Meet the Staff
Jeff Martinez
Producer, APU Theater
Phone: (626) 815-5035
Email: jmartinez@apu.edu
Jeff Martinez has been involved with a variety of entertainment mediums for more than 15 years. His experience ranges from theatrical productions as an actor, director, and producer to creating, producing, and acting in television and film productions. Jeff received his B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in media studies and a minor in theater from Azusa Pacific University. Since receiving his degree in 2001, Jeff has been the assistant director, director, and producer of more than 40 different productions here at APU as well as at local community theaters and high schools. From 2004 to 2007, Jeff and his wife, Clara, ran a theater company called Marmac Repertory Theater Company. Jeff is currently the producer of APU Theater and film, and also produces and directs independently in the L.A. area.
Larry Sandez
Technical Director, APU Theater
Phone: (626) 815-5035
Email: lsandez@apu.edu
An APU Theater alumnus, Larry has practiced technical theater for the last six years. Serving as the technical director and in-house lighting designer, he loves working for the department. He has also worked as the technical director and lighting designer for the MarMac Repertory Theater Company and for Maranatha High School. Some of his favorite lighting credits include Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Ambassador Auditorium, and Once Upon a Mattress, Dancing at Lughnasa, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Of Mice and Men, Beauty and the Beast, The Last Five Years, and Death of a Salesman at APU.
Lonnie Urven
Technical Director, APU Cinematic Arts
Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5274
Email: lurven@apu.edu
Lonnie is a veteran in arts and entertainment, with nearly twenty years of experience as a writer, director, producer, editor, and occasionally a performer. He worked as a technician for both the Phillippe Performing Arts Center and the Media Center on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University, where he earned his B.A. in Communications and Music. Lonnie also served as media director at Heritage Wesleyan Church, where he built a thriving technical ministry and produced more than fifty short films before becoming a freelance production artist in Hollywood. More recently, he received professional recognition as the director and cinematographer of the award-nominated short film Marked. In addition to his work at Azusa Pacific, Lonnie continues to direct short films as well as play and teach saxophone.
Elizabeth Gonzalez
Administrative Assistant, Department of Theater, Film, and Television
Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5298
Email: elizabethgonzalez@apu.edu
With 20 years administrative experience, Elizabeth Gonzalez assists the students of the Department of Theater, Film, and Television in realizing their artistic goals in the pursuit of higher education. Coming from an artistically oriented family, Elizabeth has worked extensively with children’s theater productions, specifically the non-profit children’s ensemble, Foothill Theatre Workshop. She loves the students of APU and finds her position for the department to be a rewarding synthesis of her professional know-how and her love of theater and film.
