Ayla Gittelman Ipek
Just your average Jewish, Muslim, Queer with a hard to pronounce name
“There’s no point in being grown up if you can’t be a bit childish sometimes” - The Doctor
Ayla Gittelman Ipek (She/They) is a proud Native New Yorker who will never let you forget it! Growing up, Ayla was all over the place—gymnastics, ice hockey, competitive chess, flute—you name it. They tried it all, and quit it all, until discovering the magic of musical theater in 7th grade. From that moment on, it’s been full steam ahead with no turning back.
Ayla is constantly working to grow as a performer, and enjoys nothing more than diving deep into characters, uncovering what makes them tick, and bringing a unique perspective to each role they play. Her ability to connect with her audience, and feel the energy that is singular to live performance is what drives her as an artist.
In addition to theater, Ayla has a love for Aerial Arts, training in Lyra, Pole, Hammock, and Silks. She is looking forward to one day combining these art forms she loves so deeply.
WITH SO LITTLE TO BE SURE OF
In December 2024, I wrote and performed a cabaret that was deeply personal and close to my heart. It explored my upbringing, delving into the political influences of my childhood and how they shaped the artist I am today. At its core, the show was a reflection of my dreams—not only as an artist, but as a human being determined to make a difference in the world through art. It was an opportunity to share my story, my vision, and my passion with an audience in a way I had never done before. Performing it is (currently) one of my proudest moments, and I think it’s a pretty perfect reflection of who I am—my heart, my voice, and my vision.
On Stage Gallery
