For Aaron Stall, acting has never been about fitting into one box. With a foundation in theatre and improv, he has built a career spanning television, film, and commercial work, each requiring a different rhythm yet the same authenticity.
From screen appearances on Victorious to brand campaigns like Wonderful Pistachios, Aaron Stall continues to navigate the industry with versatility and intention. In this interview, he discusses his journey, the importance of staying creatively flexible, and how unexpected moments have shaped his path.
WELCOME TO ABOUTINSIDER, AARON STALL! FOR OUR READERS WHO MAY BE DISCOVERING YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOUR JOURNEY INTO ACTING AND PERFORMANCE BEGAN.
Hello everyone! I’m an actor and performer currently based in Los Angeles, though my roots go back to the Philly suburbs where I first stepped onto a professional stage at 18. Like many in this craft, the theater was my first home and where I built my foundation. When I made the move to LA in my early 20s, I shifted my focus toward the screen while keeping my stage career alive. It’s been a journey of incredible successes from television projects to national campaigns along with the ‘ups and downs’ that come with an artistic life. Every step has really just been about staying versatile and keeping those creative muscles flexed.
YOU HAVE A STRONG BACKGROUND IN IMPROV AND THEATRE. HOW DID THOSE EARLY EXPERIENCES SHAPE YOUR CONFIDENCE AND STYLE AS A PERFORMER?
I really credit improv with building my social IQ and honing my sense of humor. It taught me how to find the ‘game’ in everything whether it’s a scripted scene or just quick-witted wordplay in a social setting. Theater, on the other hand, was a decision born out of necessity. It filled a deep need for self-acceptance and gave me the essential foundation of being truly present in front of an audience. Those early days shaped my confidence by teaching me that spontaneity is a muscle you have to flex every day.
BEING A FOUNDING MEMBER OF SHAKESPEARE ON HORSEBACK THEATER COMPANY IS QUITE UNIQUE. WHAT INSPIRED THAT CONCEPT, AND WHAT HAS THAT JOURNEY BEEN LIKE?
Early on, I was looking for a way to sharpen my craft while building a real sense of community, and that led me to a group of like-minded actors with big dreams and even bigger spaces. We eventually connected with a wonderful woman who co-owned a horse ranch; she was a theater person at heart who had always dreamed of Shakespeare on horseback.
We actually ‘paid’ for our rehearsal space by building and operating a haunted house for their Halloween festival! After months of training, we formed Equine Dell’Arte. It was a wild mix of slapstick comedy, Shakespearean text, and horses (plus a few other farm animals). Performing in a main arena for both theater lovers and the equestrian community was incredibly rewarding. It was a beautiful two-year run that taught me so much about adaptability especially when your scene partner is a horse!
YOU ONCE MADE HEADLINES AS LOS ANGELES’S MOST STYLISH UBER AND LYFT DRIVER. HOW DID THAT UNEXPECTED MOMENT IMPACT YOUR CAREER AND VISIBILITY?
That’s right, I went by “Dapperdryver” on all my social media. It was a wild moment that definitely boosted my visibility! I’d get to know my passengers, take a selfie with them, and immediately record everything I could remember into a voice note after I dropped them off. Later, I’d share those experiences on Instagram to make them feel special for a bit though, more often than not, they were the ones who made me feel special.
In an industry built on storytelling, having a positive, wholesome ‘story’ like that gave casting directors and producers a fun hook to associate with my name. It really helped get my foot in the door, and I enjoyed using that momentum to segue into conversations about my more serious artistic projects. It was an excellent blend of fun, socializing, character research, branding, and professional networking.
FROM SHOWS LIKE VICTORIOUS TO NATIONAL COMMERCIALS LIKE WONDERFUL PISTACHIOS, YOU’VE WORKED ACROSS VERY DIFFERENT FORMATS. HOW DO YOU ADAPT YOUR PERFORMANCE STYLE BETWEEN TV, FILM, AND COMMERCIALS?
Regardless of the format, the acting has to remain grounded and come from a real place. Whether I’m on a sitcom set like Victorious or a national commercial for Wonderful Pistachios, the process of finding the character is the same: it’s about tailoring my performance to what that character wants in that specific moment. The ‘goal’ of the footage changes because television sells entertainment and commercials sell a product, but they both rely on storytelling. Even in a thirty-second spot, the character has to satisfy the requirements of that story to be believable. My job is to stay true to those circumstances and keep the performance authentic, whether I’m driving a plot forward or sharing a nutritious snack.
YOU’VE PERFORMED AT THE MAGIC CASTLE AND ENTERTAINED BOTH FANS AND CELEBRITIES. HOW DID YOU GET INTO MAGIC, AND WHAT ROLE DOES IT PLAY IN YOUR CREATIVE EXPRESSION?
I have to be honest, I’m not a magician! While I’ve learned a few tricks out of necessity, my real ‘magic’ is in the performance and the atmosphere. My time at the Magic Castle actually started as a Floor Manager and Emcee, where I realized that a well-timed trick or a moment of levity is a great way to bring creativity into any environment. I have so much respect for the craft that I always prefer to leave the heavy lifting to the pros; I see my role as keeping the doors open for them. What I truly loved was developing a stand-up routine that could inform the audience of the club’s rules while transforming them into a ‘warmed-up’ crowd ready to give the magician a roaring welcome. It was an incredible experience! I don’t think I’ve ever performed for more celebrities in such a concentrated amount of time, but the goal was always the same: making sure the audience was primed for an unforgettable night.
LOOKING BACK AT YOUR CAREER SO FAR, IS THERE A PARTICULAR ROLE OR PROJECT THAT FEELS ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL OR CLOSE TO YOUR HEART?
It’s hard to pick just one because so many projects have shaped me in different ways. Playing Tony in West Side Story during my senior year of high school still stands out. I loved feeling that connection and being recognized for my voice by my peers felt like a dream. Later, at 25, acting alongside superstars on Victorious was a huge milestone; it really validated my desire to be a performer in Los Angeles. Beyond the big sets, co-creating projects I love has been a constant source of pride. But ultimately, what’s most rewarding is getting to work on multiple projects with the same wonderful people over the years. This industry is full of incredible talent, and those long-term creative partnerships are what truly stay close to my heart.
BEYOND ACTING, YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES AND ANIMAL WELFARE. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO STAY INVOLVED IN THESE AREAS, AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE PURPOSE WITH PROFESSION?
I truly believe my purpose is to perform, but my heart is to protect the innocent whether human or animal. I’m deeply passionate about environmental protection and animal welfare, which is why I’ve chosen a mostly vegetarian lifestyle. It might feel like a small step, but every time I choose non-animal proteins, I know I’m making a choice that honors a life. This isn’t just a lifestyle choice for me; it’s a practice. I’ve spent time feeding strays, volunteering at clinics, and helping to rehome animals in need. I also feel a strong responsibility toward our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and I’ve been fortunate enough to donate several thousand dollars in cash, food, and direct aid over the years. For me, balancing my profession with this purpose is about using whatever platform I have to be a voice for those who don’t have one.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS, DREAM ROLES, OR CREATIVE DIRECTIONS YOU’RE EXCITED TO EXPLORE?
My mind is constantly aglow with new projects, ideas, and upcoming auditions. I’m at a point where I’m really excited to explore roles that challenge my range whether that’s a deep character study or a fast-paced comedic project. There is always a new story to tell or a new ‘game’ to find in a scene! The best way to keep up with my journey, my latest sets, and all the creative chaos is to find me on Instagram @AaronStallOfficial. I’d love to see you there!
