An Interview with Theater Director Carlos Martin

Carlos Martin, a Southern California based actor-director, directs "Light", a new one-act play by Andrea Sloan Pink opening this Saturday, December 5th, at STAGEStheater in Fullerton. The play features Oscar Martinez Jr., Ted Leib and Gina Allen and runs through December 2oth. www.stagesoc.org

Carlos took a few minutes before tonight's dress rehearsal to grant SOCA Film and Theater an interview.

SOCA: Carlos, you've been a working actor for years. How does this inform your work as a director?

I have an insight as to the nature of how actors work. I try to be aware of actor's needs and give them the freedom to explore. I have also been directed by many directors and I observe a lot. I see bad directing all the time, and I learn from it. Some directors over direct, or microdirect, and some do not direct at all.


So often actors walk away from a rehearsal saying "I'm not getting anything from him/her" or "I don't know what they want." You can see those pieces on most any stage in the world. It is obvious that a director hasn't done their homework when you leave a theater saying "Why did they do that?" or, "What was that about?" Not that you didn't like it, because that is subjective and there will always be people who don't like your work, but that you didn't understand the vision and the choices that were made.


As an actor you have to be willing to put yourself on the line and trust the director to guide you. As a director you have to realize it is not about you or even the actor, but about the piece. Someone was motivated to write it. Why? That is what you have to find out, and give the audience.

SOCA: When you get a new piece of material, what is your process? Where do you start?

I read it! I look for works that make me passionate and give me a vision right away. I want to see the play in my head as I read. I block it, and hear the lines, and find the hidden gems the writer has given me that will make it unique. I also love research so I like works that challenge me to learn. I am a big proponent of Dramaturgy and giving the actors information and getting them off book as soon as possible.


Too often as an actor, you find your stride halfway or at the end of a run because you finally have it in your body. I want the actors to get that feeling right away. This confidence shows on stage and the choices will always be more interesting and more compelling because they have done the work and had time to figure out their character's story.

SOCA: Tell us some of your tips for taking a good performance from an actor and making it great.

Communication. Oftentimes actors are their own worst enemy. They get in their own way by acting. I try to find ways to speak to them, and listen to them, and ask for their input. Every actor is different and needs different things. As a director it is my job to be a sort of parent; you give guidance and lead by example, then let them go live life in the guise of a character you have helped them to create.


Drawing from reality always. Making sure every movement or stillness, no matter how dramatic or silly, is motivated by reality. But again letting them explore by giving them the information, tools, and freedom they need to be successful.


Actors are very smart people. They are intuitive and can show you things about a character you didn't know where there.

SOCA: You are a young director with the potential to become a leader in the Southern California theater community. What would you like to create and what are your goals?

I want people to want to work with me, not just because I can offer a job, or it is a part that they believe they are perfect for, but because they want to be involved in the process with me. I want to create a community of artists that are passionate about art and can infuse the community with that passion.


My goals are to make my livelihood as an artist, to see the world and share what I see through the arts. Oh, and I wouldn't mind a Corvette!


SOCA: Thanks, Carlos! I've certainly enjoyed working with you and I hope you get your Corvette!