Ahmed Achrafi: The Voice of Creativity and Authentic Storytelling
Ahmed Achrafi, also known to many as Ash, is a multi-talented actor, dancer, improviser, director, teacher, and corporate trainer with over a decade of experience in the performing arts. Since beginning his career in 2011, Ahmed has become one of the most inspiring and influential figures in the world of Arabic improvisation and performance. As the founder of 3albaraka Improv and a trainer at the Courtyard Playhouse in Dubai, his journey reflects passion, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to the performing arts. Today, he stands as a powerful voice for creativity, confidence, and authentic storytelling in the Middle East.
A Foundation Built on Passion and Education
Ahmed’s love for the performing arts began early in his life, with a natural inclination towards movement, expression, and storytelling. Over time, this passion grew stronger, pushing him to explore various art forms such as acting, dancing, and different methods of performance.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and a Diploma in Physical Theatre and Contemporary Dance from the Cairo Contemporary Dance Center, which solidified the foundation of his artistic journey. His formal education and diverse experiences shaped the versatile performer and teacher he is today.
However, Ahmed’s path to the performing arts wasn’t always clear. “There was a period in my life when I felt completely uncertain about what I wanted to do,” he recalls. “I was trying different things, searching for meaning and direction, while also processing the deep loss of my mother’s passing. It was an intense and transformative time for me.”
During this time of self-searching, Ahmed explored many career paths — from working in a bank and tele-sales to attempting to learn interior design, teach English, and even work as a DJ. But none of these roles felt fulfilling or aligned with his true calling.
It was during this period that Ahmed discovered The Actor’s Studio in Cairo, led by one of Egypt’s most respected acting and theatre coaches, Ahmed Kamal. Initially, Ahmed wasn’t accepted into the studio, but by pure coincidence, the bus he was taking from work to home stopped right in front of the theater. He took this as a sign and decided to go inside and ask again. This time, he was accepted — a moment he describes as life-changing.
Entering the studio was a transformative experience. “It wasn’t just about learning acting; it was about learning myself,” he explains. The studio became a place where he could explore his emotions, express himself freely, and begin a journey of self-discovery. “For the first time, I realized that expressing your real self is a powerful form of healing and growth.”
Ahmed believes that learning acting is not just for actors — it’s a journey that helps anyone understand themselves better. It builds confidence, spontaneity, physical awareness, voice, and real human connection. “Joining The Actor’s Studio remains one of the most defining and life-changing moments of my life,” he reflects. “It shaped not only the artist I became, but also the person I continue to grow into today.”
The Beginning of His Professional Career
Ahmed’s professional career began when he enrolled in acting school. He immersed himself in lessons and workshops, quickly identifying opportunities for auditions in plays, TV, film, and commercials. He applied to many, and soon, he landed his first play — a pivotal moment in his journey. “That was the first time I openly shared with anyone that I was pursuing acting,” Ahmed admits. “I hadn’t even told my friends or family, wanting to avoid any negativity or discouragement.”
Once he began performing in that play, there was no turning back. Ahmed continued to act in theatre and performance, constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow. He studied at the Actor’s Studio, earned a diploma in contemporary dance and physical theatre from the Cairo Contemporary Dance Centre, and later completed a BA in Acting from the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.
Throughout his career, Ahmed has participated in over 100 workshops and classes worldwide, exploring various aspects of theatre, acting, and performance arts. He also had the privilege of assisting esteemed teachers such as Ahmed Kamal, Gerald James, Ramsi Lenner, and Luke Lenner. Eventually, Ahmed began leading his own workshops, teaching acting, improv, physical theatre, and movement, combining everything he had learned and experienced throughout his career.
Improv Beginnings: Irtigalia and Ramsi Lehner
In Cairo, Ahmed’s journey into the world of improvisation began when he joined Irtigalia, the first improv group in Egypt, under the mentorship of Ramsi Lehner. This formative experience in Egypt’s improv scene not only shaped Ahmed’s approach to improvisation but also ignited his passion for teaching and performing in this unique art form.
“I started improv in Cairo with Irtigalia,” Ahmed recalls, “under Ramsi Lehner’s guidance. It was the first improv group in Egypt, and being part of it allowed me to not only perform but also teach, which laid the foundation for my future work in improv.”
Irtigalia was the stepping stone that led Ahmed to Dubai, where he would later build 3albaraka Improv, a pioneering Arabic improv group that has since become a cornerstone of the Middle East’s improv scene.
