Ilja van Ravels is a Dutch actor based in Berlin, not far from their hometown, Amsterdam. They began performing in musical-theatre productions at age twelve and later trained at De Toneelmeester and the Film Actors Academy in Amsterdam (2018–2021) before graduating with a BA in Screen Acting from Catalyst Institute for Creative Arts and Technology in Berlin.

During their studies, Ilja appeared in numerous short films in both the Netherlands and Germany, and also wrote and directed two original projects of their own. Their graduation solo show, Down the Hole, went on to receive positive reviews and an award at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

Ilja approaches acting as a space for openness and sensitivity, continually refining their craft through Meisner Technique training with Sylvia Schwarz. Fluent in Dutch and English, and intermediate German (ever-improving ;)), Ilja continues to share their passion for acting, both on screen and on stage.