Walid Chaya, Acting Coach And Director Of Studio For Performing Arts LA
5.0Exceptional(10 reviews)
Top Pro
Offers online services
Top Pro
Offers online services
About
Hello! I’m a Los Angeles-based director, acting coach, and founder of Studio For Performing Arts LA, where I train emerging and professional actors through on-camera classes, private coaching, and industry-driven workshops. New students can try their first one-hour Zoom coaching session for just $65 (regularly $89)—a great way to jump in and start building your craft.
I bring over a decade of experience in performing arts education and am an Associate Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. My coaching is informed by real-world industry connections—I work closely with casting directors and agents in LA and NYC, helping actors navigate the audition room and succeed on set. My studio programs and teaching have been featured in Broadway World, and I was honored when my company was named “Best Drama Instruction” (2x Winner!) by Washington Family Magazine.
In addition to coaching, I direct for stage and screen, with credits spanning Off-Broadway productions and award-winning TV and film projects. I earned my B.F.A. in Theatre Performance (Magna Cum Laude) from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed the SpringBoardNYC Directors Program through the American Theatre Wing, founders of the Tony® Awards.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to go pro, I’ll help you build confidence, sharpen your craft, and take your career to the next level.
Specialties
Experience level
No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Acting venue(s)
Theater, Improv theater, Musical theater, Film, TV episode, TV commercial, Radio, Not applicable; lessons are for personal interest
People in group
1 person, 2-4 people, 5 or more people
Acting focus area(s)
No specific focus, Hone diction and enunciation, Expand vocal range, Strengthen vocal projection, Refine vocal expression, Develop specific accent(s), Develop specific dialect(s)
Students goals
To prepare for an audition, To build confidence, To explore as a hobby, To continue professional development
Acting type(s)
I can make recommendations, Scene study, Cold reading, Method acting, Classical acting, Voice-over, Improv, Physical theater and movement
Student's age
5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Photos and videos
Reviews
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jenny C.
Walid is a great acting coach! I’ve loved working with him on my monologues and scene study during our zoom acting lessons each week.
April 26, 2025
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patrick R.
I was just starting out and unsure of my next steps. Walid helped me get my business tools in order, then coached me to make stronger choices and connect emotionally in every scene. His guidance sharpened my on-camera work, audition prep, and overall presence. I felt more grounded, more bookable—and I looked professional on paper too.
April 25, 2025
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daniel M.
walid just gets it. he knows what casting directors are looking for and helped me fine-tune my auditions without losing what makes me unique. i’ve worked with a few coaches before but he’s the first one who really made me feel like i had a plan. also super chill to work with—keeps it real but still pushes you. i started booking more after just a few sessions and even got interest from a manager. honestly, if you’re serious about acting, he’s the one to work with.
April 25, 2025
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alex B.
Working with Walid Chaya has been a game changer for me. He creates such a supportive, professional environment where I felt challenged but also completely seen as an artist. His industry knowledge is unmatched—he doesn’t just teach technique, he teaches strategy. Every session is personalized, and I left each one with clear takeaways I could apply immediately. Thanks to his coaching, I’ve grown more confident on camera, improved my audition skills, and even landed meetings with agents. Walid truly cares about his students’ success and it shows in everything he does.
April 25, 2025
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Alex S.
Im new to all of this and Walid has makes our lessons very informative and enjoyable. Excited to learn more and go on my first audition soon.
September 14, 2017
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Elizabeth O.
Best acting coach in NYC.
September 14, 2017
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
One of my favorite parts of working with new actors is our first session together. I start by observing your natural strengths—whether it’s your on-camera presence, vocal delivery, or emotional connection—and then identify specific acting techniques to develop and refine. Every actor is unique, so I tailor each session to your individual goals, whether you’re preparing for auditions, working on a self-tape, or building a solid foundation in acting. It’s incredibly rewarding to look back after a few sessions and see measurable progress in both confidence and craft.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I’m a Los Angeles-based director and acting coach with over 10 years of experience in performing arts education. I’m an Associate Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and the founder of Studio For Performing Arts LA, where I work with actors on-camera and behind the scenes to elevate their craft and industry readiness.
