ABOUT

Martin McClendon is a midwest-based scenic designer and professor of theatre at Carthage College. In 16 years of work at Carthage, Martin has designed shows of all types, including several world premieres through Carthage's New Play Initiative. Prior to joining Carthage, Martin designed over a dozen shows for Chicago-based Defiant Theatre (of which he was a company member), receiving three non-Equity Jeff Citation Nominations. Los Angeles design credits: shows for the Odyssey Theatre and Evidence Room. Regionally, Martin has designed for New American Theatre and Artist's Ensemble in Rockford, IL. Milwaukee credits: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre and numerous shows at FIrst Stage Children's Theatre.

Martin also worked as a furniture maker and carpenter in Los Angeles, specializing in Arts and Crafts style pieces. In 2013, he was honored to contribute an article to Fine Woodworking magazine.

Martin has received Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival national commendations for scene design for UP AND AWAY and ONE DAY IN THE SEASON OF RAIN, for lighting design for GHOST BIKE, and a collaborative commendation for video technology for THE BREATH OF STARS. In addition, he has received KC/ACTF Certificates of Merit for scenic design for productions of MAN OF LA MANCHA, BOEING BOEING, DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE, and A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2.

Recent work has revolved around highlighting and encouraging dialogue about the veteran experience through verbatim theatre projects and community arts events. Martin was honored to receive the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Innovative Teaching Award for 2016-17 for his work with students in developing veteran theatre projects. He is also the co-founder, with David Chrisinger and Lawrence Gums, of Carthage’s annual Veteran Night of the Arts, held every November.