Raymond O. Caldwell Appointed New Artistic Director of Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles

Raymond O. Caldwell Appointed Artistic Director of the Fountain Theatre

Raymond O. Caldwell is the new artistic director of the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. The theater announced his appointment at a gala on November 16 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. This event celebrated the legacy of retiring founding artistic director Stephen Sachs.

Caldwell has a strong background in theater. He served as the artistic director for six seasons at Theater Alliance in Washington, DC. There, he produced socially conscious programming that gained national and global attention. His leadership helped Theater Alliance become an American Arts Envoy with the U.S. Department of State.

Caldwell directed the project A Global I.D.E.A. featuring artists and activists from several countries. This project focused on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. He has also worked on various initiatives such as cultural preservation and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights.

In addition to his directing work, Caldwell is an educator. He was a faculty member and resident director at Howard University’s Department of Theatre Arts. He has an MFA in Acting/New Play Development from Ohio State University and a BFA in Acting from the University of Florida.

Caldwell expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Fountain Theatre. He plans to create work that reflects Los Angeles’ diversity and engages the community. He believes that spaces like the Fountain Theatre are essential in addressing loneliness.

Caldwell recently moved to Los Angeles after 16 years in Washington, DC. He has won multiple Helen Hayes awards and received the 2023 SDCF Zelda Fichandler Award for his community contributions. His latest directing credits include Romeo & Juliet at Folger Shakespeare Theatre and Look Both Ways at the Kennedy Center.

The Fountain Theatre is dedicated to creating new plays that address urgent social and political issues. Its educational outreach inspires young people to be active citizens and leaders.