Riley Van Cleve’s journey in the world of performance began at the age of four, when her mother discovered her natural flair for drama. Cast in her first play before she could even read, Riley’s mom would read her lines aloud, and the young performer would memorize them by heart. Since that first foray into the theater, Riley has spent the last 18 years captivating audiences with her stage presence. Notable roles include Katherine in *Newsies* (opposite Broadway star Casey Likes), Amy in *Little Women*, and Desdemona in *Othello*.

Riley’s passion for performance quickly extended beyond the stage. At age nine, she began training in TV and film, making the trek from Arizona to California for auditions during school weeks. Her dedication paid off early: on her first feature film, *The Final Contract*, Riley went from being an extra to a supporting role when the director was struck by her enthusiasm and the uncanny resemblance she shared with the lead actress. This marked the beginning of a trend—10 years later, director Kassie Kotichas created the character of Grace in *American Family* specifically with Riley in mind after an unforgettable 40-minute audition. Riley not only brought the character to life but also helped co-create and co-write the role.

Riley’s commercial career also took off in her youth, landing her first booking in middle school. Since then, she’s appeared in five commercials, both regional and national. In January, she celebrated a major milestone, booking her first SAG commercial for Nike x Footlocker and receiving her Taft-Hartley.

But it was this past June that marked Riley’s biggest breakthrough yet. Chosen from over 5,000 submissions, she was cast as the host of Disney’s *Create Your World*, a six-episode miniseries where she led four girls through the exciting process of debuting an original Disney song live at the Disneyland Resort. Riley’s background in performance and her childhood photos were woven into the first episode, adding a personal touch to the show. With over 10.1 million views to date, *Create Your World* has been a game-changer for Riley’s career.

Riley’s mission is to bring the heart and spirit of the stage to the screen—focusing on meaning-driven stories, re-enchantment, and a deep commitment to the craft of acting. Her next big roles? Watch for her to channel Emma Stone in *La La Land* and Julie Andrews in *Mary Poppins*—two performances that promise to be just as transformative as her journey thus far.