Writer, Director, Comedian, & Performer
Maria Gnoza is a writer, director, comedian & performer based in Los Angeles. Hailing from Kansas City, Maria moved across the country to see if the ocean was real.
Her latest solo show, THE IDITAROD, was nominated for Best Solo Show at the 2024 Hollywood Fringe Festival, along with The StageCrafts Selects award – which recognizes excellence across all StageCrafts venues. The show received an extension for high ticket sales and exceptional reviews.
In 2023, Maria sold out the Santa Monica Playhouse Mainstage with her one-woman show, IN THE AISLE. She completed her first solo show, KILLING ROAST BEEF, in 2020. Other writing credits include her plays, STOOD UP and GOOSE.
Maria’s monthly comedy showcase, MARIA AND– will debut at the Clubhouse Theatre in February 2025.
Maria is an improviser and performs at venues such as the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Broadwater, and Clubhouse. Her improv troupes, STOP THAT MAN and CUTER IN PERSON perform frequently across Los Angeles, and she can occasionally be seen performing alongside DRUNK THEATRE in Santa Monica.
Maria will eat raw eggs in a live show and start a thriller novella the next day. She writes for the stage & screen, for book nerds, and everyone in between.
Above all else, Maria values laughter, a strong ensemble, her perfect niece & nephew, and a lengthy blooper reel.
