William Martinez

A native of Denver, William Martinez earned his Bachelor's Degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Northern Colorado. He is currently touring the educational market with his presentation SIGNing the Song: You Have Changed My Life and The Power of Belonging inspiring teachers to remember how incredible their impact is on their students. SIGNing the Song and The Power of Belonging combine American Sign Language (ASL) with song and shares his inspirational story of growing up in a deaf household, discovering music, and celebrating the massive impact that one teacher had on his life. He also introduces how ASL in the classroom can create a new and effective way for teachers to communicate with their students. He is extremely honored to have SIGNing the Song: You Have Changed My Life be the DVD companion to one of the most successful educational books on the market: The First Days of School: How to Become an Effective Teacher (Fifth Edition) by Harry and Rosemary Wong. In fact, the DVD has won many awards including two Telly Awards for ‘Motivational Non-Broadcast Video’ and multiple AVA Digital Awards including the platinum award for ‘On-Camera Talent’ award for William as a Motivational Speaker! The highest award given!

In addition to his speaking engagements, William is also a professional actor/singer with many impressive credits and awards under his belt. His theatrical version of SIGNing The Song won a Broadway World award in 2018! He toured Thank You For The Music: A Modern Tribute to ABBA across the nation and sailed the high seas as the Lead Male Singer on Silversea Cruises performing Opera, Broadway, Pop, Jazz, and other musical styles (along with showcasing SIGNing the Song). Previous to those productions, William originated the role of Bean’s Dad in Ivy and Bean at South Coast Repertory and Jason in Ordinary Days at the Victory Theatre in LA. He has also performed in Hunchback of Notre Dame (Sacramento Music Circus, La Mirada Performing Arts Center), Parade, Little Mary Sunshine, No No Nannette, Superman, Street Scene, Blood Brothers,
High Fidelity, Titanic (Musical Theatre Guild), Secret Garden, Once Upon a Mattress, City of Angels, 110 in the Shade, Bells Are Ringing, Kismet (Musical Theatre West Reiner), Big River (Taper), Big River and Oliver! (Deaf West Theatre), Back to Bacharach (Sierra Rep), Forever Plaid (Little Theatre of the Rockies), Plaid Tidings (Laguna Playhouse), Sweeney Todd (Gold Coast), and many other musical shows. He has performed for countless award shows, honor galas, and charity events (including the Paul Newman’s SeriousFun for children). He has done film, TV, voiceovers, and sings backup for Kristin Chenoweth whenever she is in the Los Angeles Area. He loves to give back to the community by performing for elementary school kids with Musical Theatre West, Musical Theatre Guild, and New West Symphony and is a proud member of Actors Equity. William thanks his wonderful family for their endless love and support. ILY!