In Memoriam: Marty Burnett

	Marty Burnett

Marty Burnett, resident set designer/technical director at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, California, died on June 13, his 72nd birthday, after suffering a heart attack.

Nancy Richards, the director of the theatre's marketing and public relations, said in a statement, "Marty joined North Coast Rep in 1992 and, over the course of 34 extraordinary years, designed and built more than 270 sets for our stage. That number alone speaks to a dedication that is almost certainly unmatched by any set designer in the history of American theatre. But the number only tells part of the story."

Burnett was born in 1954, in Bellevue, Nebraska. He attended St. Mary's School and graduated from Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha before earning a BA in journalism and theatre from Creighton University. In 1979, he moved from Nebraska to San Diego.

Beginning as an actor, Burnett appeared at Coronado Playhouse. Contributing ideas for a production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, he became interested in scenic design. Mentored by James Baker of Grossmont College, he served as resident designer at Coronado Playhouse from 1981 to 1984, then at Fiesta Dinner Theatre from 1984 to 1987; he co-owned the business Props and Drops from 1987 to 1991. His work took him to the Union Plaza, Hacienda, and Sahara Hotels and Casinos in Las Vegas, Harrah's in South Lake Tahoe, the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago, and Laguna Playhouse, before arriving at North Coast Rep in 1992.

Richards added, "Marty was the beating heart of our theatre -- a craftsman, a collaborator, and a constant presence whose artistry shaped the world our audiences stepped into, production after production, season after season. He was known for his creativity, his attention to detail, and his ability to conjure entire worlds on our intimate stage. He was, quite simply, irreplaceable. His work was featured in several articles locally, including the San Diego Union-Tribune, and mentioned in many publications of reviews of plays at NC Rep."

Burnett is survived by his brothers David, Bruce, Jim, and Mike, along with three godchildren and 19 nieces and nephews. North Coast Rep will host a celebration of his life at a later date.