Maria J. Cruz, a Vancouver, BC native, is a talented actor who has made a name for herself on the professional theatre circuit. During her final year at the University of British Columbia's Theatre program, she landed her first professional gig as "Tina" in 'Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding', a Vancouver staple that has been running for decades. In this iconic role, she was married hundreds of times to over a half a dozen different "Tony's", a testament to her versatility and adaptability.
After honing her craft on the stages of Vancouver and Toronto, including the renowned Second City, Maria has found her sweet spot in acerbic comedies and classical roles, earning her several favourable reviews in Restoration plays. Her passion for acting is undeniable, and she has continued to pursue her dreams with unwavering dedication.
Maria took a brief hiatus in the early 2000s to pursue her Master's degree in Museum studies, but she eventually returned to her first love of acting over six years ago. Her latest endeavour is a one-woman stage play, performed in both Portuguese and English, which she showcased at the prestigious Azores International Fringe Festival.
This year, Maria is set to take on an exciting new role as creator, producer, and actor in SMAK! Productions' independent feature film, 'The Parties'. With her impressive range and versatility, it's no wonder Maria is looking forward to bringing this project to life.
