"Stunning"
(On directing A Murder of Crows) -Mac Wellman
"Natasha Lee Martin’s fierce comedy attack is matched with a believability that made her a joy to watch." -NY Theatre.com
"Natasha Lee Martin has it all working for her: a diversified life, well-traveled history, an excellent education, remarkable acting ability and disposition." -South Coast Magazine
"Confessions of a Synesthetic Sailor proves to be both confessional and conversational. Martin runs from space to space in the production, providing memories that seem “off the cuff.” The articulate words never feel contrived, but rather like a collection of impulses and a range of thoughts gathered while struggling through the sometimes-dizzying world of synesthesia."
"After childhood notions collide and senses become confused, a woman of strength and intelligence emerges on stage. The audience sees Martin as a teacher and as a synesthete. She is the force that directs the story, and her presence is firm, but understanding."
-Howlround
"And much like the cast and crew of this production -- many are current or former students of UNM's theater program, and from the passion of their performances, you can tell this show belongs to them...It's a good show with a good cast, staged to benefit a good cause. It's full of life, and that's what theater is supposed to be all about. "Seasons of Love" Highlights from Jonathan Larson's "Rent" at The Hiland Theater"
-Albuquerque Journal
"Martin & Shaw mixes beautifully acted slice-of-life drama with their own imaginative and surreal take on life to present stellar improvisational theatre. Thoughtful & hilarious at the same time they are reminiscent of the early days of The Second City, or the very best of Saturday Night Live."
-Scotty Watson, Master Improv Teacher and Coach, New York City, 2nd City Toronto
"I can attest to Natasha Martin's outstanding talent and professionalism under extremely trying circumstances. Natasha kept the spirit of the play alive with the strong character she created; the audience - packed to capacity for all performances - was convulsed by her manic portrayal of the nightmarish situation"
-Steve Lippe, Writer/Comedian, Philadelphia, PA
"Director/performer Martin uses Confessions of a Synesthetic Sailor to examine the pattern of the artist over time—her tattooed arms serve as a kind of a window into her previous artistic life experience. The play comes to life onstage after a good deal of introspection, and the moments are clear. Martin asked her collaborators to tap into their “gut brain” when considering the design and the direction of the show."
-Howlround
"The spare production directed by Natasha Lee Martin moves along well on the sleek Keith Saine set, well lit by R. Jon Shelley. Martin accents all the right notes -- the anti-management rants, the anti-upper-middle class grumbles, the warm bonds formed between struggling workers..."
-Richmond Times Dispatch
"The production of Nickled and Dimed at Sycamore Rouge is a highlight of my resume. Working with Natasha a a director has helped me grow not only as an artist but as a person. With Natasha's guidance I still search to find the truth within the art. She is highly professional, fantastically talented, and an all around great human being. Anyone who works with her will truly be blessed!"
-Adanma Onyedike, M.F.A., Asst Prof Theatre, Berea College, KY
"After this experience with Nickel and Dimed, I have a lot more faith in my own abilities as a actress. I’ve been able to take from the classes and seminars the knowledge of my weaknesses and what to do to combat them. I’ve also been able to pinpoint my strengths. Natasha Lee Martin is a gifted director who exudes energy and positive vibes almost always. Very adventurous and straightforward."
-H. Lynn Smith, Actress, Director, Richmond, VA
"With rhythmic language about her experiences of synesthesia while seafaring, Confessions of a Synesthetic Sailor proves to be both confessional and conversational. Martin runs from space to space in the production, providing memories that seem “off the cuff.”
-Howlround
"Natasha Lee Martin is bringing good karma to the neighborhood"
-South Philly Review
"West said his work in "Loose Women" has helped him grow - not only as an actor but maybe also as a man."
-Albuquerque Tribune
"Natasha's writing for the stage is a joy to produce, direct, and act. Her three contributions to Loose Women of Low Character were challenging to the actors onstage, and great fun to me as a director. Her voice is provocative and a little dangerous, but it often surprises you with its vulnerability and humor."
