Maya Krishna Rao (born 1953) is a solo Indian theatre artist, stand-up comedian and social activist.

Her well-known shows include Khol Do', 'A Deep Fried Jam','Ravanama and Heads Are Meant for Walking Into.

Born in 1953 in New York City,[1] Rao moved to India at a young age.

She was Associate Professor in the department of Acting at the National School of Drama, New Delhi, between 1985 and 1990.

In 2013 she was appointed professor at the Shiv Nadar University, Delhi where she designed and taught a post graduate Diploma programme, TEST (Theatre for Education and Social Transformation), a first-of-its-kind in any institute of higher education in India.