Producer James Simon

Theater Producer

James Simon didn’t set out to become a producer. Like many who are introduced to theater early in life, his first experience came as a performer. He acted in school and camp productions during his childhood, building a connection to storytelling on stage. Though he explored other paths—college and a stint in radio—his journey eventually brought him back to the theater, though not in front of the curtain.

Today, James L. Simon is an established Broadway producer. With two Tony Award nominations to his name and credits that span Manhattan to the United Kingdom, his path has taken shape through persistence and a deep respect for the collaborative work that goes into every production.

Raised in Bronxville, New York, James went on to study communications at Emerson College in Boston. After graduation, he spent time working in radio before relocating to New York City in the early 1990s to pursue acting full-time. Like many in the performing arts, he supported himself through side jobs. One of those opportunities placed him on a Broadway production team, opening the door to a new area of theater.

His first Broadway experience came on the revival of Damn Yankees, where he got an up-close view of the behind-the-scenes effort required to bring a show to life. That production marked a turning point. From that moment on, James Simon, the Producer, began to take form. He shifted from performance to production, gradually learning the discipline and coordination required to make a stage show work.

James proved skilled at identifying strong material and assembling the right teams to advance each project. His ability to manage both creative goals and practical challenges helped him build a career in the theater industry.

James L. Simon received his first Tony nomination for Bells Are Ringing in the Best Revival of a Musical category. He earned another nomination for Operation Mincemeat, recognized as a Best New Musical. Off-Broadway, he co-produced The Woman in Black, which won the Best Play Revival award from the Off-Broadway Alliance. His productions have also reached London’s West End and traveled to theater festivals worldwide.

Looking ahead, James is preparing to bring The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein to the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is also co-producing a national tour of Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty Sided Tavern in the United States, a production that merges traditional theater with live gaming.

James continues to produce because he believes in the value of storytelling. While he is proud of the larger shows, he also respects the quieter works that may not receive widespread attention. In interviews and articles, he has acknowledged how hard it can be for new talent to gain access in the theater world.

He continues to advocate for increased support, mentorship, and funding for early-career artists. James serves on the board of Untitled Theater Company No. 61 and supports causes such as Artists Relief and Donors Choose to help artists obtain the tools and backing they need.

His community efforts extend beyond the arts. He has volunteered with the New York Food Bank, participated in projects with Habitat for Humanity, regularly donates blood through the New York Blood Center, and supports the Legal Aid Society.

The role of a producer involves numerous tasks, including budgeting, coordinating schedules, managing travel arrangements, and resolving creative challenges. James L. Simon, the Producer, is deeply engaged in these efforts. He values the less-visible parts of production: the meetings, phone calls, and adjustments that make a show function smoothly.