Maya is an NYU Tisch Drama-trained BFA actress and teaching artist. Born and raised in Oregon, she’s climbed many a tree and sampled several fistfuls of dirt, that’s why her immune system is so strong (that, and being on the New York City subway system). As a multi-ethnic Wasian, Maya grew up learning to roll lumpia and sushi, while also honoring the humble potato of her European roots.
Maya received a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch in 2023. She studied at the Meisner Studio and the Experimental Theatre Wing, cultivating a love of script analysis, the Grotowski technique, modern dance, and devising her own work.
Post-grad, Maya has immersed herself in the NY theater and indie film scenes. She’s performed new works at The Public Theater, the historical Actors Studio, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Theater for the New City. In film, she’s had the opportunity to utilize her stage combat skills and love of horror in several indie thrillers, garnering recognition at the Underground Film & Screenplay Festival and the Dumbo Film Festival in 2025.
Maya brings warmth and a bit of fire to her roles, often as the gentle emotional anchor or scrappy problem solver with major big sis energy.
Raised by educators and leaders who passed down a deep value of community building and public service, Maya combines her passion for the arts, education, and activism as a teaching artist and volunteer. She teaches at New York Film Academy, the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, and Manhattan Theater Club. She also offers free sing-a-long classes around the city, shoot her an email if you want her to teach your kiddo Wheels on the Bus.
When she’s not acting, teaching, or honing her writing and directing skills, Maya is tackling headstands in her yoga practice, writing songs on her guitar, or striking up conversations with the fascinating strangers of NYC, whether they like it or not 🙂
Check out Maya’s reel:
Casting links:
Teaching Artistry:
Maya teaches script analysis at the Terry Knickerbocker studio. Her curriculum is centered on the Bunseki Method, a script analysis technique designed specifically for Meisner trained actors and developed by her mentor, Pandora Scooter. Maya has helped shape the curriculum and edit the latest version of the Bunseki Method textbook.
Maya is the core instructor for the Youth Acting For Film program at New York Film Academy. She teaches introductory and advanced on-camera acting classes, audition technique, movement, voice and speech, and private coaching for both the kids and teens programs on the New York campus and online.
Coaching & Private Lessons:
Maya provides audition coaching, private script analysis lessons, and kiddo sing-along classes. If interested in working with her, please submit a form below.
