Drawing on 30 years of experience in theatre education, with the past 28 proudly spent at Lincoln High School, I bring a unique perspective to the stage. Originally from Kansas, I earned my Theatre degree from Kansas State University and furthered my education at Arizona State University, where I specialized in Theatre for Youth. Before settling in California, I also served as an EMT and was a member of the Army Reserve, experiences that instilled a strong sense of discipline and adaptability.
As the Theatre Arts Division Director and Performing Arts Department Chair at Lincoln High School, I have the privilege of guiding students through a comprehensive curriculum. My teaching encompasses courses such as Advanced Acting Lab, Advanced Drama, Stagecraft, Technical Theatre and Design, and Musical Theatre.
My dedication to education was recognized when I was honored as Lincoln’s Teacher of the Year in 2003. Beyond the classroom, I've had the unique opportunity to direct four productions for the esteemed Edinburgh Theatre Festival in Scotland. Annually, I direct two musicals and two plays, which keeps my creative spirit engaged and my skills sharp. Occasionally, I even get the chance to perform, both in local productions and alongside my students.
You might be surprised to hear that Mr. Manthe has a real home with a cozy bed and a kitchen he loves to use! He enjoys whipping up Italian and Mexican food, though he's not a fan of cleaning up afterward. At home, he shares his life with his partner, Danny, and their adorable puppies, Rabyn, Peepo, and Rigo.
When he's not at school, Mr. Manthe loves to travel, shop, watch movies, and catch as many theatre shows as he can. And like many of us, he has a favorite brand: he's a big fan of Apple products, especially his MacBook Pro. He also has a unique collection: puppets! Some are just for display, some he uses for fun, but all of them are cherished.