Delaware Theatre Company Director Bud Martin Is Retiring

Photos by Kristin Curley

Matt Silva will become the new Artistic and Executive Director following Bud Martin’s retirement after a decade with the company.

Bud Martin has enjoyed a long and successful career in the theater beginning in the ’70s. He has since started five successful companies, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and produced shows on Broadway, off Broadway and on London’s West End.

After a decade with the Delaware Theatre Company, Martin announced his time is coming to a close. During is career with the company, Martin used his background in corporate finance to triple revenue and double subscriptions. He was also able to encourage his colleagues producing on Broadway to use Delaware Theatre Company as a venue to showcase new work.

“I have been honored to lead DTC for 10 years, working with a talented staff to position the theater as one of the preeminent regional theaters in this country,” Martin says. “I’m deeply grateful for the tremendous support I’ve had over the past 10 years from community leaders such as Jack and Carla Markell and Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, as well as from countless trusted board members.”

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Bud Martin and Matt Silva at the Delaware Theatre Company
Bud Martin and Matt Silva have cultivated a strong working relationship. Martin will continue to provide counsel when Silva takes over in 2023.

His successor, Matt Silva, is also no stranger to the theater. His background includes a Masters in theater and an MFA in directing. He was the artistic director of a national touring production company and has served on the Delaware Arts Alliance’s Advancement Committee.

“Bud Martin has been an invaluable mentor and friend for many years,” says Silva. “In just four short years, he has helped me create lasting relationships in our community and strong ties in our industry. I’m honored to be selected as the next Executive Director.”

Silva has spent the past four years heading up the marketing and development efforts at the Delaware Theatre Company. He also helped Bud Martin with programming, casting and contract negotiations.

“[I] brought Matt into DTC four years ago with the hope that he might be my eventual successor, and he has exceeded my expectations. I’ll continue to provide counsel regarding artistic content and quality, but it’s time to hand over the reins. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife Kate—on our farm, traveling, and enjoying our family.”

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