​The life of Karl Menning was one of great diversity. After graduating in 1901 from the faculty of Theology at Tartu University, Menning worked as a pastor for several years. In his capacity as director of the Vanemuine Theatre, Menning managed to raise the quality of its productions to completely new levels. Having accomplished that, he took up diplomatic service and worked as Estonian ambassador in Berlin from 1921 to 1933.