Today we’d like to introduce you to Nidal Bukhari.
Hi Nidal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Los Angeles from Modesto in 2013 with the intention of pursuing acting. In my time here, I have held a multitude of jobs just to survive in this area. I found myself drifting away from my original pursuits and working in various stage and film productions in jobs ranging from Production Assistant, to Audio Mixer, to 1st AD. I’ve recently started to make my way back to performing in the form of standup comedy, but still stage manage and assist productions. My time picking up these various skills has prepared me for a more well-rounded production life and highlighted roles in the production world I never knew existed and now respect immensely. Still figuring myself out in Los Angeles, and after 10 years of living here, it feels like I’m stepping into the city for the first time, ready to re-engage my pursuits and continue discovering this wild city.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. Figuring myself out and how to hold myself accountable while aiming to pursue my original goals but survive out in Los Angeles has been the struggle countless performers seeking more here have had to endure. I always thought “nervous breakdowns” weren’t real, but it wasn’t till L.A. pushed me to my own that I realized people can be pushed to their breaking points. But I’m still here.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
At this point in my life, I’ve become a Jack of All Trades but feel a master of none. I have had my hands in a lot of different production and creative facets and still figuring out how to make that a viable career option. I currently hold about 4 standing jobs/gigs around LA, all centering around film or stage production. Currently, my favorite job is at The Lyric Hyperion as a stage manager. This puts me shoulder to shoulder with some of my entertainment heroes and lets me be hands-on with tons of shows gracing our stage. I’d like to be known for my acting, writing, and producing pursuits. Two of the things I’m most proud of are “Just One Man: The Action Movie Play” (a staged action movie spoof), and “Displaced” (web-series and pilot), both written and produced by me. The opportunity to see your work presented and bring a team together for a common goal is some of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever had.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Understanding of human commonalities and how to talk to people are some of the most useful skills I’ve picked up. Treating people respectfully and erring on the side that most people are just trying their best helps get through life. Finding the funny in things also helps ground me; I can’t take myself or the world too seriously.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nidalb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nidal.bukhari/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nidalb
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nidalbukhari
