Scholar Spotlight: Kristen Martino
“As a scenic designer for theatre, I create the physical world the audience experiences on stage. I approach each script like a detective, uncovering clues about its locations, atmosphere, and story. Through research, sketches, 3D models, and technical drafting, I transform those discoveries into storytelling environments.”
Kristen Martino
Assistant Professor
Department of Theatre
Collaborating with directors and fellow artists, I help shape how audiences perceive mood, space, and meaning. The blend of artistry, storytelling, and problem-solving can turn an abstract idea into a tangible world.
Every production offers a new creative challenge, and today’s designers have the added thrill of incorporating modern technologies like projection, automation, and digital modeling to push the boundaries of what can be achieved on stage.
Why I Do What I Do
I’ve always been drawn to how theatre brings stories to life in three dimensions. Scenic design lets me do more than draw a picture; it allows me to create an environment that shapes how an audience experiences a moment. I became fascinated by how a single design choice could completely change the mood or meaning of a scene, and I have been hooked ever since. Each project gives me the chance to combine imagination, collaboration, and craft to build worlds that make stories real.
Currently Working On
Designing Cabaret, the very first production to be staged in the brand-new Jenny Boyd Theatre here at UT, opening in February 2026.
I frequently travel to theatre companies across the country to serve as scenic designer for productions within their seasons. In 2025, I designed about eight productions at companies such as Gulfshore Playhouse (Naples, Florida), Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (Winchester, Virginia), A.C.T. of CT (Ridgefield, Connecticut), and Casa Mañana Theatre (Fort Worth, Texas). These opportunities allow me to continue expanding my artistry, exploring new technologies and practices, and building professional connections that directly benefit my students.