Richard Rosen, a visionary storyteller and trailblazer in San Antonio’s theater scene, recently made his home at Morningside at The Chandler Estate. Though he has only been at Morningside for a few months, Richard has already brought his signature creativity and charisma to the community, continuing his lifelong mission of fostering connection and inspiration through the arts.
A Career in Theater
Born in New York City but raised on San Antonio’s northwest side, Richard’s journey into the arts began with challenges that shaped his tenacious spirit. As a child, he suffered from severe asthma and double pneumonia, but he found solace and inspiration in storytelling and acting. He studied drama at Robert E. Lee High School in San Antonio and went on to attend Trinity University as a theater major, alongside future stars like Brent Spiner (Commander Data of Star Trek fame).
At Trinity, Richard was mentored by the renowned Paul Baker, a former drama department chair at Trinity University who gained national attention through his work at Baylor University and later founded and led the Dallas Theater Center. His philosophy of theater as the integration of all abilities, melodies, shape, and sound left an indelible mark on Richard’s approach to theater.
Richard’s early years in theater were a whirlwind of creativity. Alongside fellow artists, he transformed an empty post-HemisFair building into a venue known as the “Melodrama Theatre,” where they staged live shows like A Doll’s House and What the Butler Saw. Among his many projects was the cult classic Alice in Wonderland, a rock opera that premiered in 1973 and later toured.
Richard’s creative journey also took him to New York City, where he worked on freelance writing projects before returning to Texas. In Austin, he founded Mr. Moon’s Magick Theatre, partnering with the Billy Shakespeare’s bar on Sixth Street to present productions such as Dracula’s Last Waltz and Bloody Mister Hyde, a musical adaptation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Richard eventually made his way back to his home town of San Antonio, where he had a stint managing the Woodlawn Theatre and worked with every theater in town. In 1994, Richard founded the Magik Theatre, a children’s theater dedicated to sparking curiosity and empathy in young audiences. Over the years, the Magik Theatre has become a cornerstone of San Antonio’s arts community, staging more than 280 productions for over 3 million people.
Personal Triumphs and Challenges
While Richard’s career flourished, his personal life was equally rich. His children, Ariel and Gabriel, have followed in his footsteps of creativity and service. Ariel works at Temple Beth-El, while Gabriel is the Operations Director at the Witte Museum. Richard also cherishes his role as a grandfather to his 13-year-old grandson.
Nine years ago, Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a challenge he has faced with resilience and humor. After a severe fall and an extended period of rehabilitation, he joined the Morningside community, where he found not just care but a sense of belonging. “Morningside didn’t feel like a nursing home,” he reflects. “It felt like a real community.”
Creativity at Morningside
Richard remains as creative as ever, currently working on a project called Parkinson’s the Musical, which channels his personal experiences into theater that inspires and educates. Even in retirement, Richard’s determination to tell meaningful stories and connect with others shows no signs of slowing down.
A Lasting Legacy
Richard’s contributions to San Antonio’s arts scene have earned him numerous accolades, including the Jasmina Wellinghoff Award from the Alamo Theatre Arts Council and a recent honor at the Magik Theatre’s 30th anniversary gala. Yet, his greatest legacy may be the countless lives he has touched through his work, both on and off the stage.
At Morningside, Richard is surrounded by a community that values his incredible journey and ongoing contributions. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to the arts.
