Hello and welcome to the 18th episode of A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists, funded by the California Art Council’s Individual Artist Fellow Grant. My guest today is Shaan Sharma, a man of many talents within the entertainment industry! Shaan has worked as a commercial and theatrical SAG-AFTRA actor with over 40 TV and 30 commercial credits, currently playing (SHMOO-ELLE) Shmuel on The Chosen. A Backstage Expert Contributor, he served as a Casting Session Director for 45 L.A. Casting Directors over 10 years. Shaan has served SAG-AFTRA as LA Local Board of Directors Member, National Board Replacement, LA Member Education & Conservatory Instructor, LA Conservatory Committee Co-Chair, Chair of the Conservatory Subcommittee on Curriculum and Faculty, and Head of Commercial & Theatrical Departments. Author of the acclaimed book, “Commercial Acting in L.A.: A Session Director’s Guide,” Shaan founded his own acting studio called The Storytellers Conservatory and serves as a USC School of Dramatic Arts Guest lecturer, and Adjunct Professor for PACE University in New York’s School of Drama.  www.shaansharma.com