Mr. Leo Arteche Arencibia
M.A. in Theatre from University of Central Florida
B.A. from New York University
Certification in Drama 6-12
Florida Association for Theatre Education Member
Educational Theatre Association Member
Mr. Leo Arteche Arencibia is an accomplished theatre educator entering his fifteenth year at Miami Arts Charter School, where he serves as Director of the Theatre Department. Over the past decade and a half, he has built one of the Miami’s most dynamic and successful high school theatre programs, earning recognition for both artistic excellence and educational impact.
Originally from New York City and raised in Weston, Florida, Mr. Arteche graduated as valedictorian of The Sagemont School in 2007, where he also served as student body president, Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, and founder of the school’s Thespian Honor Society. That same year, he was recognized as a Silver Knight Honorable Mention in Drama.
He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where he was both a Dean’s Scholar and a member of the Presidential Honors Scholars Program. In 2023, he completed his Master’s degree in Theatre, with a concentration in Musical Theatre, from the University of Central Florida.
At MAC, Mr. Arteche teaches both Musical Theatre and Technical Theatre, and directs the school’s mainstage productions. Some of his favorite credits include Into the Woods, Chicago, Legally Blonde, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Mamma Mia! His upcoming October production of Little Shop of Horrors will serve as the debut production of the MAC Arts Season of the 2025-2026 school year.
As Troupe Director of MAC’s award-winning Thespian Honor Society, Mr. Arteche has led students to earn 67 Critics Choices and Top Honors, 367 Superior ratings, and 24 Senior Scholarships at the District and State Thespian Festivals. His students have also received national recognition, including YoungArts awards and scholarships from the Carbonell Awards and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative. Many of his alumni have gone on to professional careers in theatre, film, and television.
In 2025, Mr. Arteche was honored to serve on a regional committee in partnership with the Adrienne Arsht Center, helping bring the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (Jimmy Awards) to Miami—an initiative designed to expand access and opportunity for young performers across South Florida.
He holds dual certifications in Drama and is a proud member of both the Florida Association for Theatre Educators and the Educational Theatre Association. Through his teaching, directing, and mentorship, Mr. Arteche remains deeply committed to developing young artists, supporting their growth, and fostering a strong, inclusive theatre community.
