Martin Yates who is the Lighting and Sound designer for NANA’S NAUGHTY KNICKERS which runs March 5-22, 2026, now in the Sunset Spotlight.
- When did you first become involved at Sunset Playhouse and what areas have you been involved with here at the Playhouse?
I started out volunteering for the light hang and operating the light board for BAREFOOT IN THE PARK in early 2022. For the rest of that year I hung lights and operated the board for a number of shows before I was asked to design the lights for ELF THE MUSICAL. Since then I have gone on to light eleven shows and designed the sound for another seven. I have been onstage twice at Sunset; first as Arthur Birling in AN INSPECTOR CALLS and then playing Mycroft Holmes in MISS HOLMES.
- If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role?
I am currently the lighting and sound designer for NANA’S NAUGHTY KNICKERS. It is the fifth time I have double-dipped both technical disciplines which have naturally grown together with the integration of the sound computer and the light board into one virtual show control console.
- If an actor, what has been your favorite role to date and what is your dream role? If a Production Team member, which show have you most enjoyed working on? What show would you like to do in the future?
My favorite onstage role has to be as Arthur Birling in AN INSPECTOR CALLS in June 2022. It was my acting debut at Sunset and the first time working with the brilliant director Carol Dolphin. My dream role would be to play Andew Wyke in SLEUTH.
- What do you enjoy most about Sunset?
Working with likeminded people who love theater as much as I do. There is nothing more satisfying than when a show comes together to become greater than the sum of its parts, and knowing your contribution no matter how small helped it get there. The staff and volunteers at Sunset have such passion for theater that it becomes infectious and produces truly outstanding productions.
- When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
I spend most of my time as an audience member attending other local theater productions with my wife Kathy, who coincidentally I met when we were both in a show together in 1976 in my home town of Palmerston North in New Zealand.
- What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
Black. Peanut Butter. The Life of Brian. Star Trek. Breaking Bad. 1984. Madame Butterfly. Noises Off.
- What is your favorite quote?
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts” from AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare
- Any other comments?
I would like to give a shout out to Marty Wallner and Matt Carr; two wonderful theater legends who have mentored and supported me throughout my Sunset journey.
Headshot: Stories Framed Photography