-Laira Morgan, Producer/Director, SOl Arts/ABQ, NM
"I had the pleasure of working with her as music director of our spring ’14 production of Spamalot. I saw first hand how she worked, and the respect she garnered from our students in both the Theatre and Music departments. Her commitment to the quality of the show spoke volumes to all of us; the students rose to the occasion. She was always prepared in rehearsals and treated everyone with due respect, challenging them to their highest potential. Natasha’s experience in both academia and the profession allowed our students the opportunity for the infamous ‘realworld’ environment that those of us in the performing arts seek to create. Quite simply, she brings the best of both worlds to her work and the students benefit."
-Ron Witzke, DMA, Director of Music, William Jewell College
"Actresses Eliza and Mason both loved working with you last Saturday! They said it was a great class and have been inspired to implement things you gave them in their work on our Short Story Project. I hope you are able to schedule more visits to do workshops in the future. We would happily welcome you at the studio."
-Cinda Jackson, Artistic Director, The Lost Studio (Theater) Los Angeles
"I have worked with Natasha for the last few years at William Jewell College. Natasha is truly one of the most creative and innovative professors I know. She is extremely committed to the success of her students and she finds creative ways to engage them in the discipline through pedagogical strategies that uniquely motivate learning and professional competency. Professor Martin has initiated a new theatre curriculum on our campus that is cutting edge, creative and effective. Natasha has modeled staying current in the field through her commitment to continuous learning. She has attended numerous professional workshops, as well as teaching several workshops outside of the college. These workshops include various acting and movement techniques at Lamama, ETC NYC and Umbria. She has actively engaged in the theatre communities in New York and Los Angeles throughout her time here at Jewell continuing to model professional development to students and faculty alike. She has modeled professional behavior and development to her department and her students. Finally, she is a joy to work with. She has always been a source of creative ideation whenever we have met and she is encouraging and fun."
-Kelli J. Schutte, Ph.D. Chair, and Associate Professor of Business, William Jewell College
"She is an outstanding director and teacher of acting. She cares about excellence in all aspects of her work while seeking to enhance the quality of experiences available to her students. During her tenure at Jewell, she worked to assist other faculty beyond our department in a variety of capacities. She worked closely with members of the nursing faculty to facilitate a simulated mental health clinic experience, using students from her class to portray mental health patients as they interacted with nursing students and faculty. She gave guest lectures to the Creativity class, and worked closely with faculty in the music department to assist with some of their productions. She also worked to give our theatre students outstanding experiences in professional theatre in New York, and our students greatly benefited."
-Gina Lane, PhD, Chair, Dept of Communication and Theatre, William Jewell College
"Given not only Martin’s wellspring of experience and innovation, but also her relationships with fellow professional actors, Martin is able to directly connect her students to contacts with the outside workforce. Her approach has been well-received in both the classroom and onstage... In light of Martin’s enriching past and progressive present, the same success is expected for her future. She brings an element of enthusiasm to the department that excites her students for continued involvement."
-The Hilltop Monitor
“Professor Martin and Dr. Hoops gave me the incredible opportunity to work on Confessions of a Synesthetic Sailor, a show written, directed, and performed by Martin in New York City Jan. 7-11, 2015. Not only did I work on the social media aspect of the publicity for the show, but I was given the chance to travel to New York for the duration of the show’s performances as well. Having very little experience in theater and even less in publicity and marketing, this was largely an educational experience for me. I gained a greater understanding of the neurological condition synesthesia, which is the topic of Martin’s work, the world of professional theater and its intricacies, and New York as a social and professional environment. The people I met through the show were kind and patient with my newness to the place and the project. At one point, Martin’s costume designer said to me, “You’ll have to learn that there are crazy people in every industry, but that doesn’t mean that there are no nice people.” This was a result of one of the many discussions generated by the show and its unique content. That content is one of the things about this project’s opportunities for which I am most grateful, for Professor Martin allowed the students involved a deep look into her life and creative processes. This experience is one that will form both my future professional and personal projects.”
-Erin Melton, Communications and Media Student, William Jewell College
"In this course, I have found my passion, and I hope to continue studying acting. Professor Martin, is a wonderful instructor and director. She gave critical advice that made my piece a success. Without her caring, supportive, creative approach to teaching, I don't think I would have learn as much as I have. Her classes are truly fun, informative, and highly educational. I truly loved going to class everyday, and I always feel happier after a class. I'll defiantly be taking more acting courses with Professor Martin."
