the muledog: A Martin player tradition
The Muledog was introduced to Martin Theatre in 1986 before a production of YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU. The show required a busy interior set with numerous eccentric props to fill the shelves. The prop crew went on a "prop run" and came back with a prop so ugly that we had to take a second look. A great deal of laughter ensued. Was it a dog with a mule face? Was it a mule sitting like a dog? Was it a demonic test tube experiment gone bad? Bottom line: It was love at first sight. Yes, you might say that the ugly prop deemed the "Muledog" had the face that only a Martin Player could love. From there it took a life of its own and a Martin Player tradition was born!

Through the years, the Muledog has been a part of Martin Theatre history. 
  Every year at the Theatre Banquet, a senior-to-be is selected to keep the Muledog in their protective possession throughout his/her senior year. In turn, at the end of his/her senior year, this senior selects another senior-to-be as the keeper of the Muledog.
  •   The senior chosen must invent a unique "Muledog" noise that he/she performs at the Theatre Banquet.
  •   No underclassmen may touch the Muledog. Only seniors may touch the Muledog.
    • ​On a play's last performance, the Muledog is honored by sitting in the center of our traditional "before the show" circle.
    • On a play's last performance, the Muledog is placed somewhere on stage in various scenes throughout the play.
    • On a play's last performance, the word "Muledog" is used in a line during the context of a scene in the  play. The line can only be spoken by a senior. (Disclaimer: During the performance when the "Muledog" line is spoken, there is a huge ovation provided by the MHS Alumni, parents, and students aware of this tradition. Other audience members unaware of this tradition are utterly confused.)
    • This tradition is not used in UIL One Act Play or if a play has a more somber tone whereas the tradition may be inappropriate to the theme of the play. (For example, we did not use Muledog in our production of THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE.)
                                   
    Sadly, in 2014, the actual Muledog (the one seen in the image above)  was accidentally dropped and broke into many pieces. (Legend says it was knocked over by a junior in the middle of a monologue who, rather than break tradition and grab him, allowed him to fall) It was painstakingly put back together but is very brittle.  But, WAIT A MINUTE!!.  While Mr. Cure and Mrs. Miller were prop shopping one Saturday afternoon, they came across another Muledog! Albeit an "albino"  Muledog (Now named Alberto) and a smaller version, it was an exact replica of our beloved Muledog!! AMAZING!! At present, the original Muledog is retired and being showcased for prosperity in the Theatre room while Alberto is being kept by one of the Martin seniors. 

Muledog has been Martin theatres signature mascot for many years, but where did he actually come from and why do we keep running into him at thrift stores? He was actually apart of a political campaign in the 90s and was used to mock the traditional democratic symbol of a donkey.