We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Walid Chaya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Walid thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work on many meaningful projects both behind-the-scenes and on-camera. However, producing and directing the MENASA Diversity Showcase as an Acting Coach and Director of Studio For Performing Arts LA has been one of the most fulfilling endeavors of my career so far.

The showcase has become an annual event that highlights the talent and diversity of MENASA performers, and it has been a privilege to see these actors shine in front of industry professionals. The showcase has also been recognized for its excellence, as it was the winner of the 2021 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards for “Best Special Event.”

Within the last three years, the MENASA Diversity Showcase has provided over 225 actors of Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian descent a platform for exposure to industry professionals in both Los Angeles and New York, all at no cost to the performers. This is a remarkable achievement that I am incredibly proud of, and it would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the entire team, including our partners at the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition and the support of the Casting Society of America.

It’s important for me as a Studio Director to create opportunities for actors of all backgrounds to showcase their talents and have a chance to be seen by industry professionals. The MENASA Diversity Showcase has allowed me to do just that and has been a significant step in promoting diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry.

Overall, the MENASA Diversity Showcase has been a source of pride and fulfillment for me personally, and I am excited to continue working on this project in the years to come.

Walid, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi there, I’m Walid Chaya, a Lebanese-American filmmaker and the Director of Studio For Performing Arts LA. When I’m not making movies, I’m dedicated to assisting artists in creating their own work, breaking down acting barriers, and promoting diversity and representation. Our studio offers powerful programs with real-world training and tangible business tools for actors of all ages to learn from industry experts. My passion for storytelling and visual arts started when I was young through watching musicals in Lebanon before moving to the US as a child.

I pursued my love for storytelling and earned my BFA in Performance from VCUarts Theatre, which is rated the #1 public performing arts school by US News & World Report. After college, I spent eight years working with film, TV and Broadway performers in New York City before relocating to Los Angeles to further immerse myself in the Hollywood scene. With over 15 years of experience as an acting coach, I specialize in helping actors elevate their craft and career.

We offer a range of services online and in Los Angeles, including Industry Mixers, Diversity Productions, 1-on-1 Career Consulting, Agent & Manager Showcases, Masterclasses with Film & TV Professionals, Demo Reel Services, Customized College Showcase, all focused on ‘The Business of Acting In The Digital Age.’ We’re committed to promoting diversity and providing a platform for underrepresented actors to showcase their talent and thrive in the industry.

Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with performers and fellow filmmakers. I’ve helped connect aspiring actors to agents looking for representation and casting professionals seeking specific talent for upcoming projects. Film and theater are collaborative art forms, and I’m honored to have worked with so many talented individuals throughout my career.

If you’re interested in our services, know that we’re dedicated to providing accessible and impactful acting training and career development services. We deliver high-quality results that exceed expectations and provide a collaborative and supportive environment for all our clients. Our success stories speak for themselves.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As an artist or creative, one of the most fulfilling moments is getting booked for a job. However, what outsiders don’t often see is the amount of work and dedication that goes into achieving that success. Actors and performers spend countless hours and put in a tremendous amount of effort behind the scenes to land auditions, network with industry professionals, take classes, and manage their personal brand on social media, among other things.

That’s why at Studio For Performing Arts LA, we offer a variety of career development services for actors to help them achieve their goals and book the roles they desire. Our film and television training programs equip actors with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the industry. We also provide services such as industry events, 1-on-1 career consulting, agent and manager showcases, demo reel services, and customized college showcases.

We understand the challenges that actors face and are committed to providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed. With our guidance, actors can approach the business side of the entertainment industry with confidence, knowing that they have the skills and resources to succeed.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

A major driving force behind my creative journey is the realization that I graduated from college with a BFA and strong acting training but lacked the proper professional tools to jumpstart my career. As a result, I had to learn many of the critical lessons on my own through trial and error, which was both time-consuming and costly.

I’m now committed to helping other actors avoid these same pitfalls and achieve their career goals more efficiently. At my studio, Studio For Performing Arts LA, we provide comprehensive career development services for actors of all levels. Our programs cover a wide range of topics, from audition techniques and industry networking to social media branding and digital marketing. Our goal is to provide actors with the skills and knowledge they need to make smart career moves and accelerate their path to success.

Through my own experiences and those of the actors I’ve worked with over the years, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the inner workings of the industry. By sharing these insights with others, I hope to save aspiring actors time, money, and frustration and help them achieve their dreams more quickly and efficiently.

Contact Info:

• Website: studioforperformingarts.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/studioforperformingarts
• Facebook: facebook.com/studioforperformingarts

Image Credits
Personal Photos