Los Angeles, CA — The Groundlings Theatre & School recently celebrated its 8th Annual Diversity Festival, an event that has become a cornerstone of the Los Angeles comedy scene. This year, the festival brought together a diverse array of voices, showcasing creativity, community, and the spirit of comedy that has made The Groundlings a beloved institution. Among the featured performers was actor and filmmaker Walid Chaya, who brought his own brand of energy and originality to the event, contributing to the lively atmosphere that characterized the day.
Chaya participated in the 2025 Diversity Showcase, directed by Groundlings Company Member Navaris Darson. The showcase featured a fast-paced, character-driven improv performance full of bold choices, spontaneous storytelling, and original games that pushed the performers to their limits. Chaya, alongside his talented castmates Aja Morgan, Evan Harris, Heather Daughtry, Kianna Kyn, LaNika Wise, Meitar Paz, Monique Salas, and Victor Clarke, created scenes and characters in real time, much to the audience’s delight. The show’s unpredictable nature kept the audience on the edge of their seats, with constant laughter and applause throughout. It was a testament to the performers’ ability to connect, take risks, and create something truly unique on the spot.
Earlier in the day, Chaya also participated in the festival’s morning classes, which Groundlings Company Members led. These classes were a vital part of the festival’s programming, offering attendees an opportunity to learn from some of the most seasoned performers and instructors in the improv world. One of the classes Chaya attended focused on audience connection and the power of clear intention. Led by Darson, this session explored techniques for engaging with the audience in a meaningful way, helping performers understand how to create moments that resonate and keep the audience involved in the performance. Chaya spoke highly of Darson’s insights, praising the class for its depth and focus on building a strong connection with the crowd.
In addition to Darson’s class, Chaya also trained with Derek Reid, whose hip-hop–influenced improv style added a unique layer to the festival’s offerings. Reid’s class encouraged performers to stay grounded, rhythmic, and fearless, teaching them to harness the energy of their bodies and the rhythm of the moment. For Chaya, the class was an eye-opening experience that reinforced the importance of staying present and committed to the creative process. “The environment was welcoming, creatively charged, and rooted in the spirit of diversity that the festival celebrates,” Chaya remarked. It was an environment that encouraged performers to bring their authentic selves to the stage and take risks that they might not have considered otherwise.
The festival also paid tribute to Lyric Lewis, a comedy powerhouse whose contributions to television and her artistic roots at The Groundlings have made her a standout figure in the entertainment world. Lewis’s career is a testament to the power of comedy to break barriers and amplify diverse voices. Her work as an actress, writer, and producer has inspired countless artists, and her recognition at the festival has recognized her pivotal role in shaping the comedy landscape. Lewis’s presence at the event further underscored the festival’s mission to celebrate unique voices and highlight the many different paths that performers take from The Groundlings to the broader entertainment industry.
Chaya reflected on his experience at the festival with gratitude and admiration for the community it fosters. “Participating in this festival was both inspiring and rejuvenating,” he shared. “The whole event is a reminder of what makes improv so special—people coming together, trusting one another, and creating something honest and hilarious in the moment. It’s a space where individuality isn’t just welcomed; it’s the fuel that drives the creative process.”
As the Groundlings continue to build one of Los Angeles’ most cherished traditions, events like the Diversity Festival highlight the lasting impact of the school and its community. The performers, instructors, and artists involved in the festival demonstrate how diverse perspectives and playful storytelling come together to create something significant. Through their performances and contributions, they show that the spirit of improv isn’t just about comedy; it’s about celebrating the rich tapestry of voices that make up the fabric of the entertainment world.
The festival serves as a reminder that The Groundlings remains a place where talent, creativity, and diversity are not only embraced but celebrated. Performers like Chaya are at the heart of this mission, proving that when diverse perspectives and innovative storytelling converge, the result is entertainment that is both impactful and unforgettable.
For more about The Groundlings Theatre and School, visit groundlings.com, and to learn more about Walid Chaya, visit walidchaya.com.
