1939-2021
The Arena Stage family mourns the loss of Martha Knight Clements. She was the stage manager of many productions, including Arena Stage’s “The Shoplifters.” She passed away at the age of 81 in Morristown, New Jersey. Martha was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1939. After receiving her B.A. from Denison University in Ohio. After working as a stage manager for Broadway, off-Broadway, and many national tours, she met her husband, Bill, while on tour in Washington, D.C. They married moved to the D.C. Metro area where Bill worked as a stagehand at Kennedy Center. Martha was proud of her 50-year membership in Actors’ Equity Association (stage managers are part of the union as well) was a a stage manager for many theatrical productions in the Washington area, as well as the Helen Hayes Awards ceremony for 25 years. Her close association with Arena Stage lasted nearly 30 years. The highlight of her career was receiving the Del Hughes Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management.
“A stage manager extraordinaire, with many productions to her name, she will be remembered with love, joy and appreciation for her artistry. Martha, we remember your wonderful wit, compassion and dedication to theater, curiosity, your values and nurturing guidance.” – Molly Smith, Artistic Director, Arena Stage
A memorial service to celebrate Martha’s life will be held on June 27 at 1 p.m. in the Kreeger Theatre at Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street, SW, Washington, D.C., followed by a reception on Arena’s Rooftop Terrace. For information on the service and reception, please contact press@arenastage.org
Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Actor’s Fund.
