Meet Maia!

I’m Maia McGowan, a New York-based artist born and raised in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Coming from a family of athletes, I chose to forge my own path in the arts. My passion for performance was first kindled at a young age when I took the stage to sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in a Christmas pageant. My playful, self-created choreography and expressive gestures excited the audience, making them laugh with tears in their eyes. That moment of connection ignited my love for performing.

Building a strong relationship with my audience is essential to me. As a woman with dwarfism, I’m often met with preconceived notions based on my physical appearance. However, I don’t let this hold me back—instead, it fuels my passion and drives me to challenge perceptions. One of my artistic goals is to break down social barriers by inviting the audience to see beyond my physical form and into the characters I bring to life. I do this through witty humor, emotional vulnerability, and thought-provoking perspectives.

In addition to my love for performance, I am passionate about scenic design. My journey in this field began at Fordham University, where I developed carpentry skills and creative techniques for world-building. I enjoy creating transformative, otherworldly spaces that subtly and symbolically reflect the overarching themes of each production. You’ll often find me sketching ideas on napkins, receipts, or scraps of paper, which I save in my purse to refine later with cut, glue, and imagination.

I have come to love every aspect of performance, from on stage to behind the scenes. My desire for human connection fuels my love for collaboration. I believe that art is always stronger when created together, with multiple minds working in harmony. I aspire to lead a vibrant, playful, and impactful artistic life filled with collaboration, exploration, and positive change.