Supporter Profile
Martin Benson is a key figure in American theatre, celebrated for co-founding South Coast Repertory (SCR) with David Emmes. Benson’s theatre career began at San Francisco State College, influenced by the innovative Actor’s Workshop led by Jules Irving and Herbert Blau.
In 1963, Benson and Emmes staged Arthur Schnitzler’s La Ronde at the Off-Broadway Theatre in Long Beach, marking the start of their collaboration. They founded SCR in 1964, initially operating from a rented stage in Newport Beach. Their vision included touring productions, establishing a permanent venue, and creating a major regional theatre center.
Under Benson’s leadership, SCR grew from a small group into a significant regional force, moving to a larger location in Costa Mesa by 1967. His focus on new play development and expanding SCR’s reach played a crucial role in the theatre’s success.
A major milestone in Benson’s career was the opening of the Folino Theatre Center in 2002, which bolstered SCR’s national reputation. In 2011, Benson and Emmes transitioned to Founding Artistic Director Emeritus roles, with the theatre complex renamed the David Emmes/Martin Benson Theatre Center in 2014 to honor their legacy.
Since 2012, Benson has also been a Board Member at Chance Theater, helping lead the Chance through our first major capital campaign and moving us into our current home at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center.
Sadly, Martin passed away on November 30, 2024.