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Directed by Walid Chaya, "Darn It Darla!" is a short film where he stars as a manipulative talent manager, following a former child stars...

Walid Chaya shares his journey with Canvas Rebel, discussing acting, filmmaking, Studio For Performing Arts LA, and creating opportunities for artists through training and industry access.

I reflect on directing the MENASA Showcase at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, celebrating a powerful weekend of culture, storytelling, and community.

The 4th Annual MENASA Diversity Actors Showcase returned as a hybrid event, connecting actors nationwide with industry professionals through live performances in Los Angeles and a digital talent database.

Level Up Magazine highlights the MENASA Actors Showcase, expanding access for diverse talent through Studio For Performing Arts LA and the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, connecting actors with industry professionals nationwide.

The MENASA Diversity Actors Showcase returns for its fourth year, continuing its mission to elevate actors of Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Southwest Asian backgrounds.

The 4th Annual MENASA Diversity Actors Showcase returns on April 18, 2026 at Culver City Theatre in Los Angeles, bringing together emerging actors and top industry professionals for a one night live event.

At the 2026 Hollywood Movie Awards, a standout panel explored how vertical dramas are rapidly reshaping production models, casting practices, and long-term career pathways for actors across film and new media. Panelists emphasized that this format represents a structural evolution of the studio system, driven by real-time audience data, global market growth, and a scroll-first viewing culture competing directly with social media. The discussion highlighted vertical storytell

Looking to grow your acting career beyond auditions and online acting classes? The LA Creatives Networking Mixer on February 27, 2026 is a relaxed, in person event designed for actors and creatives who want real connections without industry pressure. Produced by Studio for Performing Arts LA in collaboration with Anthony Mongiello Photography, this mixer brings together actors, filmmakers, writers, photographers, and producers in a welcoming studio environment.

I recently had the opportunity to speak on a Vertical Dramas panel at the Hollywood Movie Awards, alongside casting director Paul Ruddy, and platform leaders Yoko Chen (GoodShort) and Jenny Rosen (DramaBox). The conversation was less about hype and more about clarity—specifically, how this format fits into the larger ecosystem actors are navigating today.

"Interviewer: You’ve built multiple platforms alongside your creative career—Moonlit Wings Productions, Studio for Performing Arts LA, and the Studio for Performing Arts Foundation. What does each one do, and how do they work together? Walid: Each platform plays a specific role within one connected ecosystem. Moonlit Wings Productions is my creative banner, where I develop original film, theatre, and live storytelling projects as a writer, director, and producer. Studio for

Vertical dramas are quickly changing how stories are told and how actors get cast. This 2026 HAMA exclusive panel in Los Angeles brings together industry leaders to break down how short form vertical storytelling is reshaping the entertainment landscape and creating real opportunities for performers.

Harriet, a once-promising filmmaker, is stuck in the suburbs of New Jersey. Alienated from her cheating husband and spurned by her teenage daughter, she secretly enrolls in film school to revive her long-lost dream.

Harriet, a once-promising filmmaker, is stuck in the suburbs of New Jersey. Alienated from her cheating husband and spurned by her teenage daughter, she secretly enrolls in film school to revive her long-lost dream.

Harriet, a once-promising filmmaker, is stuck in the suburbs of New Jersey. Alienated from her cheating husband and spurned by her teenage daughter, she secretly enrolls in film school to revive her long-lost dream.

"Walid Chaya is an actor, director, writer and teacher who worked in Richmond before moving to Los Angeles. He’s acted in TV shows and movies, as well as directed shorts and taught acting classes." - Jerry Williams of Sifter Podcast