Stand-up comedy, Writing, Etc

Stand-up Comedy


Shahryar is a stand-up comedian based out of the Washington, DC area. He’s been performing since 2002 at shows and venues all over the U.S. He can be seen regularly at comedy clubs such as the DC Improv, as well as other comedy shows including Capital City Showcase and Interfaith Comedy. He also performs regularly at shows including corporate shows and fundraisers. He also does private events.

In 2013, Shahryar was a selectee of the Great American Comedy Festival, a large festival in honor of Johnny Carson. He was also a finalist and runner-up in the 2009 and 2011 Funniest Fed Comedy Contests.

Shahryar performing stand-up comedy on stage at the Funniest Fed Contest 2009
Shahryar on stage at the Funniest Fed Contest 2009

He’s been featured in the Washington Post, Voice of America, and other outlets. 

Screenwriting

Shahryar is also an up and coming screenwriter. He’s been actively writing scripts for over 20 years. In 2005, his pilot script Alumni which he co-wrote was a finalist in the Acclaim TV writing contest. Also in 2005, his script The History Lesson was selected as a a play to be featured in the NETSAP STAGE One Act Festival at the University of Maryland.


In 2021 Shahryar won an OpenScreenplay screenwriting contest sponsored by MuslimKids.tv and MPAC to write a pilot for Time Hoppers, a new IP by the streaming company.


The opportunity led to Shahryar’s first professional writing work on both the animated series and the video game. The opening episodes were recut into a movie that released in 2025 and did a global box office run of $1.5M. And the game was released in 2024.


Shahryar has also received multiple grants from both Montgomery County’s Arts and Humanities Council and the Maryland Arts Council. With the grants Shahryar has been able to complete a TV writing certification from UCLA Extension, start a Narrative Design certification from University of British Columbia, and also develop his own series with his daughter called Supercharged.


Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County $4,900 grant announcement for Shahryar Rizvi
Shahryar’s grant from Montgomery County’s Arts & Humanities Council

He wil

UCLA Extension Certificate in Television Writing earned with Distinction by Shahryar Rizvi, July 2024
UCLA Extension TV Writing (Screenwriting) Certificate for Shahryar
Supercharged animated series key art created by Shahryar and Ayat Rizvi
Supercharged by Shahryar & Ayat Rizvi, an animated series

ETC – (Voice Direction and more)


In 2023, Shahryar expanded his work with MuslimKids.tv taking on both casting and voice direction duties for their new IP Investigating Tabook. The animated series is expected for release in 2024.

He built a studio in Silver Spring Maryland for use on this project as well as other projects to come. 

R1i Voice Studio recording studio in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland
R1i Voice Studio in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland

He also is part of the team leading Awazein.org, an organization out of Montgomery County Maryland to get Muslims and other minority groups into the voice acting world. 

Feedback

Testimonials


“..OMG! You were HILARIOUS!..”

From members of the audience during a performance, or producers running a show, or clients with private events –  Shahryar’s gotten praise from many over the years.

– Improbable Comedy

“.. home. We had around 75 guests and everyone couldn’t stop laughing. His comedy revolved around..”