Originally from Sacramento, CA, Riley is a graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program and an alumnus of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater's Emerging Professional Residency Program. Over the course of his training, Riley studied with the Shakespeare's Globe Education program as well as the London International School of Performing Arts, and participated in workshops with such notables as John Barton, Barbara Houseman, and Ken Washington. Riley has worked at a variety of American regional theaters in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona, Montana, Utah, and New York.