From Girl Scout to Trailblazing Producer
Nayla El Khoury’s journey into the world of production was anything but conventional. Her foundation in leadership and teamwork began early as a Girl Scout in Groupe Saint Joseph Antoura, where she later became a scout leader. The skills she developed during this time—managing people, problem-solving under pressure, and executing large-scale projects—shaped her ability to transition seamlessly into production.
Although her initial career path was in advertising and political marketing, Nayla quickly realized that production combined everything she loved: organization, teamwork, and creativity. Today, she is one of the driving forces behind the rise of Arabic musical theater in Lebanon, proving that with passion and resilience, dreams can be turned into reality.
A Childhood Passion Turned Career
The turning point in Nayla’s career came when her cousin and best friend, Roy El Khoury, returned from New York after working on Broadway. Determined to bring musical theater to Lebanon, Roy asked for Nayla’s help in producing a musical. Initially, she assumed he meant marketing support, but he had something much bigger in mind.
“I have nothing to do with production,” she told him. But Roy saw her potential and replied, “You have the character for it; everything else will fall into place.”
That moment marked the beginning of her career in production. What started as an unfamiliar challenge soon became a deep passion. Through trial and error, Nayla built her expertise, learning the complexities of production—from assembling the right team to navigating Lebanon’s unpredictable market.
The Rise of Arabic Musical Theater
One of Nayla’s biggest achievements was producing Chicago Bel Arabi, a musical adaptation that became a turning point in Arabic theater. Before this, she had worked on One Night on Broadway, Another Night on Broadway, and Majnoun Leila: The Musical. With each production, she gained a better understanding of the Lebanese audience and the technical skills required to create large-scale performances.
Chicago Bel Arabi was more than just a show—it was a statement. It proved there was a strong demand for high-quality musical theater in the region. The overwhelming response gave Nayla and her team the confidence to take bigger risks, refine their productions, and push the boundaries of what was possible in Lebanon’s entertainment industry.
Overcoming Challenges in a Volatile Market
Building a career in Lebanese musical theater has not been without challenges. From financial instability to logistical hurdles, Nayla has had to navigate a constantly shifting landscape. One of the biggest obstacles was finding an audience for a relatively new genre in the region.
To address this, she and her team strategically introduced musicals to the Lebanese audience by starting with One Night on Broadway, a showcase of well-known musical numbers. This familiar approach helped build interest and trust, paving the way for full-scale productions.
Despite the economic crises and shifting audience habits, Nayla remains committed to producing high-quality performances. Her resilience and adaptability have been key to overcoming setbacks, ensuring that every challenge becomes a stepping stone for growth.
Expanding the Vision: The Future of Lebanese Theater
Nayla’s ambition extends beyond individual productions—she envisions Lebanon as a central hub for theater in the Arab world. Her latest projects reflect this grand vision.
She is currently preparing for Anything Goes Bel Arabi, her biggest musical since Chicago Bel Arabi, which marks the return of Carole Samaha to the stage. In addition, she has co-founded Pipeline, a new production company with Tareck Karam, focusing on expanding theater beyond traditional musicals.
Her latest ventures include:
- Tribute Series: A musical tribute to legends like Dalida (Mourir Sur Scène) and Sabah (Iyyam el Loulou).
- Family Entertainment: Productions like A Christmas Gift and HOW?! The Magic Show, the first of its kind in the region.
Each project aligns with her long-term goal: transforming Beirut into a destination for world-class theater, just like Broadway or the West End.
Creating Opportunities for Local Talent
Beyond producing shows, Nayla is passionate about nurturing Lebanon’s creative industry. She wants to provide opportunities for local actors, musicians, designers, and technicians to grow in their careers without feeling the need to leave the country.
“If I’m remembered as someone who helped create space for artists to thrive, that would be the biggest accomplishment,” she says.
Her productions don’t just entertain—they inspire, offering hope to young talent in Lebanon that success is possible within their homeland.
Lessons in Leadership and Resilience
Years of working in a volatile industry have taught Nayla a crucial lesson: resilience. Every production comes with setbacks—whether financial, technical, or external crises—but she has learned to stay adaptable and solution-oriented. Her leadership philosophy is built on staying positive, keeping her team motivated, and always having a backup plan.
“Sleep! Seriously, get all the sleep you can now because soon, you’ll be running on caffeine and adrenaline,” she jokes. “And always have a backup plan… for everything—lights, sound, actors, the venue, your sanity—because something will go wrong, and you’ll have to fix it with a smile.”
A Legacy in the Making
Nayla El Khoury’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and determination. She has transformed challenges into opportunities, paving the way for Arabic musical theater to thrive in Lebanon. Through her innovative productions and commitment to local talent, she is not just shaping the future of Lebanese theater—she is making history.
With exciting projects on the horizon, one thing is certain: Nayla El Khoury is just getting started. Do follow her on Instagram.
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