Meet Lydia Shahid

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Shahid.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am currently a special needs PE teacher in one of the poorest communities in Los Angeles. I was raised by two very strong Arab women (my mother and aunt) with strong cultural values in a very non-traditional setting. I am 1 of 7 children and a first generation Egyptian American. I grew up in Huntington Beach, California in a predominantly Caucasian, religious neighborhood. I never felt like I truly fit in or belonged in any aspect of my life. I hated the cards the universe dealt me and always wished to change them until I found my voice in stand-up. Through stand-up, I have learned that uniqueness can be celebrated and being different is encouraged. Life is very hard, but I have learned to laugh and make others laugh along the way.

Please tell us about your art.
I am a stand-up comedienne and I make people laugh! I love doing material on being a young single professional learning to navigate the world around me. I haven’t quite lived up to the expectations of my family and others within my occupation, which is a driving force in my joke writing. I encourage people to not take life so seriously. Someone once told me, “it’s okay to not be okay”, and I have found a lot of humor in that.

As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
As a comedienne, success is whether people laugh at my jokes or not. I know I have produced good content when I deliver a joke that the audience is receptive too, specifically in the form of laughter. Important qualities a successful comedienne should have are reliability, open-mindedness, and consistency. Bookers will only book you if they know you are reliable. Comedy shows can be anywhere and everywhere; you have to be open-minded to the different environment’s comedy will take you to. Additionally, the only way you make good content is when you are consistent in joke telling. It’s a process to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I often promote my shows on my social media (@lydiashahid on Instagram and Lydia Shahid on facebook). I encourage people to support me at any of my shows while also supporting live stand-up comedy! I have a website (www.lydiashahid.com) in the works and am working on uploading content to youtube. Additionally, I can be emailed personally at [email protected] for bookings or for audio content.

Contact Info:

• Website: lydiashahid.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @lydiashahid

Image Credit:
Images by Lydia Shahid and Amazing Comedy Theater

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