Kristen Martino is a scenic designer for theatre whose professional work spans regional stages and international exhibitions. She joins the University of Tennessee, Knoxville as an assistant professor of scenic design, bringing a strong foundation in both creative practice and arts education. Her designs have been seen at Gulfshore Playhouse, Drury Lane Theatre, The Cape Playhouse, and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, among others.

Kristen began her career in Chicago, where she worked as a freelance and associate designer, contributing to productions at The Goodman Theatre, TheatreWorks, Fredericia Teater, and in museum exhibition design. Her collaborative experience includes serving as associate designer for the 2020 West End production of The Prince of Egypt and co-designing the USA Emerging Artist Exhibit for the 2019 Prague Quadrennial.

Her research and creative practice focus on scenic storytelling and exploring diverse design workflows. She is passionate about demystifying the professional world for students through mentorship and hands-on training in digital rendering, drafting, and scenic techniques. Her teaching emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and the development of both technical and conceptual skills.

A recipient of the 2022 USITT Rising Star Award and a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, Kristen is committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice.