The Work

There is a yearning for stories of all genres that reflect the rich experience of all people—it has never been more pronounced. Pass the Mic Media is a production and consulting outfit designed to meet that need. We bring a level of conscious thought and decision making to ensure production is inclusive, equitable and as authentic as possible. Whether advising on a script in development or the hiring and training of teams coming to work on a project, thoughtful consideration at each phase is great for the story and for you bottom line.

Founder: Maha Chehlaoui

Maha Chehlaoui is an award-winning creative producer and social change strategist. She has developed and produced films, plays, and events as well as worked on campaigns for clients in the arts, environment, and other advocacy spaces. 

Driven to identify and nourish a Middle Eastern theater community in the USA in the aftermath of 9/11, Maha has almost 20 years of experience sourcing, developing and producing emerging storytellers.. As a co-founder and now former Executive Director of Noor Theatre, Maha's strategic and artistic sensibilities were key in creating programming and fundraising strategies that have garnered recognition and support for the company and the communities it serves. In 2016 Noor was honored with an OBIE theatre award recognizing their work "...to change the dialogue. To engage, enlighten, as well as entertain, while shining a light on a culture that most Americans know only through mass media stereotypes."

Maha remains dedicated to engaging, enlightening and entertaining. She also cares deeply about creating structural change so that these are not just fleeting moments of shared experience between artists and audiences, but long term, sustainable power sharing opportunities for people who are too often left out of "the room where it happens." Diversity without equity is no longer enough.