Featuring Derek Martin
Director and Core Faculty, Theater, William Jessup University
Shakespeare said that all of life is a stage and that we are merely players. If that is true, Derek Martin is developing opportunities for such players to make positive impacts in the arts and in society. Derek is a professional actor, director, choreographer, producer and educator and has spent the last eighteen years working professionally in the Arts, Media and Entertainment. He holds both an MFA Acting/Directing from Regent University and a BFA Musical Theater from University of Hartford.
Derek has translated his professional career and educational training in the arts and theater to preparing the next generation of artists and performers, particularly from a faith perspective. Currently, he serves as the Director and Core Faculty for the Theater Program at William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA. Previously, he was a professor of theatre and Chair of the BA in Theatre at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA.
Derek bring his academic work to life through his active engagement in the arts and theater. He is a member of Actors Equity Association, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and Christians in Theatre Arts and has been a recognized actor/combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors. Derek has worked professionally at numerous respected theatres around the country such as: Connecticut Repertory Theatre, The York Theatre Company (NYC), Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Musical Theatre, The Palace Theatre, The Musical Theatre of Connecticut, The Round Barn Theatre and many others performing in such shows as “SINGIN IN THE RAIN, THE MUSIC MAN, WEST SIDE STORY, THE SECRET GARDEN, HELLO DOLLY.”
Derek was the lead in the multiple-award winning short film, “THE NOBLE LIE”. He has choreographed Broadway’s Carol Jaudes in her one woman international tour of “And Sarah Laughed” and performed as “Chris” in the table-read cast of CBN’s hit animated series, “SUPERBOOK!” Derek is also the Artistic Director and founder of the professional summer theatre company – THE AMERICANA THEATRE COMPANY in Plymouth, MA, where he spends every summer producing theatre with his wife, Jennifer (who also is a performer and faculty member at WJU).
Through his theater and education experiences, Derek also brings a passion for justice and for Christian engagement in the arts and global concerns. He serves as Board Director at G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice and has been active with G.L.O.B.A.L.’s CREATE Justice project with brings together artists and the pursuit of justice. Most recently he served as Master of Ceremonies for G.L.O.B.A.L’s 5th Anniversary Celebration that featured many artists from Colorado and around the country.
Derek’s life and work is a reflection not only of his love of arts and theater, but his faith and commitment to making a positive impact for justice through the arts.