Maritess Zurbano is a professional Filipina-American award winning playwright, author, and master magician. She is a former Las Vegas croupier, competed at the World Championship of Magic, and had her own illusion show in Japan. Her op-eds concerning women and the magic world are published at Ms. Magazine, and The Seattle Times. Her plays have been produced at festivals including ARS Nova, The NYC International Fringe Festival, and developed by The Public Theater New York City. Zurbano is a Hedgebrook and Asian American American Arts Alliance Fellow. Her latest one woman play was commissioned in March 2026 by Key City Public Theater.