Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond Caldwell.
Hi Raymond , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m thrilled to be the new artistic director at The Fountain Theatre! For the past 17 years I lived in Washington DC as a director, producer, and arts educator. Before coming to The Fountain, I spent 6 seasons as the artistic director of Theatre Alliance. Prior to that I was a faculty member and resident director at Howard University. I’m excited to be back on the west coast and leading The Fountain because I have deep familial roots in southern California. The history and values of the company align so deeply with my own, so I’m honored to build upon the legacy of cutting edge politically driven and community centered theatre.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are always struggles, particularly for artists. An essential struggle for many creatives is the balance between work and life. Last year I developed 2 international programs with the State Department, directed 4 large scale productions, and developed 3 new plays. While I’m so thrilled to be at a phase in my career where that is happening, it comes at a sacrifice to my personal life and relationships. The struggle to maintain my own humanity as I create has been a lifelong lesson.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a director, producer, educator. The focus of the work I create has always centered the intersections of society. I’m always trying to interrogate the spaces that go unseen and the conversations that are too uncomfortable to have. Big conversations had through theatre. My work often blurs the lines between theatre, film, music, poetry, and dance.
I’m most proud of the community of artists i’ve had the honor of working with all around the world. Every artist I work with is using art to transform their communities. That makes me so proud.
I think I have a very specific world view because of how and where I grew up. To be Black in both America and Germany has created a 3rd culture experience that I think is unique and impacts the work I make.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I come from a very large family. That’s where my sense and need for community was created. So I think my ability and love of creating spaces for community has been important to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raymondocaldwell.com
- Instagram: raymondocaldwell
Image Credits
DJ Corey Photography
