Pete Zias Brings Unfiltered Comedy and Heart to "Messy White Gays"

When the curtain rises on "Messy White Gays," one of New York’s most anticipated new plays, all eyes will be on Pete Zias—a performer whose career is as dynamic as his onstage persona. Born in Weirton, West Virginia, Zias’s path to the heart of queer theatre is a testament to what happens when audacity meets talent. He first honed his craft as a self-described “diva-onic teenage theatre student,” driven by a love of performance that survived even a notorious spat with his high school drama teacher .

After graduating from Weir High, Zias relocated to New York City, where he pursued a BA in theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. The move was pivotal, embedding him in the city’s vibrant performing arts scene and laying the groundwork for a diverse and prolific career .

Zias’s comedic instincts flourished at The Groundlings Sunday Company and The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB), both renowned incubators for cutting-edge comedy. At UCB, he not only performed but also hosted the monthly variety show “Three Dollar Bill,” a staple for queer comedic talent in New York . He further developed his voice as a writer for “Joan Rivers Fashion Police,” where his sharp wit and understanding of queer culture shone .

His improv journey also included time with The Peoples Improv Theater, expanding his repertoire and reinforcing a commitment to collaborative, offbeat humor that resonates with LGBTQ+ audiences .

Zias’s career is marked by an eagerness to experiment across genres and media. On stage, he captivated audiences with his solo show “The Teddy Teddy Show” at the New York International Fringe Festival in 2014, blending personal storytelling with satire . His television credits include scene-stealing roles in the cult web series “Stallions de Amor” and the horror film “Ganymede,” where his performances brought queer perspectives into new genres .

Embracing digital platforms, Zias is a content creator for World Of Wonder’s YouTube channel, where “The Pete Zias Show” delivers a blend of pop culture commentary and unapologetic queerness. He also engages audiences via the LGBTQ+ streaming service REVRY and his podcast “Cha Cha Heels,” which can be found on iTunes .

Zias’s body of work is distinguished by its commitment to visibility and authenticity. Whether writing, performing, or directing, he creates space for queer narratives that challenge stereotypes and celebrate complexity. His approach is both subversive and celebratory, drawing on his lived experience as a gay man and his deep ties to LGBTQ+ communities in both New York and Los Angeles .

In interviews, Zias often underscores the importance of representation—not just for audiences, but for the next generation of queer performers seeking to find their voices. “It’s his dream come true to be a part of the Groundling’s Sunday Company,” reads his profile, reflecting the joy and gratitude he brings to each role .

With “Messy White Gays,” Zias joins an ensemble of out LGBTQ+ talent poised to make waves in New York’s theatre scene. The play, which has already attracted attention for its frank, comedic interrogation of privilege and identity, is a fitting platform for Zias’s talents and advocacy .

As he continues to break ground on stage and screen, Pete Zias remains a vital voice in contemporary queer performance—one that is unafraid to be both messy and magnificent.