Meet Vida Tayebati | Visionary Artist | Passionate Storyteller | AI Enthusiast

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

Hi Vida, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My journey into the artistic world, particularly theater, was driven by a profound recognition of the power of storytelling. I realized early on that every individual carries a unique narrative, each holding its own significance. This understanding led me to question:
How do we choose which stories to listen to?
How often do we engage with narratives outside our community and comfort zone?
What impact do these stories have on us?
These inquiries guided me towards theater and performing arts, where I discovered a platform to creatively amplify voices that often go unheard. My work exists at the intersection of storytelling and social justice awareness, aiming to shed light on underrepresented narratives.
The most rewarding aspects of my creative path have emerged where art meets social justice. In this space, I can harness storytelling skills to illuminate pressing social issues, giving voice to the voiceless and bridging gaps in understanding between diverse communities.
My artistic career is not just about personal expression; it’s a commitment to using the transformative power of art to foster empathy, challenge perspectives, and contribute to meaningful social change.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My Artistic Journey: Bridging Cultures, Empowering Voices
Origins and Vision
From the inception of my artistic journey, I envisioned art as a universal language—a powerful medium to connect people and cultures. My mission has always been to amplify the voices of those who might otherwise go unheard, using storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding.
Early Days: From Tehran to California
My path began in the underground theater scene of Tehran, Iran. This formative experience laid the groundwork for my commitment to using art as a tool for social change. Seeking to expand my horizons and hone my craft, I pursued an MFA in theater from Dell’Arte School of Theatre in Northern California, a move that would prove pivotal in shaping my artistic philosophy.
Building Communities Through Art
Til Lazer Theatre
After completing my MFA, I co-founded Til Lazer Theatre in Massachusetts. This venture became a vital link between local communities and colleges in Northern Massachusetts. We brought creative events—workshops, performances, and productions of local artists’ work—directly to people’s living spaces. The impact was profound; seeing people travel from big cities like Boston to participate in our events and witnessing the revitalization of small towns through art was immensely rewarding.
Peydah Theatre Company
My artistic journey led me to New York, where I established my second theater group, Peydah Theatre. Our mission was bold and unapologetic: to create work that tells our stories without reservation or limitations. This platform allowed for even more daring and authentic storytelling.
Embracing Social Justice Through Art
For the past six years, my work with People’s Theatre Project, Manhattan’s largest performing arts organization in north of Harlem as a performer, director, and educator Manhattan’s largest performing arts organization in north of Harlem,has been a cornerstone of my artistic practice. Through ensemble-based, multilingual, and multigenerational programming, has allowed me to delve deeper into social justice issues, telling stories of diverse communities including young people, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Empowering Through Performance Some of my proudest moments have come from directing performances that gave young people a platform to speak truth to power. Whether it was standing at the United Nations to discuss mental health issues or performing at government offices to address immigrant laws, these experiences epitomized the transformative power of art in empowering voices and effecting change.
The Next Frontier: Integrating AI and Art
My passion for innovation led me to pursue a second BA and MSc in computer science with a focus on AI. This interdisciplinary approach represents the next chapter in my artistic journey. I’m excited to explore how AI can enhance storytelling and create new forms of artistic expression, further breaking down barriers and connecting diverse audiences.
Lessons Learned and Future Vision
The path hasn’t always been easy, but each challenge has reinforced my belief in the power of art to transform lives and societies. I’ve learned that:
Authenticity is paramount in storytelling.
Art has the power to bridge cultural and social divides.
As I look to the future, I’m committed to pushing the boundaries of what art can achieve. By integrating traditional storytelling with cutting-edge technology, I aim to create immersive, impactful experiences that continue to give voice to the voiceless and inspire social change.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Stroll through the West Village, visiting art galleries such as the Jeffrey Deitch Gallery and The Village Underground.stopping by Washington Square Park to enjoy street performances and the lively atmosphere.Enjoy lunch at the Time Out Market in Dumbo, where you can sample dishes from some of New York’s best chefs. Walk along the East River and take in the views from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Don’t forget to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for a quintessential NYC experience.
Spend the afternoon in Central Park, renting bikes or simply walking around to explore its many attractions.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to all the incredible individuals who have illuminated my path throughout my artistic journey. Their unwavering support, wisdom, and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping both my career and personal growth.
My journey has been filled with challenges, but I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had multiple mentors at various stages. These remarkable people have:To my mentors in the theater world, the tech industry, and beyond – your impact on my life and career has been profound. Your generosity in sharing your time, knowledge, and insights has not only helped me navigate the complexities of my artistic and professional path but has also inspired me to pay it forward.
While there are too many to name individually, know that each of you holds a special place in my heart. Your collective influence has been a driving force in my success, and I am deeply grateful for the role you’ve played in my story.
To anyone reading this: never underestimate the power of mentorship. Whether you’re seeking guidance or in a position to offer it, remember that these connections can be transformative. They certainly have been for me.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vida-tayebati/

Other: https://peydah.com/
https://peoplestheatreproject.org/home/about-us/