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

In addition to her work on stage and behind the scenes, Deanna is a dedicated Teaching Artist and the Director of Education and Community Programs at Seattle Rep. She brings a wealth of experience in arts education and youth mentorship, creating dynamic learning environments where young artists develop creativity, confidence, and critical thinking. At Seattle Rep, she leads the acclaimed Winky Hussey Professional Arts Training Program, connecting young artists with mentorship and training opportunities that prepare them for real careers in the industry. She also develops Common Core-aligned dramaturgical curriculum, including the Youth Guides for mainstage productions, giving students the tools to engage with theater on a deeper level. Her leadership in the Next Narrative Monologue Competition has propelled local student performers to the national stage at the historic Apollo Theater in New York City.

Deanna has worked with major theaters in the Seattle-Tacoma area, coaching young performers in professional productions at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre, Seattle Opera, and beyond. She has trained students who have gone on to appear in professional theater, film, and television. Her award-winning direction of youth theater productions, including a BroadwayWorld Best Director-winning production of Les Misérables, reflects her commitment to excellence in arts education. With an extensive background as a Master Teaching Artist at Tacoma Arts Live, Deanna developed the LENS (Learning Empathy, Negotiation, and Self) curriculum, which integrates social-emotional learning into theater education. Her innovative teaching philosophy, inspired by the works of Paulo Freire and Jonathan Kozol, empowers students to see theater as a means of self-expression and social change. She prioritizes representation, inclusion, and equity, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and valued.