Richard Kuhlman, a dynamic and versatile American creative professional, burst onto the scene on March 7, 1955, in the thriving metropolis of Cincinnati, Ohio, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and energetic atmosphere.
As a youthful and impressionable individual, he demonstrated an extraordinary and innate propensity for the art of acting, frequently assuming the role of director in his imaginative play scenarios, which often took place in a treehouse, amidst a game of soldiers, or as cowboys in a Wild West adventure, showcasing his natural aptitude for storytelling and leadership.
Richard's formative years as a high school student were distinguished by his remarkable participation in the Young People's Theatre, where he consistently demonstrated his remarkable aptitude as a performer, ultimately receiving a prestigious Guildie Award for his extraordinary portrayal of Fagin in the 1973 production of Oliver!, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to the craft.
Richard's journey in higher education marked a significant milestone in his artistic development, as he immersed himself in a diverse array of theatrical pursuits during his time at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Richard's natural passion for the creative arts proved to be a driving force in his life, ultimately leading him to abandon his academic ambitions and pursue a career in the arts. This bold decision enabled him to take on the esteemed position of Artistic Director for the Shakespeare Festival of Cincinnati, a role that was only made possible by a substantial grant from the Community Employment Training Act (CETA) program. This innovative program, initiated by the administration of President Jimmy Carter, provided vital support to individuals seeking to retrain and re-enter the workforce.
Richard's professional journey underwent a profound transformation in the pivotal year of 1979, as he made the bold decision to relocate to the culturally rich and dynamic metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, thereby allowing himself to fully submerge himself in the captivating realm of acting, where he had the esteemed privilege of working alongside renowned institutions such as the Paul Sills Story Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, and the legendary Second City comedy troupe, each of which played a significant role in shaping his artistic identity and providing him with the valuable opportunities necessary to hone his craft and grow as a performer.
Richard's four-year stint in Chicago proved to be a transformative period in his career, as he consistently appeared in a wide range of productions, accumulating an impressive body of work and gaining invaluable experience with each successive performance. This extensive exposure allowed him to refine his craft, developing a unique set of skills that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Over the course of time, Richard's eagerness to embark on novel ventures and tackle fresh obstacles culminated in his resolute decision to relocate to the iconic city of Hollywood, California in the year 1983, thereby inaugurating a significant and transformative phase in his professional trajectory.
Richard's extraordinary career has granted him the distinction of collaborating with a multitude of acclaimed film directors, renowned for their exceptional skill and artistry, among whom are the highly respected Ron Howard, the visionary John Cassavetes, and the accomplished Robert Townsend, each of whom has contributed to Richard's impressive body of work.
Richard's artistic trajectory in the realm of theatrical productions has been significantly influenced by the innovative and creative visions of a distinguished group of pioneering directors, whose collective impact has been instrumental in shaping his artistic identity and aesthetic sensibilities.
Among these visionary directors, Richard has had the privilege of working with the legendary Paul Sills, whose groundbreaking approach to improvisational theatre has left an indelible mark on the art form. Sills' unorthodox methods and emphasis on collective creativity have inspired Richard to think outside the box and push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
Richard has also had the opportunity to collaborate with the acclaimed Jon Jory, a director renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Jory's influence has helped Richard develop a keen sense of narrative structure and a deep understanding of the importance of character development in the storytelling process.
Furthermore, Richard has had the privilege of working with the esteemed Tom Humphrey, a director celebrated for his innovative and bold approach to staging. Humphrey's unorthodox methods and willingness to take risks have inspired Richard to think creatively and experiment with unconventional storytelling techniques.
Through his collaborations with these visionary directors, Richard has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience, which has allowed him to hone his craft and develop a unique artistic voice. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping his artistic identity and aesthetic sensibilities, and has provided him with a solid foundation upon which to build his own creative vision.
Richard, a truly remarkable and extraordinary individual, embarked on a profoundly significant and life-changing milestone in the year 2014, marking a major turning point in his personal and professional journey, as he exchanged vows with the talented and gifted Amy Lynn Stevenson, a visionary fine artist and illustrator of immense and unparalleled talent, whose creative genius and artistic vision have left a lasting impact on the world of art and design. This union has brought immense joy, happiness, and fulfillment to his personal life, and he now shares a beautiful and serene home with his beloved wife, Amy, in the breathtakingly stunning and picturesque Ojai Valley, a haven of natural beauty and tranquility that serves as the perfect backdrop for their life together, a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
