Meet Rachaelmaye Aronoff | Actor, Director, and Theatrical Creator

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

Hi RachaelMaye, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I don’t agree with the idea that you have to pick one thing and focus on it exclusively. In my experience, that kind of tunnel vision has actually been stifling. Any time I’ve told myself I have to be just an actor or just a producer, I end up feeling stuck and uninspired. In reality, different skills inform and enrich each other, and approaching the arts with a broader perspective is vital to making it with inclusivity.

At my core, I’m an actor; driven by a desire to hold up a mirror to the human experience and explore the threads that connect us all. But my journey has never been about staying in one lane. I’ve directed, produced, stage-managed, designed props and sets, edited, PA’d, run social media—you name it. I’ve done all kinds of odd jobs in the industry, and each one has shaped me into a better artist. Constantly learning and evolving has not only sharpened my craft but also given me a deep respect for every role in the creative process. It’s made me a stronger collaborator and a more thoughtful leader, helping me recognize when to step in, when to step back, and when to trust my team.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Everything I put into the world is a reflection of my art. As a creator, my purpose is simple: to do whatever I can to keep making art happen. That means adapting to each project I’m lucky enough to be a part of and bringing my full self to the process.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that so much of this industry comes down to persistence. It’s easy, especially nowadays, to abandon a project the moment it gets tough, to move on when things don’t fall into place immediately. But the work I’m always proudest of is the kind that takes time, the projects that demand weeks, months, even years of dedication.

Amen, my award-winning directorial debut, is the perfect example. The script began as an idea Marisa had started working on years before it ever came to me, and we spent months shaping, restructuring, and refining it. Even now, we talk about the ways we’d evolve the story, the moments we’d deepen, the things we’ve learned since making it. And that’s what excites me the most — art isn’t just about creating something and moving on. It’s about the choice to keep going, to keep questioning, and to keep pushing ourselves further.

Eventually, that became a theme I was interested in, and that I found myself echoing in new work I’ve been developing: Why do we choose to keep going? How do we hold onto our ideas when doubt creeps in? And what happens when we commit to something long enough for it to truly take shape?

More than anything, I want people to know that my work is about storytelling in every form. Whether I’m acting, directing, or behind the scenes, I’m committed to creating meaningful, lasting art and to helping others do the same.

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.
One of my best friends just visited, so this itinerary is fresh in my mind!

Drinks – For the Cocktail Lovers
Blue Collar – A bespoke cocktail bar that always surprises me with something new. Plus, the classic rock soundtrack is chef’s kiss.
Foreman’s Whiskey Tavern – For an Old Fashioned lover, this place delivers. My favorite? The Huntsman—banana tea syrup and toasted pecan bitters.
Wolf & Crane – Japanese-inspired cocktails, perfect after a day of eating and shopping in Little Tokyo.
Angel City Brewery – A casual indoor/outdoor brewery with games, foosball, pool, and tons of screens for sports.
Death & Co – Pricey but world-renowned. The drinks are beautifully balanced, and the vibe is moody yet lively.
The Normandie Club – A dark, vibey spot serving fun takes on classic cocktails.
The Spare Room – Hidden inside the Hotel Roosevelt, this bar offers a little Old Hollywood elegance. Bonus: you can play Jenga while sipping your drink.

Lunch & Dinner – Since LA is a Foodie’s Paradise
Jjan – Korean pub food is my comfort go-to, and sharing these plates is a requirement when you hang out with me.
Sushi Go 55 – Incredible yet reasonably priced sushi. Their chirashi-don is an absolute steal.
La Cabañita Restaurant Y Pupuseria – The 7 Mares con Coco and chicharrón pupusa have brought me to actual tears.
Sapp Coffee Shop – Their boat noodles and jade noodles are pure comfort.
Surawon – Tofu soup, raw marinated crab, and some of the best banchan in town.
La Reyna’s Taco Truck – LA has countless great taco trucks, but this one stands out.
Mayura – No frills, just fantastic Indian food.
Curry in Hurry – Quick, comforting, and delicious.
Thai Night Market – Cheap, flavorful, and full of life.

Coffee & Breakfast – Integral Start to the Days
Jurassic Magic Coffee – A bit out of my way, but their unique drinks make every visit worth it.
Sightglass Coffee – My go-to work spot: spacious, bright, and great coffee. If you work hard enough, they have organic wines for a well-earned transition.
Cafe Upper – A fantastic einspänner and desserts so good I’ve had them for breakfast.
Damo – Chic and delicious.
Koreatown Coffee Hop – There are too many cool cafés in K-town to list. Spend a day hopping between them!
Yoboseyo Superette – My downtown go-to.
Activities – Let’s Have Some Fun
Local Theatre! From high-budget venues like CTG and The Geffen to intimate spaces like The Broadwater and Morgan-Wixson, LA’s theatre scene is thriving. TheatreinLA.com is a great resource to find a show that catches your eye.
Shopping Local – Flea markets like Melrose Trading Post or boutique shopping in neighborhoods like Silverlake, Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Sawtelle, NoHo, and Burbank.
Karaoke Night! Whether at an open-mic bar (Tramp Stamp Granny’s even has a live pianist!) or a private lounge (Maxx Karaoke is my go-to), nothing beats belting it out with friends.
Vintage Shopping – I love hopping between vintage stores in Burbank’s Magnolia Blvd or Melrose Blvd between Fairfax and La Brea.
Museums! – Though currently closed due to fires, The Getty Villa has a special place in my heart. In the meantime, The Getty and many others offer incredible experiences.

At the end of the day, though, I can be a bit of a homebody, and cooking for my friends at home is still one of my favorite ways to socialize.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Everything I am is a reflection of the incredible people around me.
My parents have supported every project I’ve taken on, no matter how big, small, or completely out there. My siblings have to hear about them all too.
My friends, no matter where they are in the world, always show up for me, whether with a hug in person or words of encouragement from afar. My friends also just so happen to be brimming with talent, so I’m lucky to say I’ve worked with many of them in creative capacities too. I’ve been lucky to have many mentors, like my teachers from my certificate program, who still let me pick their brains, offering wisdom that continues to shape me.
And, of course, I have to give the biggest shoutout to my partner, Marisa Ray. She doesn’t just fill my life with love and support; she’s my creative co-conspirator. From standing by me in my first directing venture to helping me prep for auditions, she keeps me inspired and motivated to keep making more. We’re currently working on a new film project together, so stay tuned in on my instagram @Rachael_Maye if you want to follow along!

Website: https://www.rachaelmaye.com

Instagram: @Rachael_Maye

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachael.aronoff/

Image Credits
Larry Sandez, Taylor Jones Photography, Kasandra Faith Photography, Andrew AB Photography, Nicole Souza,