Peter Shama was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, on 10 November 1922 to Joseph Shama (1875-1960), formerly of Deirmemas, Lebanon, and his wife Annie Kays (1886-1951). Peter was an active member of the Charlottetown theatre community. Over the years, he was an actor, stagehand, and director with the Charlottetown Little Theatre Guild. He received many awards for his participation local theatre, including the 1958 Drama Festival Best Director trophy and the 1962 Drama Festival Best Actor award for his role in "The Dover Road", as well as the praise of local critics. Peter also regularly attended local productions, drama festivals, and the Charlottetown Summer Festival.

Peter Shama died on 20 May 2003 and was buried in St. Peter's Anglican Church Cemetery in Charlottetown.