The Birth of 3albaraka Improv
One of Ahmed’s most significant achievements is the creation of 3albaraka Improv, an Arabic improv troupe that has become a beacon of creativity and community in the region. Founded in late 2023, 3albaraka Improv performs in both Arabic and English, aiming to introduce and cultivate the art of improvisation within the Arab and Middle Eastern communities. The name “3albaraka,” meaning “with blessing” or “with trust” in Arabic, embodies the spirit of spontaneity, authenticity, and collaborative storytelling that defines the troupe’s performances.
The group’s journey began with Ahmed’s solo improvised show, Once Upon a Time in Egypt, which premiered in Dubai and later made its way to the Sintra Espontâneo International Improv Theatre Festival in Portugal in February 2024. This performance marked a significant moment in the development of the troupe, setting the stage for the future of 3albaraka Improv.
Since then, the group has produced five additional shows:
The Forbidden Love of the Wolves of the Hills of New Mexico
We Didn’t Prepare Anything
Based on Improvised Events
The Wrestling of Improvisers
Duet: Achrafi & Fadil
Each of these performances highlights the group’s commitment to spontaneous storytelling and creative expression, with an emphasis on the joy and unpredictability of improv. Whether in Arabic or English, the performances are dynamic and reflective of the group’s goal to bring improv to a wider, culturally diverse audience.
Currently, 3albaraka Improv continues to expand its reach, having performed in various cities across the UAE, and is now planning to bring its shows to new regions. The group’s growing presence underscores Ahmed’s mission to spread awareness and appreciation of improvisational theatre across the Middle East.
Ahmed’s Current Focus and Future Plans
Right now, Ahmed is particularly focused on his improv comedy group, 3albaraka, and their exciting new show, The Duet. This show is a unique collaboration between Ahmed and fellow performer Ahmed El Fadel, where they create the entire show on the spot, using audience suggestions to build spontaneous stories. “We’re super excited for it and can’t wait to share it with people,” Ahmed says, highlighting the energy and creativity that defines his approach to performance.
In addition to this, 3albaraka Improv is gearing up for its first regional tours, with performances planned in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and even parts of Europe. These international tours mark a new chapter for the group as they continue to spread the joy of improvisation to new audiences across the globe.
Aside from his work with 3albaraka, Ahmed is also dedicated to teaching. He offers classes in acting, physical theater, and movement in Dubai, and he hopes to make these classes a more regular feature of his work. He continues to perform and teach at the Courtyard Playhouse, where he has become a beloved teacher and performer, leading workshops and participating in shows every week.
The Actor’s Journey: Upcoming Workshop
Looking ahead, Ahmed is excited to announce his upcoming Acting Workshop titled The Actor’s Journey. This workshop will provide a deep dive into the process of discovering and developing oneself as an actor, focusing on emotional expression, physicality, voice work, and character exploration. It’s designed to guide participants through their own creative journey, helping them connect with their inner artist and unlock new layers of performance.
“The Actor’s Journey is not only for actors,” Ahmed emphasizes. “It’s for anyone who wants to discover themselves and connect with their true self honestly and creatively. It’s about using the principles of acting to explore your own life journey — learning more about your fears, your dreams, your desires — and ultimately, connecting with your authentic self.”
The workshop will be an immersive experience, with opportunities for participants to engage in improvisational exercises, physical theatre work, and emotional exploration. It’s open to all levels — from beginners to seasoned performers — and will
The Key to Success: Persistence and Growth
Through all his experiences, Ahmed has come to understand one of the most important truths of his journey: the key to success in the arts is persistence. “No matter what disappointments you face, the most important thing is to keep going. Every day, you need to wake up and ask yourself, ‘What am I going to do today to get better?’ It’s not about arriving at an end result; it’s about the journey of learning, exploration, and personal development.”
This mindset has been essential in navigating the challenges of building a career in the performing arts. For Ahmed, growth is an ongoing process — one that requires resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.
“The work is never done. We are constantly evolving. That’s what makes this journey so exciting and fulfilling.”
The Legacy I Hope to Leave
Looking to the future, Ahmed shares his thoughts on the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind. “What I would love most is to be remembered for teaching someone something that changed them, just like how art changed me. I want to help people discover themselves in ways they never thought possible,” he reflects. “If I could make someone laugh, or give them a moment of reflection through my shows — especially after a tough day — that would be the most fulfilling thing for me. Those moments of connection, joy, and self-discovery are what I hope to share with the world.”
For Ahmed, the true power of art lies not just in the performances or workshops themselves, but in their ability to impact and transform lives. “If my work can help someone find clarity, bring a smile to their face, or give them an opportunity to laugh at the absurdity of life, I know I’ve done my job. That’s the real magic of art.”
Do follow him on @ashrafi_ & @3albaraka.improv
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