A Personal Letter From Stephen

After thirty-four years of serving Los Angeles and the national field as Artistic Director of the Fountain Theatre, I have chosen to retire by the end of this year.

A flurry of feelings swirls through me as I reach this decision. Launching, nurturing, developing, and leading the growth of the Fountain Theatre for more than three decades have been the most joyous and meaningful years of my professional life. 

When Deborah Lawlor and I acquired the building in 1990, we stood in the empt yoffice, looked at each other, and asked, "What do we do now?" Today, the Fountain is one of the leading theaters in Los Angeles. Thousands of artists have worked on our stage and in our arts education programs. Hundreds of thousands have walked through our door, have sat in our seats, and been transported. Fountain plays are now produced around the world. We've been home to Pulitzer and Tony Award winners. We played a vital role in the birth of Deaf West Theatre and blossomed into the preeminent presenter of Flamenco in Los Angeles.

My co-founder and beloved friend, Deborah, passed away last May. This year, I turn sixty-five. Now is the time for me to ask myself: How do I wish to enjoy the future time I am blessed with? I look forward to many pleasant years traveling with my wife, relishing our two adult sons, perhaps writing a novel or two. 

I will leave the Fountain Theatre in the strongest financial position of its thirty-four-year history. We stand strong as an organization. Our artistic integrity is respected locally and across the country. Our position of leadership in the Los Angeles theatre community is secure. Our arts education programs are thriving.

The Fountain is honored by a devoted Board of Directors. These are good people who firmly believe in our mission of diversity, artistic excellence, and our commitment to producing meaningful work that illuminates the urgent social and political issues of our time. The Board will oversee the transition of leadership. I will be a key part of that process. 

All families go through moments of change and growth. Still, they stay a family, as will we. The Fountain is more than one person. It is all of us. Together. And it will become those who carry it forward into the future.

Onward,
Stephen