Rivkin graduated from Illinois State University in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in theater-acting/directing. After graduation, he began independently producing theater in Chicago. In 1986, he co- founded Famous Door Theatre and was the company's artistic director from 1989 until he resigned this year. In addition, Rivkin has also served on Famous Door's board of directors and currently holds the position of vice chairperson. He has acted in several productions (and received a Joseph Jefferson Citation for his acting work in Salt of the Earth). Rivkin has also worked at The Commons, American Blues, Raven, Next, Live Bait, Prop and Steppenwolf.