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 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.

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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. 

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Maria is an improviser and performs at landmark LA venues such as The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, The Elysian, Westside Comedy Theater, and Dynasty Typewriter. She performs weekly on a resident team at the WGIS Theatre. She’s a regular with the long-standing DRUNK THEATRE COMPANY, which sold out the 250+ seat mainstage for the 2026 San Francisco Sketchfest. Maria also produces her own monthly comedy showcase, MARIA AND. Her podcast, HAGWENCH, will debut this July.

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Currently, Maria works for Sony as the Showrunner's Assistant on the upcoming series, S.W.A.T. EXILES. Previously, she was the Showrunner & Director’s Assistant on the Netflix hit, RANSOM CANYON.

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Above all else, Maria values laughter, a strong ensemble, her perfect niece & nephew, and a lengthy blooper reel.