Today we’d like to introduce you to Babak Shahrokh.
Hi Babak, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I arrived in the United States a month before I turned 15. I always wanted to become a medical doctor. However, it was during high school that I discovered my passion for dentistry. The promise of work-life balance and the potential for entrepreneurship drew me in, and I made the decision to pursue dentistry as my career path. I got accepted into an accelerated program, graduating from dental school at the age of 25. In 2015, I took a leap of faith and moved to San Diego, where I opened my first dental practice in 2017. The early years were filled with challenges and moments of growth as I navigated the complexities of running a business.
My practice started really small, but I was able to implement new systems and technologies that allowed it to flourish. Slowly, I expanded the office to three times its original size and subsequently was able to purchase a larger suite to move the practice into.
Securing funding for my second office was very hard, but after much persistence, I convinced the bank to provide the necessary loan. In the summer of 2022, construction began on my second office, marking a significant milestone in my entrepreneurial journey. In June of 2023, I proudly opened the doors to my second practice, which has since thrived.
Despite my success in dentistry, I never lost sight of my passion for the arts. As a child, I found solace in drawing and, painting, writing, and I harbored a deep love for the performing arts and comedy. At the age of 11, I penned a short story that clinched a contest victory, affording me the opportunity to showcase my writing by reading an excerpt on national television. However, my timid and introverted nature held me back from fully exploring these interests.
In 2018, everything changed when I decided to take a stand-up comedy class. Stepping onto the stage for the first time was terrifying, but it forced me to break out of my shell and embrace vulnerability. Over time, I grew more comfortable performing. Today, I regularly perform in front of large audiences around Southern California, connecting with fellow comedians and reveling in the joy of performance.
My journey into comedy led me to explore other forms of creative expression, including acting and screenwriting. In 2019, I began taking acting classes, immersing myself in the world of storytelling and character development. Acting proved instrumental in my personal growth, culminating in roles in several movies and a significant supporting role in a comedic play at the Poway Community Theater which I was later nominated for an award for it. Inspired by these experiences, I penned a comedy screenplay titled “The Extras” about the challenges faced by background actors on a movie set.
In 2020, I decided to bring my screenplay to life, which led me to embark on the journey of filmmaking. From holding auditions to selecting locations and overseeing production, I experienced every aspect of the filmmaking process firsthand. The culmination of my efforts was the creation of a short movie, which is currently being submitted to various movie festivals.
I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and the lessons I have learned along the way. From dentistry to filmmaking, my path has been filled with twists and turns, and I look forward to embracing new challenges and pursuing new creative endeavors.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Balancing my commitments has proven to be incredibly challenging. Each facet of my life—writing, acting, stand-up comedy—demands full-time attention. Working six days a week at my two dental practices leaves little room for anything else. Regrettably, I often have to decline opportunities due to sheer lack of energy. Particularly with stand-up comedy, advancing to the next level necessitates frequent travel to Los Angeles, which poses a significant challenge given my current schedule.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a creative writer and a comedian at heart. I love comedy in all of its forms. Comedy brings joy, fosters connection, promotes creativity and serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and social commentary. Currently, I’m in the process of editing a new comedy script for a short screenplay. If time allows, I’m considering filming it in the future. Unlike “The Extras,” where I was an actor in the movie, this time around, I’m excited to take on the roles of writer and director, working behind the camera. This approach allows me to have more direct control over the creative process, shaping the project according to my vision.
I simply enjoy writing comedy, whether it’s crafting stand-up jokes or developing screenplays and sketches. Through the experience gained from my first movie, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I hope to apply in this new endeavor. My goal is to continue improving and hopefully create something truly special.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Throughout my journey in both acting/comedy and business, I’ve been fortunate to have a multitude of supporters, mentors, and encouragers. Their unwavering belief in me has been instrumental in my growth and success. In the realm of acting and comedy, I’ve had the privilege of learning from two exceptional mentors who played pivotal roles in shaping my craft. Tony Calabrese, my first stand-up comedy teacher, not only taught me the nuances of comedic timing and delivery but also served as a guiding light during my formative years in the comedy scene. Similarly, Andrew Benee, my first acting teacher, deserves immense credit for nurturing my skills as an actor and performer. His mentorship laid the foundation for my journey into the world of acting.
In addition to my mentors, I’ve been blessed with a network of actor and comedian friends who have supported and uplifted me every step of the way. Whether it was offering words of encouragement after a show or providing opportunities for growth by featuring me in their shows or films, their unwavering support has been invaluable.
For nearly 15 years, I’ve dedicated myself to the practice of dentistry. Along this journey, I’ve been fortunate to have a wealth of friends and colleagues who have served as mentors and sources of inspiration.
During a pivotal period in my career, I had the opportunity to work at a large dental corporation with multiple offices across the United States. This experience profoundly influenced my aspirations, igniting within me a desire to strive for more than just average. Witnessing the scale and impact of such an expansive practice network inspired me to envision a similar path for myself. I presently oversee two practices, with aspirations to expand further in the years ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sanmarcosdentalstudio.com and http://miramardentalstudio.com
- Instagram: @babakcomedy
- Facebook: @babak shahrokh
