In her own words
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"My passion for the theater drew me to the East Coast. Hailing from the peace and beauty of my native Southern California, I traveled cross-country in search of the gritty intrusions of New York City energy, where I am currently based. At the age of four, my big sister announced that we were going to do a play after dinner for our parents. I was to be the sick old lady draped on the couch and my sister was to be the doctor. When she came out of the kitchen, I was to say in a shaky old lady voice, 'Doctor, oh doctor, my rheumatism is killing me.' All day long, I drove my sister crazy trying to get her to teach me that big word. Then, that evening I made my debut and since that night, I have never looked back."
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Biography
Following her auspicious beginning, Maris has performed at Soho Repertory Theater, Primary Stages, The Gene Frankel Theater under the direction of renowned director Gene Frankel and has directed at the American Place Theater with founder/director Wynn Handman.
Maris is a founding member of The First Amendment Comedy and Improvisation Co., and has directed numerous original works including solo performances, cabaret and, most notably, a special for PBS, "The Consuming Passions of Lydia Pinkham and Rev. Sylvester Graham".
Maris has been invited as a guest artist to conduct master classes for advanced drama students at The City College of NY. She has held acting workshops for seniors through 'Project Find' and taught "Acting: A Living Experience", at the College of New Rochelle. Maris has been an adjunct professor for speech and drama at City College of New York, and has been involved in outreach programs bringing theater to underprivileged communities. She received her Master's Degree from San Francisco State University School of Drama.​