WILMINGTON, DEL: After 10 years as executive director of Delaware Theatre Company (DTC), Bud Martin has announced his retirement which will officially begin June 30, 2023.
Martin’s tenure as executive director concluded on August 16, with managing director Matt Silva assuming the role. However, Martin will continue to serve DTC as artistic director through June 30, 2023, when Silva will then take the reins. Post retirement, Martin plans to serve as a consultant to Silva and direct one show at the company per season.
“I have been honored to lead DTC for 10 years, working with a talented staff to position the theatre as one of the preeminent regional theatres in this country,” said Martin in a statement. “I’m deeply grateful for the tremendous support I’ve had over the past 10 years from community leaders such as Jack and Carla Markell and Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, as well as from countless trusted board members.” Martin added that he, “brought Matt into DTC four years ago with the hope that he might be my eventual successor, and he has exceeded my expectations. I’ll continue to provide counsel regarding artistic content and quality, but it’s time to hand over the reins. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife Kate—on our farm, traveling, and enjoying our family.”
While serving at DTC, Martin tripled the revenue and doubled the subscriptions. He oversaw 10 seasons, directing productions such as, Outside Mullingar, HONK!, Saint Joan, Sanctions, Dare to Be Black, Hetty Feather, White Guy on the Bus, The War of the Roses, The Explorers Club, Putting It Together (with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra), Love Letters, Rest, in Pieces, The Story of My Life, Lend Me a Tenor, and many more.
Throughout Martin’s career, he served as producing artistic director of Act II Playhouse in Ambler, Pa. where he produced the national tour of Respect: A Musical Journey of Women and Any Given Monday. Martin produced shows off and on Broadway as well as London’s West End. He holds an M.A. in theatre from Villanova University and a B.A. from DeSales University.
“Bud Martin has been an invaluable mentor and friend for many years,” said Matt Silva in a statement. “In just 4 short years, he has helped me create lasting relationships in our community and strong ties in our industry. I’m honored to be selected as the next executive director.” Silva holds an M.A. in theatre from Villanova University and an M.F.A. in directing from Florida State University. Previously, Silva served as artistic director for Endstation Theatre Company and as artistic director of Playhouse Productions. He is the 2021 recipient of the Spur Impact Millennial Summit Award and served on the Delaware Arts Alliance’s Advancement Committee.
“DTC is lucky to have been shepherded by Bud Martin over the last 10 years,” said chair of the DTC board, Carrie Gray in a statement. “His experience and vision, combined with his strong ties to New York and Los Angeles, ensured the vitality of the company and established a sustainable base for our continued success in the future.”
DTC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1979. Their mission remains to create theatre of the highest professional quality in Delaware, thereby enriching the vitality of the area through artistic programming, education, and community service. Their upcoming season will debut Sept. 14. As of 2020, the theatre’s annual budget was approximately $2.1 million.
