Raul Cardona

Raul Cardona is a film, television and stage actor. Raul earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance from UCSD and a Masters of Education from NU. In 2017 Raul returned to the stage in Center Theatre Group's 40th year anniversary production of Zoot Suit making his debut at the Mark Taper Forum. Raul spent his early career working regional stages with the likes of the San Diego Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Los Angeles Theatre Center and Company of Angels among others. In 1999 Raul shared the stage with the Father of Chicano Music, Don Lalo Guerrero Y Sus Ardillitas as Panfilo. In 2000 he originated the role of Billy in the first ever musical based on the slain Tejano singer, Selena Forever, also in 2000, originated the role of MSgt Roy P. Benavidez in Veteranos, A Legacy of Valor, written and directed by Enrique Castillo. Cardona then joined El Teatro Campesino in 2001 for a five-year residency during which he mounted a variety of productions from Luis Valdez's canon. He performed as El Pachuco for the 25th Anniversary Revival and National Tour of Zoot Suit, he originated the role of Lucas Flores for the world premiere of Mummified Deer, originated the ensemble roles in the world premiere of Corridos Remix, Bandido The American Melodrama of Tiburcio Vasquez, Mundo Mata, La Virgen Del Tepeyac and La Pastorela. In 2006 Raul went on to pursue his passion teaching theatre in high schools, detention facilities, and communities throughout California. Raul is a current Board member of Afro-Cuban Dance Company OMO-ACHE since 2008. Raul also co-founded Teatro Arroyo in North East Los Angeles in 2013 and became board member of the Arroyo Arts Collective. In 2015 he returned to the stage to originate the role of Oscar Zeta Acosta in Brown Buffalo. In 2016 he joined the Association of Raza Educators, an organization that is mobilizing teachers, developing curriculum, and working with community organizations to ignite change.