Maria Velletri

Maria Velletri is a versatile actress, singer, and dancer who has appeared in award-winning musicals and short films, and can be seen in the lead role of Marissa Harrison in the recently released feature film, "The Kids of Grove" directed by Damien Giglietta. Maria trained in Perth at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and Edith Cowan University. She completed her Bachelor of Contemporary Arts with a double major in Contemporary Performance and Theatre Studies in 2012, and her Cert II in Music Theatre at WAAPA in the same year. Since 2020 Maria has been training with US Dialogue Coach Kristy Sexton on her on-screen technique. In 2020 Maria was involved in several film projects including her directorial debut for the short film "Stage Fright", the leading female role in the short film "Come Again", and the supporting lead in the comedy web pilot "Bulk Bill". Maria choreographed an original dance for Vocal Australia's music video "Work This Time" which released in December 2020, and used her physical theatre skills to help the lovely Bronya Doyle from Floor Work with movement development for their physical theatre show as well as participating in an online movement jam with The Dirty Laundry Collective. Maria has travelled around the world building her experience and skills in the performing arts industry. Born in Italy, Maria immigrated to Australia at three years old, and has never lost her sense of adventure. In 2014, Maria moved to Vancouver to continue her work as an actor. Whilst there, she trained with Ben Ratner at Haven Studios and gained valuable experience in the film and television industry. She moved to Melbourne, Australia in 2016 and has been actively building her career there since. Maria has been very fortunate to work with many talented and well-respected industry professionals from all over the world, and is always looking for new opportunities to grow as an artist.