Alright let me preface this by saying I’m clearly biased on this one. Eric is my roommate, my best friend, and has been an artistic collaborator with me on many ventures. We went to the same college and we even ran a small theater company. We’ve done 10 shows together. He designed my website and this blog and when he’s feeling extra generous he brings me an apple juice back from his morning coffee run. Just in case you’re wondering, the key to my heart is apple juice…..or booze….the key to my heart is also booze. If you can order me a bloody mary and know exactly how I like it, I’ll probably marry you no questions asked or at the very LEAST have your babies. Anyway, my POINT is I’m biased…okay? So get over it.

Eric is a true man of all trades. I’ve seen him save the day by taking over for a lighting designer that didn’t show up to the show. He saved my show (Tell me on a Sunday) by running the sound on the night that some important critics came. I’ve watched him negotiate all the behind-the-scenes theater crap that you can imagine….all the stuff you have absolutely no idea about when you decide to start a theater company with your college friends. I’ve seen him produce gorgeous website after gorgeous website. He also designs posters, postcards, or any sort of print marketing materials. He’s completely self-taught for pete’s sake. It’s sort of ridiculous. If you’re interested in his web/graphic design go HERE.

Despite all of these talents, I think his true gift is as an actor. I’ve seen him play so many different kinds of roles (he’s actually fantastic at slapstick comedy) but his true strength and what Chicago knows him best for are the more understated, less flashy, Everyman roles. Eric excels in bringing to life parts that in a less skilled actor’s hands would become somewhat thankless. He serves as the emotional epicenter and grounds a piece instantly with his old soul. His performances are so subtle and effortless that sometimes he doesn’t stick out for that very reason. He has a power to move audiences that few possess. But don’t take my word for it!

Eric made Chicago Tribune theater critic, Chris Jones’ 2008 shortlist of Young Chicago Stars in the Making.
“This Columbia College graduate is a handsome, complex melancholy performer who is rising fast on Chicago’s non-Equity stages. Capable of beguiling an audience with merely a stare, Martin first made his mark in “Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story” in 2006 at the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre and currently stars in “Lonesome Losers of the Night” at Theo Ubique.”

There are tons of more reviews, resume, and contact information for Eric HERE.

Eric Martin with Jenny Lamb and Chris Damiano in Jacques Brel: Lonesome Losers of the Night.

Eric will be performing Jacques Brel: Lonesome Losers of the Night at Theater on the Lake along with the rest of this phenomenal cast (Jeremy Trager, Jenny Lamb, Christopher Damiano). If you missed it the first time DON’T miss it again! Wednesday July 8- Sunday July 12
http://blog.harmonyfrance.com/theater/wp-content/ThrillMe.f4v

Eric Martin With Scott Gryder in Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story. (Eric does not want to be held responsible for the book of this musical)

Eric Martin and cast in Jacques Brel: Lonesome Losers of the Night.

Eric Martin with Dana Tretta in Cabaret.