The Bishop’s School seventh-grader takes title role of ‘Matilda’

SAN DIEGO – Iris Manter of La Jolla performed in her first play at age 7.

At age 12, the seventh-grader at The Bishop’s School is now playing the title role in the professional show “Matilda” at San Diego Musical Theatre. One of San Diego’s regional professional theaters, “Matilda,” which began July 11, is now playing five shows a week through Aug. 10.

The website notes this role is Iris Manter’s mainstage debut, pointing out her credits up until now include: Cindy-Lou Who and Annie Who in “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (The Old Globe); Ivanka in “Once” (Lamb’s Players Theatre); Bobbi Jean Piper in “Junie B. Jones Jr.” (SDMT Academy); Young Cosette in “Les Misérables-School Edition,” Young Anna in “Frozen Jr.” and Molly in “Annie Jr.” (Junior Actors Company).

Discussing the difference between professional and youth theater, Iris’s mom, Jen Manter, noted that the Junior Actors Company, where Iris started at age 7, is what is called a youth theater.

“It is considered ‘pay to play,’ which means that a parent pays for their child to audition and be part of a show,” she said. Jen Manter pointed out “Matilda” is being performed at San Diego Musical Theatre, which is a professional theater, like The Old Globe in Balboa Park.

“That means that they pay their actors rather than the other way around,” she said. “There are not a ton of professional shows that involve children, so the demand to be in these shows by talented kids greatly outpaces the supply.” 

Noting she’s always been interested in theater, Iris Manter recalls acting out parts in “little stories” about animals read to her during story time. “I love acting and would like to pursue it as a career,” she said, noting she “could” change her mind. But she doubts she will. “Right now, I want to be an actor.”

It’s been a rewarding and at times challenging experience both for Iris and her parents, Jen and Greg Manter. “They have always supported my acting, and they both are great about helping me stay on track with school work,” said Iris Manter.

What does she like most about live theater? “The creativity and collaboration, and there’s a lot of freedom to choose what you want to do,” she replied, adding that acting with her colleagues “is a lot of teamwork, and we work together on a lot of things.”

Iris Manter was one of four finalists selected out of a field of 200 who auditioned for the show’s 29-member cast. Jen Manter felt it was her daughter’s extra effort that landed her the lead role. “She’s smart, brave, fierce, and determined. She always gets ahead of it and pushes through.”

Iris Manter noted one of the most fun aspects of acting is that “you never know what’s going to happen during the show, because anything can happen — and every show’s a little different.”

Jen Manter said she and her husband, Greg, had no idea their daughter would be an aspiring thespian. She said her daughter’s talent was “discovered” early on by those in the know when she tried out — and got — two roles in the Christmas classic “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at the Old Globe Theatre.

“Iris told me she wanted to try out for the Grinch, and I didn’t think she had a chance, but I told her, ‘If you want to try,’” Jen Manter said.

“They recognized her talent and called her back to audition for that role. We were shocked. We told them we had a family vacation planned and Iris couldn’t make the audition. They made time for her.”

Jen Manter recommends that parents let their children get exposed to acting if they’re so inclined. “It’s great if you want to get your kids into an extra-curricular activity,” she said. “It’s creative, and Iris has thrived in her relationships and connections with others there. It’s been wholesome, kind, and creative — just such a good thing for Iris.”

Iris Manter will next perform in the “Prince of Egypt” playing at Moonlight Amphitheater this September.