By Chrissy M. Thornton Particular to the AFRO
Baltimore has lengthy been a metropolis brimming with inventive expertise, cultural richness and a deep-seated custom of storytelling that connects generations. And now, we’re lucky to have a real inventive powerhouse return to our metropolis to assist form its theatrical panorama for years to come back. Ken-Matt Martin, a distinguished director, producer and visionary in American theater, has formally made Baltimore his house, and the impression of his presence can’t be overstated.
Ken-Matt is not any stranger to management within the theater world. Having served as a creative director many occasions over, a managing director a minimum of twice, and as a founding father of his personal theater firm, he brings an unparalleled breadth of expertise to the Baltimore Heart Stage crew. His work in regional theaters throughout the nation has not solely earned him vital acclaim but additionally has confirmed his capability to construct and maintain vibrant theatrical communities. Martin’s experience in directing, producing and managing inventive establishments locations him in a uncommon class of multifaceted theater professionals who can each envision and execute.
When Baltimore Heart Stage discovered itself in transition after Stephanie Ybarra’s departure, Martin stepped in as interim inventive director, making certain continuity and stability for the theater throughout a pivotal second. Now, returning as the manufacturing director, he performs a vital position in shaping the establishment alongside the theater’s different latest newcomer, acclaimed inventive director Stevie Walker-Webb, and their managing director Adam Frank. His management is already proving invaluable, strengthening the theater’s programming, increasing its attain and positioning it as a nationwide mannequin for inventive excellence and cultural engagement.
Martin’s listing of accomplishments is nothing wanting outstanding. His directorial credit span among the most celebrated productions lately, together with August Wilson’s “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” (Pyramid Theatre Firm), the Chicago premiere of “How I Discovered What I Discovered” starring Harry Lennix (Congo Sq. Theatre Firm), and the world premiere of “NANCY” (Mosaic Theatre Firm). His work on Jason Reynolds’ “Lengthy Manner Down,” which premiered at Olney Theatre Heart earlier than shifting to New York’s legendary Apollo Theater, speaks to his capability to convey compelling Black narratives to the forefront of American theater.
Past directing, Martin is a real theater builder. He co-founded Pyramid Theatre Co. in Des Moines, Iowa, a groundbreaking group dedicated to centering Black voices and tales. He has held management roles at Victory Gardens Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Pageant and Goodman Theatre, demonstrating his strategic imaginative and prescient and inventive integrity at each flip. He additionally created progressive packages such because the 20/50 New Play Pageant, the Ignite Chicago Pageant, and Goodman Theatre’s Dwell @ 5 Present, all of which spotlight his ardour for fostering new work and supporting rising artists.
At the moment, along with his position at Baltimore Heart Stage, Martin serves as producing director at Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Balancing management at two establishments is not any small feat, however Martin’s observe file proves he’s greater than able to dealing with the problem. His first main productions in his new roles embrace “The Amen Nook” at Arkansas Repertory Theatre and “John Wilkes Sales space: One Evening Solely!” at Baltimore Heart Stage, together with overseeing the Heart Stage 2025 gala. His capability to seamlessly navigate inventive and administrative duties underscores why he is among the most sought-after figures in theater as we speak.
Nonetheless, what really units Ken-Matt Martin aside is his humility. His not realizing about this spotlight has given me the freedom to jot down it. Regardless of his intensive accolades – together with the Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Award, Michigan’s Oscar Wilde Award for Finest Director, and Chicago’s BACA Black Excellence Award for Excellent Director – he stays grounded, collaborative and deeply dedicated to the communities he serves. Baltimore is blessed to have a frontrunner who doesn’t search the highlight for himself however as an alternative works to uplift others, domesticate new voices, and create alternatives for artists of all backgrounds.
Motivated by his generosity of spirit, Ken-Matt is not only a succesful chief but additionally a transformative power within the arts and somebody who understands the facility of theater on the intersection of social justice. At a time when the world is preventing for every little thing good, it’s important that we embrace and rejoice those that select to come back to Baltimore and decide up the mantle to help our metropolis’s initiatives. Martin is a type of uncommon people who brings each the imaginative and prescient and the motion to make actual, significant change.
Baltimore Heart Stage is coming into an thrilling new chapter – its Subsequent Act. Collectively, the management is shaping an establishment that not solely produces high-quality theater but additionally serves as a beacon of cultural, civic, and justice management in Baltimore and past.
Baltimore thrives once we uplift those that come right here to create, innovate, and encourage. Martin is a gem whose brilliance will shine on our phases and in our neighborhood for years to come back. Ken-Matt, welcome again!
Chrissy M. Thornton is the president and CEO of Related Black Charities.
