Raquel Almazan, a multifaceted and talented individual of Spanish and Costa Rican descent, was born in the vibrant city of Madrid, Spain, but grew up in the United States, where she was nurtured by her parents, dedicated farmers and big dreamers, who instilled in her a profound sense of adventure and creativity from a young age. This innate curiosity and artistic inclination have been the driving forces behind her diverse and accomplished career, which has spanned various fields, including acting, writing, directing, activism, and education for social change.
Raquel's remarkable career has been punctuated by a plethora of esteemed honors, with a particularly notable recognition being the prestigious Latinidad Award bestowed upon her by the esteemed Kennedy Center. This coveted accolade acknowledges her tireless efforts to champion and promote the vital representation of Latinx talent within the entertainment industry, thereby fostering a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape.
Notable performances by this talented actress feature a diverse range of characters, including Alicia Alicia Watkins, a significant role on the CBS series Limitless, showcasing her versatility and range. Additionally, she has portrayed Maricela, a pivotal character on Law & Order: SVU, demonstrating her ability to adapt to different genres and storylines.
Furthermore, Rosa Heredia, a complex and intriguing character, was brought to life by her opposite James Spader on The Black List, highlighting her capacity to convey depth and nuance. Her portrayal of Rita Campos on White Collar also underscores her skill in playing characters with distinct personalities and motivations.
In a particularly notable performance, she played a Cuban exile opposite Cristina Ricci in PAN AM, adding another layer of complexity to her already impressive repertoire. Furthermore, she has made appearances in various other TV shows, including Blue Bloods and The Michael J. Fox Show, solidifying her status as a talented and in-demand actress.
Raquel's profound passion for the performing arts has led her to tread the boards in a multitude of theatrical productions, boasting an impressive repertoire that showcases her remarkable range and versatility as a thespian. Among her most notable credits are starring roles in La Negra at the prestigious Lincoln Center, as well as a captivating performance at BRIC Arts, a celebrated institution dedicated to showcasing innovative and cutting-edge artistic expressions. Additionally, Raquel has had the privilege of bringing to life the iconic title character in La Paloma Prisoner at the esteemed New York Theatre Workshop, a renowned hub for avant-garde and experimental theatre.
Furthermore, Raquel has demonstrated her impressive dramatic range by taking on iconic roles such as Lady MacBeth in a production of MacBeth, a timeless Shakespearean masterpiece. She has also had the opportunity to portray the complex and intriguing character of Mrs. Papov in Chekov's The Bear, a classic Russian play renowned for its poignant exploration of human relationships. Lastly, Raquel has shone as the lead in Escaping Juarez at El Museo del Barrio, a cultural institution dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Latin America.
Raquel's multifaceted talents extend far beyond her impressive acting portfolio, as she has also demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for writing. This creative versatility has been showcased through her collaborative efforts on various projects, such as a libretto workshop for the acclaimed dance company MOVE, where she had the opportunity to work alongside the renowned choreographer Bill T. Jones. Furthermore, Raquel has also been involved in the development of a feature screenplay for the upcoming film Death of the Doll.
Raquel's academic credentials boast a Master of Fine Arts degree in Playwriting from Columbia University, a prestigious institution renowned for its rigorous arts programs. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Florida/New World School of the Arts Conservatory, a premier institution that has produced numerous talented theatre professionals.
Her impressive academic background has been recognized with a slew of prestigious awards and fellowships, including the Kate Neal Kinley Playwriting Fellowship, a highly coveted honor that recognizes outstanding achievement in playwriting.
Raquel's illustrious career has been marked by a plethora of performances in over 100 esteemed venues, boasting an impressive repertoire that includes the prestigious Kennedy Center, the revered Actors Studio, City Center, La Mama, Repertorio Espanol, INTAR, Pregones, Dixon Place, and a variety of independent films that have garnered recognition at numerous film festivals.
Her original work has been showcased not only in the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City, but also throughout the United States, and has even transcended borders to be presented internationally in Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Colombia, Guatemala, and Sweden, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ability to captivate audiences from diverse backgrounds.
