Marjo-Riikka Mäkelä is a multifaceted and accomplished individual, boasting an impressive career as both a skilled actor and a renowned acting coach, whose extensive expertise and versatility have earned her a reputation as a master of her craft. Her professional affiliations with prestigious organizations such as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG),the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA),and the Actors' Equity Association (AEA) serve as a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in the entertainment industry, where she continues to make a lasting impact through her work.
Marjo-Riikka Mäkelä, a trailblazing figure in the realm of television and film, was honored with a distinguished "IHOLLA" award in August 2021, a testament to her remarkable and far-reaching contributions to the industry.
This esteemed recognition was bestowed upon her by the prestigious Red Carpet Festival Jury in Finland, a group of esteemed professionals and experts in their field, who acknowledged her outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication to her craft.
The award serves as a fitting tribute to her tireless efforts and commitment to pushing the boundaries of her craft, and it is a testament to her lasting impact on the world of television and film.
Through her work, Marjo-Riikka Mäkelä has left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps and strive for excellence in their own endeavors.
As a result, her receipt of the "IHOLLA" award is a well-deserved recognition of her remarkable contributions, and it is a reminder of the significant impact she has had on the world of television and film.
Marjo-Riikka, a highly respected and endearing figure in the acting community, has earned a reputation as the "actor whisperer" due to her remarkable and bespoke coaching approach, which has empowered countless actors and directors to refine their craft, tap into novel sources of inspiration, and triumphantly navigate the challenges of creative pursuits.
Marjo-Riikka is a multifaceted and accomplished professional, distinguished by a broad and diverse array of artistic skills and techniques, encompassing the esteemed Michael Chekhov Technique, alongside Non-Violent Communication and Intimacy Direction, thereby showcasing her mastery across a wide spectrum of disciplines.
As a highly regarded and distinguished figure within the Michael Chekhov Association, she has maintained a longstanding and esteemed connection with this prestigious organization, allowing her to cultivate a profound understanding of the principles and practices that underpin the Association's work.
Throughout her career, she has had the unique privilege of not only being affiliated with the Association, but also of sharing her vast knowledge and expertise with students at the renowned National Theatre Academy in Helsinki, Finland, and Aalto University, thereby further reinforcing her position as a leading authority in her field.
These opportunities have not only allowed her to hone her skills and deepen her understanding of the art of acting, but also to disseminate her expertise to the next generation of performers, thereby ensuring the continued growth and development of the craft.
As a result, her reputation has grown exponentially, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the world of acting, and cementing her status as a respected and esteemed member of the Michael Chekhov Association.
Marjo-Riikka's academic trajectory is characterized by a rich tapestry of interdisciplinary studies, with a unique synthesis of theatre and film education serving as the cornerstone of her educational foundation. This comprehensive educational background has effectively laid the groundwork for her subsequent professional endeavors, providing a robust base upon which she has been able to build a successful career.
Marjo-Riikka's Biography:
Marjo-Riikka is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse range of professional experiences.
Marjo-Riikka's educational background is complemented by her acquisition of a practical nurse degree, showcasing her exceptional ability to adapt to new situations and her willingness to continually expand her skill set, thereby underscoring her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Marjo-Riikka
Marjo-Riikka is a highly accomplished individual with a strong educational foundation.
Not only has she demonstrated exceptional aptitude and dedication to the pursuit of academic excellence, but she has also taken the initiative to expand her intellectual horizons by earning a degree in Equestrian studies, a testament to her profound passion for the fascinating world of horses and her unwavering commitment to becoming a master of this distinctive and specialized discipline.
Marjo-Riikka has not only acquired a solid foundation in her formal education, but has also supplemented her knowledge by dedicating herself to a wide range of volunteer activities, one of which being Equine Facilitated Therapies, a field where she has leveraged her skills and expertise to bring about a profoundly positive influence on both individuals and communities.
