“A stage manager extraordinaire, with many productions to her name including Arena Stage’s The Shoplifters, 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
Martha Knight Clements (Age 81) died on May 18, 2021 at the Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey. Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, William Clements.
She is survived by her cousin Irene Rozon, niece Robyn Graham, and the Sá family: Kate, Rolando, Liliana and Jacob.
Born November 17, 1939 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Martha graduated from Denison University in Ohio and worked as a stage manager on Broadway, off-Broadway, and on national tours, including Annie. She met her future husband while on tour in Washington, D.C. and married in 1977, settling in D.C. where Bill worked as a stagehand at the Kennedy Center. A proud member of Actors’ Equity Association (the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States) for more than 50 years, Martha stage managed plays, musicals, and freelance projects in many of Washington’s theatres. She was the Production Stage Manager for the Helen Hayes Awards ceremony for 25 years and enjoyed an association with Arena Stage that spanned nearly 30 years. In 2014, Martha received the Del Hughes Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management. She was an invaluable colleague, mentor, and friend to generations of theatre artists.
Martha and Bill were avid sailors and bought a cottage on Cobb Island, MD to stay near the water in retirement, where Martha enjoyed entertaining the many people whose lives she touched.
A memorial service to celebrate Martha’s life will be held (pandemic guidelines permitting) on June 27 at 1 p.m. in the Kreeger Theatre at Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street, SW in Washington, D.C., followed by a reception on Arena’s Rooftop Terrace.
Memorial contributions can be made in Martha’s name to the Actors Fund. For donor information, please visit the Actors Fund Website at https://actorsfund.org/support-our-work/honor-loved-one.
