Meet Aryiel Hartman | Host, Actor, and Art Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aryiel Hartman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aryiel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I don’t think I’ve ever truly had a choice in the matter. I’ve done so many different gigs and jobs over the years and had the opportunity to chose many different paths, like that of an accountant’s assistant, but every time I would try to veer off course to something else, the arts and entertainment industry would always pull me back. I’m very adaptable and have grown accustomed to never having the same schedule week to week. I almost prefer it that way, even though at times it can be overwhelming juggling everything between bookings, gigs, and auditions. I also grew up in a very creative environment where pursuing a career in the arts/acting was always encouraged. Even though I did consider becoming an archaeologist/surgeon for a short time, it’s probably best for everyone that I didn’t chose that path

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been really happy having found my place and voice as a host. Whether it’s with a rowdy vegas crowd, a hollywood cabaret, or an indy comedy show, I truly enjoy getting to chat with any audience. I love the shows that let me sing and dance and do full numbers as well as the ones where I get to create a whole act in line with the show. More recently though, I’ve been doing more comedy shows where it’s just more about the storytelling and quippy banter that I adore so much. It’s all been such a journey, outward and inward, in finding my voice and my point of view and also allowing myself to take up space. When I first started hosting years and years ago, it was because I was producing and directing huge variety shows and we simply just didn’t have a host so I did it out of necessity. I unexpectedly loved it so much, even though I’m sure if I watched the footage back now I’d see myself racing through every talking portion at a high velocity speed, so terrified of taking up any time. While I used to rely on things like trivia and pre-written jokes or scripts to fill the time, I’ve gotten so much more comfortable just going out with a loose plan and being in the moment with the audience. I feel like that always allows me to keep things feeling fresh and fun. But I’m also constantly reviewing and analyzing what worked and what didn’t after every show and I feel like it’s always different depending on the gig. I really love learning what works with different audiences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well I’m such a sucker for my neighborhood of Los Feliz that I usually take people visiting town to all my favorite spots in the area. Of course, you gotta hike up to the Griffith Observatory, although I like to take the path through Ferndell up and the secret stairs back down to really get the most scenery out of it. One of my favorite things to do is catch the amazing happy hour at Figaro cafe and then walk up to the Greek for a concert (and I say “walk” even though I always catch a lyft up the hill). But because it’s absolutely necessary to go to the beach when you’re visiting, I’d also take them to one of the gorgeous Malibu beaches followed by a meal at Neptune’s Net.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s so many people that have enabled me to do what I love over the years. Miss Spent Youth is an incredible burlesque performer and producer and really pulled me back into the scene by letting me host so many of her incredible productions, including the 2024 Hollywood Burlesque Festival. The amazing producers at Sultry Sweet Burlesque have been wonderful enough to let me host and sing during their live band burlesque shows at the Kookaburra Lounge in Hollywood. Getting to sing and play with a live band is amazing and definitely lets me live out all my late night talk show hosting dreams. And, of course, Tom Farnan has always been an invaluable friend and partner in comedy. From shooting commercial spots together to getting to come play in his Velvet Tom Cabaret Hour, he’s always been such a smart and fun collaborator. That also brings me to Monday Night Tease, which sponsored the VT hour, and Lili Von Schtupp who has been a supporter and mentor to pretty much every burlesque performer in LA, whether they know it or not. I’ve learned so much from all of these amazing creators and getting to work with them is always such a joy.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/have.a.hartman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryielhartman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yeslikethemermaid

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/yeslikethemermaid

Image Credits
Tim Hunter Photography,
SH Photografia,
Daniel J. Sliwa Media,
Flying Lion Cabaret Photography,
Michael Helms Photography