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Walid Chaya

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BIO

Walid Chaya is a Middle Eastern actor, director and writer based in Los Angeles. He is known for his breakout film “Driving Ms. Saudi,” for which he won “Best Comedy Short” from Dubai's prestigious WOW Mid-East Film Fair and additional festivals worldwide, including a special presentation at the World Fair in 2022. Disrupt Magazine has called him a creative genius.



Walid can be seen on television in "Madam Secretary" (CBS), "Blacklist: Redemption" (NBC) and Hulu's "The Looming Tower" which is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning book, to name a few. He wrote, directed and starred in “Driving Ms. Saudi” inspired by the #women2drive movement and has several multicultural and gender-diverse projects in development.

Oscar-Winner Guy Nattiv directed Walid in A24's feature “Skin” and Walid performed opposite Tony-Nominee Suzanne Bertish in the feature "Mad?" He has two upcoming films, "Magic Hour," alongside Miriam Shor, and “Slingshot” starring Chris Mulkey.

Born in Lebanon and raised in the USA, Walid speaks both Arabic and English. He earned his B.F.A. in Performance with honors from VCUarts, ranked the #1 public university school of arts by US News & World Report. After college, Walid worked on award-winning productions in NYC and DC for several years before relocating to LA.

Walid has directed New York and Regional shows including the Off-Broadway premieres of Law & Order: NRU (2017), We Are Monsters the Musical (2015) and the DC premiere of Disney's "High School Musical" Live on Stage (2008). Walid is a member of the Stage Directors Choreographer Society and an alumni of the American Theatre Wing's, founder of the Tony® Awards, SpringBoardNYC directors program.

Moonlit Wings Productions, was founded by Walid Chaya in 2008 and recently voted "Best Arts Program'' by Washington Family Magazine. The company produces new works for the stage and screen that champion multicultural, gender-diverse and musical stories as well as educational performing arts programs for all ages.

In 2018, Walid expanded his work from NY/DC to LA, and soon after launched an educational division in California, known as Studio For Performing Arts LA, winner of the 2021 BroadwayWorld Regional Award for "Best Special Event" recognizing the “MENASA Diversity Showcase” directed by Walid Chaya. The studio’s professional training programs are geared to Walid’s speciality, "The Business of Acting In The Digital Age” and have helped hundreds of actors jumpstart their careers.

Walid was awarded the “Diversity Scholarship” from Upright Citizens Brigade LA for his work in original content, sketch comedy and improvisation. Walid is also the CEO of Broadway in Beirut, enhancing the entertainment scene and production value in the Middle East.

Additionally, Walid produces and directs philanthropic events to support different organizations like the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and more. He was an associate producer for Disney's "The Happiest Millionaire" 50th Anniversary Benefit Concert, live at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre in NYC. The concert starred Multi-Tony Award nominees and celebrated screen actors Dana Ivey, Brad Oscar, Lesley Ann Warren and Joyce Bulifant, who reprised their roles from the movie.

As seen in the Associated Press, “Walid Chaya is a rising star and voice for the Arab community creating content that empowers and entertains.”

Photos

News


Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; Voting Ends 12/31

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; 44: THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, 1984, House of Bards Theatre Company & More Lead!

There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; 44: THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, 1984, House of Bards Theatre Company & More Lead!

It's the final 3 weeks and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 11th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards December 5th Standings; INTO THE WOODS Leads Best Musical!

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; 1984 Leads Best Play!

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL Leads Best Musical!

The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 20th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
First Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; House of Bards Theatre Company Leads Favorite Local Theatre!

The first wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 13th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Photos: Inside WeHo Musical Mondays' BROADWAY BENEFIT BASH With Studio For Performing Arts LA Supports The LA LGBT Center

On Monday, November 6, 2023, the Chapel at the Abbey in West Hollywood was filled with the enchanting melodies and captivating performances of some of Broadway's finest talents, all part of the special 'BROADWAY BENEFIT BASH' presented at the Musical Mondays event.  Check out photos here!
LA's Musical Mondays to Host BROADWAY BENEFIT BASH Hosted By Walid Chaya And Studio For Performing Arts LA

Join LA's Musical Mondays for a special 'Broadway Benefit Bash' hosted by Walid Chaya and Studio For Performing Arts LA. Enjoy a night of music, camaraderie, and giving back at the iconic Chapel at The Abbey in West Hollywood.
Photos: THE GREATEST SHOWKID Soars To Success Created by Walid Chaya and Jimmy Monack

Amidst the fading sunsets of a remarkable summer, Moonlit Wings Productions takes its final bow with the captivating play, 'The Greatest ShowKid.' This extraordinary production, nestled within the 'Applause! Performance Arts Summer Camps' series co-produced with the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), bids farewell to a season brimming with creativity, diversity, and joy. See photos of the kids in action.
THE GREATEST SHOWKID A Diverse & Magical Summer Stage Adventure For Kids Comes To The Greater DC Area

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with 'The Greatest ShowKid,' a dazzling new stage production by Moonlit Wings Productions.
Photos: Go Inside DEFYING LABELS at MUSICAL MONDAYS 14th Anniversary Celebration

Last Monday, April 24, 2023, the iconic Chapel at The Abbey in West Hollywood was transformed into a musical escape as it hosted the 'Defying Labels' live show and competition, produced in collaboration with Studio For Performing Arts LA. Check out photos here!
Studio For Performing Arts LA, MAAC, And CSA Make History With Third Annual MENASA Diversity Showcase

The recent MENASA Diversity Showcase, held last Saturday on YouTube, was a triumphant success! This showcase served as an exceptional platform for actors of Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, South West Asian, and North African (MENASA-SWANA) descent to present their skills and gain prominence in the film and television industry.
Walid Chaya Brings DEFYING LABELS Show To Musical Mondays For 14 Year Anniversary In West Hollywood On April 24

Celebrate 14 years of 'Musical Monday's,' a beloved event that has brought unforgettable musical performances and social gatherings to Broadway lovers in the heart of West Hollywood.
3rd Annual MENASA DIVERSITY SHOWCASE to Hold Online Premiere in April

Studio For Performing Arts LA in collaboration with the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MAAC) has announced the upcoming 3rd annual MENASA Diversity Showcase, scheduled to take place as an online YouTube Premiere on April 22, 2023, at 10am PT.
Photos: LA MONOLOGUE & SONG SLAM Diversity Scholarships Awarded At Studio For Performing Arts LA

Studio for Performing Arts LA has concluded the pilot season special of the highly anticipated 'LA Monologue & Song Slam,' a unique event that combines the power of monologues and the soul of music. See photos from the event.
LA MONOLOGUE SONG SLAM Diversity Event & Creatives Mixer By Studio For Performing Arts LA Returns February 11

Studio for Performing Arts LA has announced the pilot season special of the highly anticipated 'LA Monologue & Song Slam,' a unique event that combines the power of monologues and the soul of music.
12 Days Left To Vote For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; Long Beach Playhouse Leads Favorite Local Theatre!

The latest standings as of Monday, December 19th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.
Latest Stats Released For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; at Broadwater Black Box Leads Best Ensemble Performance!

The latest standings as of Monday, December 12th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.
Latest Standings Released For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; Long Beach Playhouse Leads Favorite Local Theatre!

The latest standings as of Monday, December 5th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

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