As a producer on the dramatic short film "Play House," recently accepted by the 2013 South by Southwest Festival (SXSW), Maria Soccor is demonstrating her outstanding talent behind the camera while simultaneously continuing to distinguish herself as a successful actress and model.

"Play House," directed by Brandon LaGanke, represents the latest achievement in Soccor's impressive fifteen year career. Through her companies Maria Soccor Productions, A Jersey Girl LLC, Arachnids With Pistolas Productions LLC, and Wild Iris Films, Soccor created and produced the web series "NewJerseyChef.com," and produced another web series, "My Parents Are Crazier Than Yours," directed by Marlene Rhein.

She recently produced the short comedy film "Cinemacoma" which was accepted into the Katra Film Series in New York City. Soccor is also producing, directing and writing a feature full length film documentary entitled "Lords of BSV," while also developing her new comic series SPEAR, illustrated by artist Rolo Ledesma.

As an actress, Soccor has appeared in 20 movies including "Playmakers of New Orleans" starring Zoe Saldana and Boris Kodjoe in which she played Saldana's sister, and "Jersey Justice" starring Emmy award winner Blanche Baker. She has also appeared in films featuring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Turturro, John Malkovich, Famke Janssen and Martin Landau ("Rounders"), Queen Latifah and Danny Glover ("The Cookout"), Danny Aiello and Joe Piscopo ("The Last Request"), and John Leguizamo ("Undefeated" on HBO).

Her television credits include "Cosby," a recurring role on the NBC series "Another World," "K-Ville" on Fox starring Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser, as well as appearances on ABC, CBS, PBS, and the Lifetime channel.

Soccor is also displaying her versatility as a model for the esteemed Wilhelmina agency. She is a member of the Poetry Society of America, and is an accomplished writer, poet, and poetry teacher. She began her entertainment career as a member of Gallman's Newark Dance Theater, and as a print model represented Fortune 500 companies in several advertising campaigns.

After studying acting under the late three-time Tony Award winner Uta Hagen, Soccor appeared on Broadway and in several Off-Broadway productions, and founded The Anagnorisis Theater Company. She is a member of The Screen Actors Guild, The American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, Actor Equity Association, and The Sommelier Association. Soccor also serves on the Theater/Arts and Film Committees at New York's prestigious National Arts Club.

Her awards include New Jersey Essex County Young Woman of The Year, Miss New York, and Ms. National USA.

Soccor is active in her community as a volunteer at a local women's battered shelter in Newark, New Jersey, as well as actively participating in Amnesty International, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, and numerous charity events.