Meet Shayda

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shayda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shayda, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from the Greater Boston Area, and I am immensely proud and fortunate to have been raised in Massachusetts. We value education, and rank one of the highest states in the nation. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the ways in which I was taught. We are one of the least religious states, and at the same time one of the safest, as we are politically progressive and liberal. I may not have been as accepting and diverse had I had been raised elsewhere. We may have the reputation of being “Massholes,” but sometimes we are just a little too honest for our own good…

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of my solo show that will be going up in June in Hollywood. Tickets can be bought on the Hollywood Fringe Festival website under the show name: Ambivalence from Halfway Down. It wasn’t easy, and most have told me they could never produce or write a solo show, nevermind act in it. Whenever I get asked how I act, I never know how to respond, it’s just always something that’s been in me. From my earliest memories I was a creator, an actor. I truly believe you either have it or you don’t. I’ve known so many people who pursue acting but yet cannot commit more than the bare minimum. Acting is a time consuming craft, it’s a do or die. You have to want it like you have to breathe. You have to make sacrifices, you miss out on parties and social gatherings. You have to stick to a fitness schedule and healthy eating, starting my day at 8am to do cardio or ab workouts is not my preferred way to start my day. Drinking Turmeric and Ginger shots don’t always make me happy either. Some nights I want to stay up till 2AM but I have to go to bed at 9PM. Some days I don’t want to run a particular scene, but I have to. Some days I don’t want to engage in spontaneous conversations with my friends because I’ve just done 8hrs of lines, and can only hear the lines running through my head. Despite the struggles, I love the craft of acting and want the world to cherish it as I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Besides the famous landmarks – Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, etc. I would recommend The Grove. It has a farmer’s market, a beautiful AMC theater, you can have dinner by the fountain, ride the trolley, shop at numerous stores.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Adam Chambers, my current play director. Not only has he helped me evolve as an actor, but also as a person. He embodies the qualities every director should have. He is able to craft plays in such a way that the characters stick with the audience far beyond the duration of the show. I still receive compliments from the last show he directed me in.

Website: https://shaydachene.com

Instagram: @shaydachene

Youtube: @shaydasedits

Other: https://IMDb.me/shayda