Martha Banta is honored to return to the Adirondack Theatre Festival (ATF) as Artistic Director. A passionate advocate for new and contemporary work, Martha was ATF’s founding Artistic Director for its first 13 seasons, where she directed numerous premieres that went on to be produced in New York City and across the country. She directed the first of many ATF productions in an empty Woolworth’s storefront on Glen Street and later helped spearhead its transformation into the Wood Theater. As someone who grew up in Glens Falls and Lake George, she is proud of all that ATF has done for the economic development of the area over the years.

Most recently, Martha directed Mamma Mia! for its return to Broadway and the national tour. Her New York directing credits include new works at The Public Theater, Rattlestick Theater, Ensemble Studio Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, New Georges, Cherry Lane, Lambs Theatre, Clark Theater at Lincoln Center, Theater East, and Urban Stages. Regionally, she has directed productions at Portland Center Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Ordway Center, St. Louis Rep, Westport Playhouse, Merrimack Rep, Capital Rep, Vineyard Arts, and Berkshire Theatre Festival. She has also directed university productions at Juilliard, NYU Graduate Acting, Stony Brook University, Ramapo College, and Dartmouth.

Martha served for many years as Artistic Associate at New York Theatre Workshop. She was the Associate Director of the original production of RENT, directing productions in Germany and Japan and supervising the London, Broadway, and U.S. tours. She also directed the 10th Anniversary Tour of Rock of Ages.