ABOUT ME

Growing up, Rissa always had a creative eye and love for storytelling. From starting out in the music industry, to transitioning to tv in post production, a writer for entertainment, then striving in the theatre industry. Now, her focus is on being a producer and representing and advocating in entertainment law, paving her own path.

Rissa Lavilla is proud to represent her different cultures in the entertainment industry being Hawaiian, Filipina, and Spanish. She is passionate about being a voice for diversity, inclusion, and social change within the industry and is a member of several organizations that include:

Off Broadway League- The league fosters theatrical productions produced in Off-Broadway theatre and to serve as the collective voice of its membership in pursuit of these goals.

Drama League- The Drama League is the preeminent creative development home for directors, offering access and opportunity to them, their collaborators, and the audiences they inspire across the world.

NYCLU Artist Ambassadors- An organization that engages, educates, and empowers art community members who are passionate about the intersection of art and social justice.

PEAK Pasifika- Redefines and expands entertainment so that creatives can thrive, evolve, and drive innovative storytelling that honors the richness and diversity across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

Maestra/RISE- Maestra provides Support, Visibility, and Community to the women and nonbinary people who make the music in the musical theatre industry. RISE is a national personnel directory created to promote visibility of individuals who work backstage, behind-the-scenes, and in support of theater making.

MUSE- MUSE’s mission is to cultivate more racial equity in theatrical music departments by providing access, internships, mentorships, and support to historically marginalized people of color. MUSE aims to challenge systemic acts of exclusion and support musicians as we transition to a more diverse and inclusive environment for all.

Check out the highlights from Sing Out for Freedom 2023 featuring performances by the NYCLU Artist Ambassadors and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DPCkVhmaWg

Find out more about these organizations below: