For over three decades, Marty Burnett has been the creative force behind North Coast Repertory Theatre’s scenic design, crafting more than 250 consecutive sets. His career began in 1981 with an award-winning debut of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at Coronado Playhouse, leading to a five-year design and construction business called “Props & Drops” before joining North Coast Rep, where his vision continues to define the stage.

Q. What’s your creative process when translating a script into a physical space?

A. I always start with the big picture—what the play needs to convey visually—then work backwards, layering in the details that bring the world to life. Collaboration with directors and designers keeps us all focused on the same concept to best serve the play.

Q. How do you collaborate with directors and other designers to maintain a cohesive vision?

A. When directors and designers share their vision, I listen for key buzzwords—they help me understand their intent, which I then interpret and weave into my own design approach.

Q. What has been your most challenging set to design, and why? Your favorite?

A. Surprisingly enough, they are the same amount of effort to execute (well, maybe with the exception of our most recent production, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder – that one was a huge undertaking!) Musicals take a little more finagling because a band has to fit into a space normally designated for prop storage. As far as a favorite: the next one I design tops the list. When a show opens I totally forget about previous designs and concentrate on the future.