-Raquel Shaw, Student of Theatre, William Jewell College
"Not only was class with Professor Martin a pleasure and extremely beneficial to my studies as a theatre student; the amount of interest and effort she places on students’ success outside of the scholastic setting is above and beyond what I have received by any other professor. This summer, for instance, Professor Martin connected me with Vanessa Leuck, a costume designer who is currently working for Disney’s Frozen on Ice, among other things. Through this connection, I am now interning with ‘Mr. Confidential,’ a show which will go up as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival. I will have the opportunity to work with Ms. Leuck as a costuming assistant, an opportunity which I owe wholly to the enthusiasm and sincere care shown by Professor Martin. Sincerely, working with Professor Martin, in and out of a university setting, has (and will continue to!) be a great gift in my life, and anyone whom she takes under her wing is truly fortunate."
-Aidan Swanson, Student of Theatre, William Jewell College
"Julie feels that her skills as a performer have increased tenfold during these few short months of rehearsal. Prior to her work under director Natasha Lee Martin, Julie ascribed to the high school musical theater method of acting: flailing one’s arms about with each word and injecting grandeur and dramatic pauses into. Every. Single. …Line. Now, Julie is pleased with her progression into a more professional actor."
-Julie Cleek, Student of Theatre, William Jewell College
“I really like her. She has a fun personality and you can tell that she cares about [her students’] well-being. I’m looking forward to working more with her—I’ve actually switched my major to Theatre and because of the experience I’ve had with her,”
-Amany Santino, Student of Theatre, William Jewell College
"Natasha Lee Martin is one of the finest acting teachers with whom I have had the pleasure of working. In a recent graduate course regarding creativity and play, the instructor wanted to bring in an improvisation expert to guide the class with various activities. Ms. Martin’s techniques, her skill, and patience all were exemplary as she guided our class through improvisation exercises. Her diligence in presenting and explaining the concepts she is teaching is only part of her strength, the other part coming from her varied and lengthy experience in the theatrical world from which she draws her wisdom"
-Karl Babij, Instructor, Rutgers University
(On directing A Murder of Crows) -Mac Wellman
"Natasha Lee Martin’s fierce comedy attack is matched with a believability that made her a joy to watch." -NY Theatre.com
"Natasha Lee Martin has it all working for her: a diversified life, well-traveled history, an excellent education, remarkable acting ability and disposition." -South Coast Magazine
"Confessions of a Synesthetic Sailor proves to be both confessional and conversational. Martin runs from space to space in the production, providing memories that seem “off the cuff.” The articulate words never feel contrived, but rather like a collection of impulses and a range of thoughts gathered while struggling through the sometimes-dizzying world of synesthesia."
"After childhood notions collide and senses become confused, a woman of strength and intelligence emerges on stage. The audience sees Martin as a teacher and as a synesthete. She is the force that directs the story, and her presence is firm, but understanding."
-Howlround
"And much like the cast and crew of this production -- many are current or former students of UNM's theater program, and from the passion of their performances, you can tell this show belongs to them...It's a good show with a good cast, staged to benefit a good cause. It's full of life, and that's what theater is supposed to be all about. "Seasons of Love" Highlights from Jonathan Larson's "Rent" at The Hiland Theater"
-Albuquerque Journal
"Martin & Shaw mixes beautifully acted slice-of-life drama with their own imaginative and surreal take on life to present stellar improvisational theatre. Thoughtful & hilarious at the same time they are reminiscent of the early days of The Second City, or the very best of Saturday Night Live."
-Scotty Watson, Master Improv Teacher and Coach, New York City, 2nd City Toronto
"I can attest to Natasha Martin's outstanding talent and professionalism under extremely trying circumstances. Natasha kept the spirit of the play alive with the strong character she created; the audience - packed to capacity for all performances - was convulsed by her manic portrayal of the nightmarish situation"
-Steve Lippe, Writer/Comedian, Philadelphia, PA
"Director/performer Martin uses Confessions of a Synesthetic Sailor to examine the pattern of the artist over time—her tattooed arms serve as a kind of a window into her previous artistic life experience. The play comes to life onstage after a good deal of introspection, and the moments are clear. Martin asked her collaborators to tap into their “gut brain” when considering the design and the direction of the show."
-Howlround
"The spare production directed by Natasha Lee Martin moves along well on the sleek Keith Saine set, well lit by R. Jon Shelley. Martin accents all the right notes -- the anti-management rants, the anti-upper-middle class grumbles, the warm bonds formed between struggling workers..."
-Richmond Times Dispatch
"The production of Nickled and Dimed at Sycamore Rouge is a highlight of my resume. Working with Natasha a a director has helped me grow not only as an artist but as a person. With Natasha's guidance I still search to find the truth within the art. She is highly professional, fantastically talented, and an all around great human being. Anyone who works with her will truly be blessed!"
-Adanma Onyedike, M.F.A., Asst Prof Theatre, Berea College, KY
"After this experience with Nickel and Dimed, I have a lot more faith in my own abilities as a actress. I’ve been able to take from the classes and seminars the knowledge of my weaknesses and what to do to combat them. I’ve also been able to pinpoint my strengths. Natasha Lee Martin is a gifted director who exudes energy and positive vibes almost always. Very adventurous and straightforward."
-H. Lynn Smith, Actress, Director, Richmond, VA
"With rhythmic language about her experiences of synesthesia while seafaring, Confessions of a Synesthetic Sailor proves to be both confessional and conversational. Martin runs from space to space in the production, providing memories that seem “off the cuff.”
-Howlround
"Natasha Lee Martin is bringing good karma to the neighborhood"
-South Philly Review
"West said his work in "Loose Women" has helped him grow - not only as an actor but maybe also as a man."
-Albuquerque Tribune
"Natasha's writing for the stage is a joy to produce, direct, and act. Her three contributions to Loose Women of Low Character were challenging to the actors onstage, and great fun to me as a director. Her voice is provocative and a little dangerous, but it often surprises you with its vulnerability and humor."
-Laira Morgan, Producer/Director, SOl Arts/ABQ, NM
"I had the pleasure of working with her as music director of our spring ’14 production of Spamalot. I saw first hand how she worked, and the respect she garnered from our students in both the Theatre and Music departments. Her commitment to the quality of the show spoke volumes to all of us; the students rose to the occasion. She was always prepared in rehearsals and treated everyone with due respect, challenging them to their highest potential. Natasha’s experience in both academia and the profession allowed our students the opportunity for the infamous ‘realworld’ environment that those of us in the performing arts seek to create. Quite simply, she brings the best of both worlds to her work and the students benefit."
-Ron Witzke, DMA, Director of Music, William Jewell College
"Actresses Eliza and Mason both loved working with you last Saturday! They said it was a great class and have been inspired to implement things you gave them in their work on our Short Story Project. I hope you are able to schedule more visits to do workshops in the future. We would happily welcome you at the studio."
-Cinda Jackson, Artistic Director, The Lost Studio (Theater) Los Angeles
"I have worked with Natasha for the last few years at William Jewell College. Natasha is truly one of the most creative and innovative professors I know. She is extremely committed to the success of her students and she finds creative ways to engage them in the discipline through pedagogical strategies that uniquely motivate learning and professional competency. Professor Martin has initiated a new theatre curriculum on our campus that is cutting edge, creative and effective. Natasha has modeled staying current in the field through her commitment to continuous learning. She has attended numerous professional workshops, as well as teaching several workshops outside of the college. These workshops include various acting and movement techniques at Lamama, ETC NYC and Umbria. She has actively engaged in the theatre communities in New York and Los Angeles throughout her time here at Jewell continuing to model professional development to students and faculty alike. She has modeled professional behavior and development to her department and her students. Finally, she is a joy to work with. She has always been a source of creative ideation whenever we have met and she is encouraging and fun."
-Kelli J. Schutte, Ph.D. Chair, and Associate Professor of Business, William Jewell College
"She is an outstanding director and teacher of acting. She cares about excellence in all aspects of her work while seeking to enhance the quality of experiences available to her students. During her tenure at Jewell, she worked to assist other faculty beyond our department in a variety of capacities. She worked closely with members of the nursing faculty to facilitate a simulated mental health clinic experience, using students from her class to portray mental health patients as they interacted with nursing students and faculty. She gave guest lectures to the Creativity class, and worked closely with faculty in the music department to assist with some of their productions. She also worked to give our theatre students outstanding experiences in professional theatre in New York, and our students greatly benefited."
