-Broadway productions, film projects, television series, and commercial ventures. Presently, Liz serves as a co-founder of Unknown Entertainment, a thriving production company that has successfully produced over 15 short films within the last two years and has two feature-length projects in active development.
Passionate about the mission of AAFTA and the exceptional talent it fosters, Liz remains deeply committed to nurturing aspiring artists and contributing to the advancement of the performing arts industry.