Deanna Martinez (she/her) is an accomplished director, performer, playwright, and educator whose work spans theater, film, television, and voiceover. Her recent directing credits include Steel Magnolias (Tacoma Little Theatre), Descendants (Tacoma Musical Playhouse), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Tacoma Arts Live). On stage, she has appeared as Claudia in In the Heights (Tacoma Musical Playhouse), Patricia in El Coqui (Centerstage), and Elmire in Tartuffe (New Muses). As a playwright, her works include the one-woman show Pineapple Princess and the new musical Rapture in a Dark Church, written with composer Daniel Wolfert.

Deanna serves as Director of Education and Community Programs at Seattle Rep, where she oversees Rep Studios, encompassing Young Rep, Rep Pro, Rep Connect, and Rep Educators. Through these programs, she cultivates pathways for creative growth, professional training, and community engagement across all levels of artistry. Under her leadership, Seattle Rep’s education initiatives empower young people, emerging professionals, and educators to explore theater as both craft and catalyst for change. Her direction of the Next Narrative Monologue Competition has also guided local students to national recognition at the historic Apollo Theater in New York City.

An award-winning director and Master Teaching Artist, Deanna has taught and coached young performers at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre, Seattle Opera, and Tacoma Arts Live. Many of her former students have gone on to careers in professional theater, film, and television—reflecting her commitment to excellence in arts education and mentorship. Her teaching is grounded in the philosophies of Paulo Freire and Jonathan Kozol, centering equity, representation, and the transformative power of theater.

Deanna holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Art and a Post-Graduate Teacher Certification from the University of Washington.