-Gina Lane, PhD, Chair, Dept of Communication and Theatre, William Jewell College
"Given not only Martin’s wellspring of experience and innovation, but also her relationships with fellow professional actors, Martin is able to directly connect her students to contacts with the outside workforce. Her approach has been well-received in both the classroom and onstage... In light of Martin’s enriching past and progressive present, the same success is expected for her future. She brings an element of enthusiasm to the department that excites her students for continued involvement."
-The Hilltop Monitor
“Professor Martin and Dr. Hoops gave me the incredible opportunity to work on Confessions of a Synesthetic Sailor, a show written, directed, and performed by Martin in New York City Jan. 7-11, 2015. Not only did I work on the social media aspect of the publicity for the show, but I was given the chance to travel to New York for the duration of the show’s performances as well. Having very little experience in theater and even less in publicity and marketing, this was largely an educational experience for me. I gained a greater understanding of the neurological condition synesthesia, which is the topic of Martin’s work, the world of professional theater and its intricacies, and New York as a social and professional environment. The people I met through the show were kind and patient with my newness to the place and the project. At one point, Martin’s costume designer said to me, “You’ll have to learn that there are crazy people in every industry, but that doesn’t mean that there are no nice people.” This was a result of one of the many discussions generated by the show and its unique content. That content is one of the things about this project’s opportunities for which I am most grateful, for Professor Martin allowed the students involved a deep look into her life and creative processes. This experience is one that will form both my future professional and personal projects.”
-Erin Melton, Communications and Media Student, William Jewell College
"In this course, I have found my passion, and I hope to continue studying acting. Professor Martin, is a wonderful instructor and director. She gave critical advice that made my piece a success. Without her caring, supportive, creative approach to teaching, I don't think I would have learn as much as I have. Her classes are truly fun, informative, and highly educational. I truly loved going to class everyday, and I always feel happier after a class. I'll defiantly be taking more acting courses with Professor Martin."
-Raquel Shaw, Student of Theatre, William Jewell College
"Not only was class with Professor Martin a pleasure and extremely beneficial to my studies as a theatre student; the amount of interest and effort she places on students’ success outside of the scholastic setting is above and beyond what I have received by any other professor. This summer, for instance, Professor Martin connected me with Vanessa Leuck, a costume designer who is currently working for Disney’s Frozen on Ice, among other things. Through this connection, I am now interning with ‘Mr. Confidential,’ a show which will go up as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival. I will have the opportunity to work with Ms. Leuck as a costuming assistant, an opportunity which I owe wholly to the enthusiasm and sincere care shown by Professor Martin. Sincerely, working with Professor Martin, in and out of a university setting, has (and will continue to!) be a great gift in my life, and anyone whom she takes under her wing is truly fortunate."
-Aidan Swanson, Student of Theatre, William Jewell College
"Julie feels that her skills as a performer have increased tenfold during these few short months of rehearsal. Prior to her work under director Natasha Lee Martin, Julie ascribed to the high school musical theater method of acting: flailing one’s arms about with each word and injecting grandeur and dramatic pauses into. Every. Single. …Line. Now, Julie is pleased with her progression into a more professional actor."
-Julie Cleek, Student of Theatre, William Jewell College
“I really like her. She has a fun personality and you can tell that she cares about [her students’] well-being. I’m looking forward to working more with her—I’ve actually switched my major to Theatre and because of the experience I’ve had with her,”
-Amany Santino, Student of Theatre, William Jewell College
"Natasha Lee Martin is one of the finest acting teachers with whom I have had the pleasure of working. In a recent graduate course regarding creativity and play, the instructor wanted to bring in an improvisation expert to guide the class with various activities. Ms. Martin’s techniques, her skill, and patience all were exemplary as she guided our class through improvisation exercises. Her diligence in presenting and explaining the concepts she is teaching is only part of her strength, the other part coming from her varied and lengthy experience in the theatrical world from which she draws her wisdom"
-Karl Babij, Instructor, Rutgers University