Meet Islam Balbaa

We were lucky to catch up with Islam Balbaa recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Islam, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through performance long before I understood it intellectually. Stepping onstage was the first place where my voice, body, and identity fully aligned. Over time, my purpose in life became clearer through the work itself, especially when performing stories that carry cultural weight and emotional complexity.

One of the most defining moments in that journey was when I got a role in The Remnants at The Public Theater, where I played Hafiz in a contemporary work centered on immigration, identity, and belonging. Performing in a space known for developing broadway bound art was a validation of my journey. Similar experiences before that were at Yale University’s Theater Production Workshop, where I performed in ensemble-driven works, and at The Actors Studio, where I played a lead role in a staged reading developed through their prestigious program.

Across television, film from NBC’s Transplant Canada’s #1 rated Drama on CTV and NBC to a lead role in National Geographic’s Mayday — my purpose has remained consistent: to perform with truth and specificity, and to create moments of recognition for audiences who rarely see themselves reflected onstage or on screen. Everything else I do exists in service of that calling.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At my core, I’m an actor and performing artist. I spend most of my time either rehearsing, performing, or chasing the next role — and I genuinely love that rhythm. Acting wasn’t always the obvious or expected path for me, but once I committed to it, everything else in my life started to make sense.

Over the years, my work has taken me through a wide range of performances. Onstage, I’ve performed in Off-Broadway productions like Murder on the Nile at The Players Theatre, as well as in classical theatre with Classics on the Rocks, where I regularly take on lead roles in Shakespeare plays such as The Tempest, Henry V, and Much Ado About Nothing. Those experiences grounded me in text, ensemble work, and the kind of storytelling that only happens live.

I’ve also spent a lot of time in immersive and interactive performance, which has shaped me deeply as an actor. Performing in live, audience-driven shows like Hollywood Hit with The Dinner Detective and touring immersive historical productions with Live History across the U.S. and Canada taught me how to stay present, flexible, and responsive in ways traditional theatre doesn’t always demand. That work sharpened my instincts and made me comfortable thinking on my feet.

On the screen side, I’ve had the chance to work in television, film, and commercials, including appearances in projects like Transplant (NBC/CTV), Mayday (National Geographic), and national campaigns for brands such as Capital One, Google, and Canada Post. Moving between stage and camera keeps me creatively engaged and constantly learning how to adjust my performance for different mediums.

My approach to the craft is also rooted in continuous training. I’ve studied extensively at places like HB Studio, The Michael Howard Studios, and Primary Stages, working with respected teachers such as José Rivera, Lorraine Serabian, and Tony Arkin. That training continues to inform how I approach both classical and contemporary material.

Alongside my acting work, I also create opportunities to stay onstage. Through The Arabic Theater Company in New York, I regularly perform in original live shows that blend scripted scenes, improvisation, and bilingual storytelling. Those projects allow me to stay connected to community while continuing to grow as a performer.

Right now, my focus is simple: keep performing, keep challenging myself, and keep building a body of work that reflects who I am as an artist.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, there are three things that made the biggest difference in my journey as an actor: adaptability, craft and perseverance.

1.. Adaptability and Flexibility
One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is the ability to move between mediums and styles. I’ve learned something different from every space I’ve worked in — from live theatre and immersive performance to television, film, and commercial work. Being adaptable has allowed me to stay active and creatively fulfilled, even when one area slows down. Also, being flexible in life, I have moved from Egypt to Canada to New York on an O-1 Visa to pursue acting opportunities.

For anyone starting out, I’d encourage you to say yes to different kinds of work early on. Try theatre, film, improv, and immersive projects. Each one will stretch you in a different way and make you a more versatile performer in the long run.

2. Perseverance and self-belief
This career tests your patience constantly. There were long stretches where progress wasn’t obvious, and moments where the path felt uncertain. What kept me going was a deep belief in the work itself and a willingness to stay in the game even when things didn’t move quickly.

My advice here is to focus on longevity, not speed. This is a Marathon not a race. Build relationships, keep showing up, and don’t let rejection define you. If you stay committed to the craft and continue growing, momentum eventually follows — often in ways you can’t predict.

3. Craft and training
Taking the work seriously changed everything for me. Early on, I realized that talent alone isn’t enough — you need tools. Studying acting consistently at places like HB Studio, Michael Howard Studios, and Primary Stages gave me a foundation I still rely on today. Training taught me how to approach text, build characters, listen deeply, and stay grounded whether I’m performing Shakespeare, contemporary theatre, or working on camera.

My advice to actors early in their journey is simple: invest in your craft before chasing results. Take classes, do plays, get onstage as much as possible. The confidence you gain from preparation shows up in auditions and performances long before anyone sees your résumé.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely. I’m always interested in collaborating with artists who are curious, generous, and serious about the work. I’m especially drawn to directors, writers, and fellow performers who care about authentic, personal storytelling and projects that explore identity, culture, and human connection.

A lot of that collaboration happens through live performance. In New York, I regularly work on original sketch and improv shows through our company, The Arabic Theater Company, where I’m often performing while also contributing as a director and producer on work that blends scripted scenes, improvisation, and direct audience interaction with like-minded creatives. It’s become a creative hub for me and many others — a space where experimentation and community are just as important as the final performance. We’re always excited to bring in new collaborators and artists and continue growing that creative family.

Outside of the stage, I also love sharing conversations about the craft and the realities of the industry. Through my YouTube channel, Pharaoh Actor, I talk openly about acting, career choices, and the ups and downs of this path. I’m also in the early stages of developing a podcast focused on long-form conversations with like-minded artists about process, identity, and sustaining a creative life in the city.

If someone reading this is interested in collaborating — whether on a performance, a creative project, or even just a conversation — the best way to connect is through my website or social media. I’m always open to work that starts with curiosity, honesty, and a genuine love for the craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.islambalbaa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibalbaa/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PharaohActor
• Other: www.thearabictheatercompany.com
  https://www.instagram.com/thearabictheatercompany/