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From the desk of Artistic Director David Hemsley Caldwell

It has been my privilege to work with Totem Pole Playhouse for over 25 years. I arrived in Caledonia State Park to direct and perform for the first time in 1997. Totem Pole captured my heart the moment I stepped on the property.

When the pandemic struck and I was asked to assist, I didn’t hesitate to join the team to navigate the theatre through the dark days of Covid. It has been my honor to serve as Artistic Director since 2020. We have survived a very challenging time and are seeing regrowth and recovery each year.

In February, when my contract was up, I made the difficult decision to move on due to health concerns and to hand the stewardship of the  theater over to a new generation of artists. The board has accepted my resignation with regret and has requested my assistance in identifying new leadership. I am happy to share that together we have found an accomplished new Artistic Director for the playhouse.

The Board of Directors and I have been working together to ensure a smooth transition with the new leadership to make the 2024 season as well as Totem Pole’s 75th Season both memorable and exciting.

I have much gratitude for the talented artists, technicians and staff, our fantastic board of directors, and first and foremost, our wonderful patrons and supporters who have kept the theatre alive for nearly 75 years.

Thank you for all you have shared with me. I trust the Playhouse will continue to flourish and that there will be magic in the enchanted forest for years to come.

David Hemsley Caldwell
SDC
THE CALEDONIA THEATRE COMPANY at Totem Pole Playhouse