In addition to her extensive professional endeavors, she has voluntarily dedicated her exceptional skills and knowledge to esteemed organizations in Los Angeles, specifically the Young Story Tellers and the Actors Gang, providing her expertise and talents to support their noble missions and goals.
Marjo-Riikka is a dynamic and versatile professional, distinguished by a diverse array of credentials that demonstrate her exceptional range and breadth of expertise. Notably, she has earned the prestigious designation of Arizona Trauma Institute Certified Trauma Support Specialist, as well as that of Resilience Coach, signifying her profound understanding of the complexities of trauma and her ability to provide empathetic and effective support to those affected.
Furthermore, Marjo-Riikka has acquired Mental First Aid certifications from the esteemed Association of Mental Health Coordinators and the renowned National Council for Mental Wellbeing, underscoring her commitment to promoting mental health awareness and her capability to deliver high-quality interventions and strategies to mitigate the impact of mental health crises.
As a multifaceted professional, Marjo-Riikka's impressive credentials serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication to the field of mental health, her passion for empowering individuals to build resilience, and her unrelenting pursuit of excellence in her work as a certified trauma support specialist and resilience coach.
Marjo-Riikka's impressive career has been marked by her role as a mentor to a diverse array of accomplished television and film performers, whose impressive resumes boast an impressive array of credits, including appearances in a multitude of renowned productions, such as the critically acclaimed HBO series True Blood, the highly acclaimed AMC drama Mad Men, the visually stunning HBO sci-fi epic Westworld, the gripping Showtime drama Billions, and a plethora of other notable projects that have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim.
Notable publications have featured her exceptional professional accomplishments, showcasing her in prestigious media outlets such as the renowned Back Stage, a leading authority on the entertainment industry; the respected Los Angeles Times, a prominent newspaper with a wide readership; American Theater Magazine, a highly respected publication dedicated to the world of theater; and numerous major European publications, thereby further establishing her reputation as a premier coach within the industry, commanding widespread recognition and respect among her peers and clientele.
Noted Finnish-American actress Marjo-Riikka has experienced a truly remarkable professional journey, characterized by an impressive accumulation of credits in both her native Finland and the United States. Her extensive and varied resume is replete with a diverse range of prestigious roles, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility as a performer. These esteemed roles have included appearances in classic theatrical productions, such as Euripides' timeless tragedy Medea, as well as innovative, collaboratively created works that have received widespread critical acclaim.
Marjo-Riikka, a highly acclaimed and accomplished individual, has been bestowed the prestigious honor of honorary membership with two esteemed institutions, the Stanislavsky Institute and the Latin American Film Institute & School of Cinema, a testament to her exceptional reputation and contributions to the world of theatre and film.
As a visionary entrepreneur and artistic leader, Marjo-Riikka is the founder and Artistic Director of Helsinki West Theatre Ensemble, a renowned theatre company that has established a strong presence in the vibrant city of Los Angeles.
Marjo-Riikka's remarkable career has been marked by a distinguished trajectory, with a significant portion of her professional life dedicated to spearheading acting workshops for some of the most renowned and respected acting companies and institutions within the industry. Her impressive portfolio includes the prestigious National Theatre of Finland, the esteemed Helsinki City Theatre, the illustrious European Theatre Collective, and numerous other prominent organizations that have benefited from her expertise and guidance.
Marjo-Riikka's personal life is intricately woven with her profound and abiding affection for animals, a sentiment that is deeply rooted in her compassionate nature. Her unwavering dedication to the welfare of these creatures is exemplified by her tireless efforts in rescuing and providing a safe haven for those in dire need of her assistance. The numerous rescued animals that currently reside in her care serve as a testament to her selfless devotion, and she aspires to take her dedication to the next level by establishing a sprawling animal sanctuary in the years to come. This ambitious endeavour will enable her to offer a peaceful and nurturing environment to an even greater number of creatures, each one deserving of her kindness and compassion.
