Steven Rios

Few performers in DFW have impressed me as much as Steven Rios. He is one of those actors with great personal magnetism that causes all eyes to be on him when he is on stage. Whether playing a wholesome Iowa farm boy in State Fair or a psycho killer in Ghost the Musical, Steven is totally immersed in the character. Steven is a terrific song and dance man as well as an actor and is constantly working to perfect his craft. Offstage, Steven is a charming, soft spoken, friendly, and intelligent young man. Take a moment to read about Steven’s journey in the performing arts so far.

When was your first time on stage?

 My first time on stage was in April 2014, I was 11 years old, and I played Sebastian in my elementary school's production of The Little Mermaid Jr. It was my first introduction to musical theatre and, luckily, my elementary school was known for putting on large scale productions of junior musicals so that made the experience a lot more enjoyable. Funnily enough, I was originally considered for Prince Eric but I had such an affection for the song "Under the Sea'' that I purposely butchered the Prince Eric reading and nailed the Sebastian one because I knew what role I really wanted to play, and I ended up getting Sebastian! That was my first taste of musical theatre and, oh boy, was it a good one!

 When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

 This is an interesting one for me because I don't feel like there was a single individual time that I realized that I wanted to be an actor. I mean it was always in the back of my head, of course, but as I grew older and started stepping on stage more it became more of a realization -- dissecting different roles and stepping into different worlds and just the pure electrifying energy and rush I get when I perform or even take a single step on stage, doesn't matter what time or what show it is, it always reminds me, “Yep this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” And now, I am currently working on my eleventh musical in a row and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon!

 Who is your greatest mentor?

   I can't choose one, in my time performing around DFW, there have been many people along the way to guide me and give me good advice. But I will say these names: Cathryn Hartt and Christine Chambers for both Acting and Voice, both high-level professionals in the field with tons of great knowledge, advice and experience. They have been so influential in my growth as a performer and have guided me around understanding the industry as well as the art of acting and musical theatre as a whole. I would also say my family for how supportive they have been in my journey as a performer.

 What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

  Oh wow, I'll say a couple. The first one that comes to mind is Jesus in Godspell, that was such a fun role that had so much freedom to it. The choices that I could make with that role were infinite and the music was so beautiful and enjoyable to sing, connecting one on one with the cast members in that show was heartwarming to me and made for such a beautiful rendition on stage. Also playing Wayne Frake in R & H's State Fair was fun too, driving a romantic agenda through a show and exploring that is such a fulfilling feeling. On the flip side of both of those roles, having recently just played a psycho killer in Ghost the Musical is also a treat.

 Do you have a dream role?

 Yes, not just one, but a good amount of them. Fiyero in Wicked and I would love to play Anthony in Sweeney Todd, I mean come on! It's a Sondheim show with beautiful music. Getting to play Anthony would be a blast.  I would also have to say Pippin in Pippin -- the show is so beautifully structured, exploring that role would be a great experience. Quasimodo in Hunchback of Notre Dame, JD in Heathers, Marius in Les Mis, and Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde are all roles I would also love to explore.

 What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?  

  Laura Osnes, Sutton Foster, Eva Noblezada, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pedro Pascal, and Andrew Garfield.

 What performances have you seen that impressed you?

 There have been many performances I have seen that impressed me but the first two that come to mind that were super fun to watch and really funny were Rocky Horror at Lyric Stage and The Prom -National Tour 

 What are your career goals?

 Overall I'm shooting for the highest level that I can, as of now I want to continue working around the DFW area, and I would love to start expanding way more and start working with more theaters all over the area and state, eventually pushing a professional working level here as much as I can, then after that ideally working professionally all over the US and as far this Theater thing takes me. Tour, Regional, New York.  No matter where I end up I want to continue to develop as a performer. I always love learning new things, different ways things could be done Etc. Grow, Grow, Grow! that's what it's all about

 What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I trained in trumpet playing for 8 years. I also play the guitar. I love jazz music, I love learning from people, and in every single show I do, taking something from every single person in the cast with me forward as I progress in my journey is essential. Also, I am a sucker for sushi and Thrillers!