I’m Ilse Zacharias Rivera—a multitalented storymaker with a sharp point of view. Whether I’m on stage, on screen, or behind the writing desk, I bring boldness, depth, and a healthy dose of humor to everything I create.

In 2023, I wrote and produced my one-woman play The Knockout, which premiered at Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre. The dark comedy, inspired by real events from my hometown of Brownsville, TX, follows Elena, a seemingly average cleaning gal—until she runs into the man who turned her life upside down.

My first screenplay, La Chupacabra, was a finalist for the Sundance Institute’s feature development program and received a grant from filmmaker Jason Reitman’s Seed&Spark. I’ve also been honored as a Chicago Dramatists M.E.H. Scholar and as a nominee in the 2025 Blumhouse Screamwriting Fellowship.

As an actor, I’ve performed in theater productions like The Madres, The Abuelas, and Anna Karenina. Onscreen, you might’ve seen me in The Exorcist (FOX), Chicago PD (NBC), or the short film Dirty Business, which premiered at the Chicago Latino Film Festival. I also perform standup—earning a spot at the Chicago Laugh Factory and performing at the 2023 Chicago Latina Comedy Festival.

In July 2025, I launched my podcast and web series Ilse Will Say, where I dish out unfiltered opinions on everything from pop culture and politics to snacks that deserve more respect. The show is smart, playful, and totally me—full of wit, warmth, and the belief that opinions are best served with joy.

I was raised in a bilingual American-Mexican-Canadian household, and that multicultural upbringing deeply shapes my work. I love exploring themes of identity, humor, and resilience, always driven by curiosity. In addition to the upcoming La Chupacabra, I also wrote, produced, and starred in the short film Stop It and the web series La Law Firm.

When I’m not creating, you’ll find me boxing, swimming, or chasing the sun.

For more information please see Full Resume.