Todd Schanke

 

Todd retired after teaching theatre and speech for 32 years at the Raymore-Peculiar School District, where he directed over 120 productions and built a nationally recognized program. He did his undergraduate theatre work at the University of Central Missouri; where he also went on to complete his Master of Arts in Theatre.  To complete his education, Todd earned an Education Specialist degree from William Woods University.  The International Thespian Society has recognized five of Todd’s plays as being some of the best in the country by inviting them to perform as Mainstage productions alongside shows from across the nation.  Todd led Raymore-Peculiar to win five Blue Star Awards in the category of Outstanding Overall Musical as well as numerous other Blue Star wins and nominations.  Todd also led Raymore-Peculiar to 31 Missouri State championships in Speech and Theatre, more than any other coach in the history of the state competition as well as two national championships at the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament.  Todd now directs and acts for the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre in Kansas City as well as teaching and directing for the Metropolitan Community College at Longview, but he marks his son Dane and daughter Ella as his greatest productions, co-produced and designed with his wife of 36 years, Pam.