“Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome.”

ABOUT

Born in Barcelona and raised in New York City, Maria May (she/her) is a Georgian-American, multi-hyphenate creative.

Over a decade of devotion since her introduction to the arts as a child actor, Maria has honed her craft across performance mediums and styles, from the esteemed stages of Broadway, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center to the wider reaches of national television & film. Fluent in English, Spanish and Georgian, her artistic identity emanates from a combination of multicultural heritage, immigrant roots, and resilience cultivated by her single-parent upbringing.
Hailing from the same former Soviet republic of Georgia as its founder, George Balanchine, Maria was accepted into the School of American Ballet (SAB) in New York City at the age of 8 and trained in classical ballet for 5 years at the school. Through Dancing Classrooms, a transformative NYC public school program founded by Pierre Dulaine, Maria was introduced to the illustrious world of ballroom dance and was later accepted to their Youth Dance Company (YDC), which provided diverse training & performance repertoires of dance styles including the merengue, foxtrot, waltz, rumba, tango, cha-cha, salsa, swing and samba. After making her Broadway debut in Billy Elliot the musical, Maria originated a role graciously written in for her in the 24-hour reading of Little Dancer, directed by Susan Stroman, and then played Young Anastasia alongside Dame Angela Lansbury in the first workshop of Broadway’s Anastasia the musical.
Since middle school, Maria trained at the Professional Performing Arts School in NYC, majoring in musical theater during high school. Through an enriching affiliation with Rosie O’Donnell’s “Rosie’s Theater Kids” (RTK), she attended daily classes in singing, dance, acting, and both ensemble and solo work, which deeply nurtured her love for the performing arts. Fueled by a desire to help tell the stories of marginalized groups, Maria pursued a minor in psychology along with a variety of writing courses during her undergraduate career. She gained added knowledge from a unique mentorship experience under the guidance of an heir of the Tolkien legacy during the staging of his new play on the Holocaust. As a member of the creative team, she provided support in the piece’s direction, script, and music arrangements. Maria continues to develop her diverse repertoire of songs, instrumental compositions, sketches, musicals, and screenplays.
Maria is a naturalized American citizen, Harvard University Extension School graduate, multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar, ukulele, melodica, djembe) and proud member of the Actors' Equity, SAG-AFTRA, and AGVA unions. Maria has been recognized as a Top 10 Finalist by ABC Casting in their nationwide “ABC Discovers Talent Competition” and has served as a member of the SAG Awards nominating committee.

Introduced to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS during her time on Broadway, Maria wholeheartedly contributed to her cast’s performance in support of the revered cause at their annual gala, and continues to do so by donating a portion of proceeds from the vocal and instrument lessons she teaches.
Contributions to Broadway Cares help provide healthy meals and lifesaving medication for people across the country affected by HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Tax-deductible donations can be made to support the effort here: https://shorturl.at/sURyl.

Creative Genesis:

“Amidst the bloopers in this BTS reel from my 1st professional gig with Mattel for Barbie, my newly discovered love for the enchanting powers of performing, storytelling, and community first danced.

Since an early age, the connective & transformative magic of creativity, and the seemingly infinite forms of artistic self-expression, have all resonated deeply with my thespian soul. Until today, nothing has topped the profound joy & lasting fulfillment I feel by connecting with the hearts & imaginations of other dreamers.

From the depths of my own journey as a survivor of human trafficking & other early childhood trauma, I’ve gratefully emerged as a fierce advocate for the liberation of all souls, wholeheartedly championing the fundamental right to freedom from oppression. In addition to my commitment to the arts & a vegan lifestyle, I find purpose & solace in providing support to others on their path through adversity & volunteering as an arts educator for children with special needs.”