I hold a B.F.A. in Theatre Performance (Magna Cum Laude) from Virginia Commonwealth University, ranked the #1 public arts school by U.S. News & World Report. I’m also an alumnus of the American Theatre Wing’s SpringBoardNYC Directors Program, the organization behind the Tony® Awards.
My experience includes directing Off-Broadway productions, television and film shoots, and collaborating regularly with top casting directors and agents in both NYC and LA. My teaching and coaching work has been featured in Broadway World and several major publications. You can view my film and TV credits at imdb.me/walidchaya or explore more about my programs at walidchaya.com.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, I offer a clear and competitive pricing structure for private acting lessons and industry consultations. New students can book their first one-hour Zoom coaching session for just $65 (regularly $89)—a great way to build confidence, identify strengths, and set clear career goals. After that, coaching is $59 for 30 minutes or $89 per hour, ideal for scene study, audition prep, on-camera work, monologue coaching, and self-tape reviews. Career consultations are $249 for the first hour and $99 per hour for follow-ups, which include personalized guidance on finding representation, building your brand, selecting audition material, and connecting with casting directors. Sessions are held online via Zoom, and the above rates apply to virtual coaching. In-person sessions are available in Los Angeles and priced individually based on session length, travel distance, or if hosted at my studio.
How did you get started teaching?
I’ve wanted to be a director since childhood, and as I began directing professionally, especially with young actors in larger productions, I naturally found myself coaching performers. That experience opened the door to teaching, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since.
Since 2008, I’ve produced and led over 1,000 successful performing arts programs for all ages, with lesson plans tailored to both Department of Education standards and popular themes from film, TV, and theater. Every script and scene I use is thoughtfully selected or customized to meet each actor’s unique goals—whether it’s audition prep, on-camera training, or developing a strong stage presence.
What types of students have you worked with?
I’ve worked with actors of all ages and backgrounds, from beginners to professionals. While I primarily begin coaching students around age 7—once they have basic reading skills to engage with scripts—I also coach teens, adults, and industry professionals.
Since 2008, I’ve taught acting classes for kids and teens in New York City, Washington DC, and now Los Angeles. Many of my former students have gone on to appear in television shows, films, and national commercials. I tailor each lesson to the student’s age, goals, and experience—whether it’s building confidence, preparing for auditions, or advancing an acting career.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One recent event I’m especially proud of is our studio winning “Best Special Event” from BroadwayWorld Los Angeles for our MENASA Diversity Showcase. The event highlighted underrepresented actors of Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian heritage—offering them a platform to perform for industry professionals and gain meaningful exposure.
I’m passionate about creating opportunities for diverse talent to shine, and this showcase reflects the heart of my work as an acting coach and educator. Much of my coaching, whether it’s audition prep, scene study, or career guidance, is rooted in helping overlooked voices break through and be seen in today’s entertainment industry.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Give yourself the opportunity to experience an initial coaching or assessment session. A great acting coach will not only teach technique, but also help you unlock your unique potential and develop confidence on camera and on stage.
I encourage all of my students—especially those pursuing on-camera work—to record their progress. It’s incredibly powerful to see your growth after just a few consistent sessions. Acting is a craft, and like any craft, it improves with focus, guidance, and practice. With the right coach and a clear commitment, you absolutely can succeed.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Before speaking with an acting coach, take time to reflect on your goals. Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years? Ten or even twenty years from now? Think big—what’s your best-case scenario as an actor?
Beyond your long-term vision, consider the specific areas you want to grow in. Are you looking to improve your self-tapes, strengthen your cold reading skills, prepare for agent or casting director meetings, or refine your on-camera technique? Do you need help selecting strong audition material or building your personal brand as an actor?
Clarity on your goals and skill areas allows us to create a customized coaching plan that meets you where you are—and gets you where you want to be.
Services offered
Acting