After securing a bachelor of fine arts from the Professional Actors Training Studio at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a master of fine arts at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, Art Manke embarked on a career as an actor that included seasons with American Players Theatre, VITA Shakespeare Festival, Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, and originating the role of Marty in the Magic Theatre world premiere of Wendy MacLeod's "The House of Yes."
Art Manke's work as a director and choreographer included early productions with the California Shakespeare Theatre, VITA Shakespeare Festival and the American Conservatory Theatre.
Art Manke went on to direct more than a dozen plays as the cofounding artistic director of LA's acclaimed classical theatre company, A Noise Within, where he worked from 1991 to 2001.
Since leaving A Noise Within, he has continued to serve as a freelance director and a theatrical choreographer for such distinguished resident companies as Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, South Coast Repertory, Pasadena Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Denver Center Theare Company.
Outside of the theater, Art Manke has worked extensively as a television director, directing episodes for programs such as “One on One,” “Eve,” and “Hannah Montana.” His credits reflect his long history of partnering with multicultural casts and promoting gender equality.
