James Simon didn’t always see himself as a producer. His introduction to theater came through performing, a familiar beginning for many who are drawn to the stage. As a child, he acted in school plays and camp productions, enjoying the energy and creativity of storytelling in front of an audience. Though he explored other paths—attending college and working in radio—he ultimately found his way back to theater, where he felt most at home.
Today, James L. Simon works as a Broadway producer, with two Tony Award nominations and credits that span from New York to international stages in the United Kingdom.
James was born and raised in Bronxville, New York, and pursued communications at Emerson College in Boston. After his time in radio, he relocated to New York City in the early 1990s to focus on his acting career. As with many artists in the city, James took on side jobs to support his craft. It wasn’t long, however, before those side jobs became the foundation of something new.
His first opportunity in a Broadway production came during the revival of Damn Yankees. In that experience, he witnessed the immense effort required to stage a successful show. It was there that James Simon, the Producer, began to take shape. He discovered that he had a practical understanding of how productions come together, and from then on, he gradually transitioned into the producing side of the business.
James demonstrated an ability to match creative ideas with the resources and talent required to bring them to life. His career has grown through that ability to support a vision while managing the operational demands behind it.
His work has been recognized through industry honors. Producer James Simon received a Tony Award nomination for Bells Are Ringing in the Best Revival of a Musical category. More recently, he earned another nomination for Operation Mincemeat, which was recognized as a Best New Musical. Off-Broadway, he co-produced The Woman in Black, which won Best Play Revival from the Off-Broadway Alliance. His producing credits also include work in the West End and international theater festivals.
Currently, James is preparing for the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he will bring The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein. In parallel, he is co-producing the United States national tour of Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty Sided Tavern, a show that merges interactive gaming with traditional theater elements.
When asked why he continues in this field, James explains that storytelling has real power. He appreciates the recognition of large-scale productions but is equally committed to smaller, less publicized works. In past interviews and published pieces, he has discussed how new voices often struggle to find opportunities in theater and has called for increased support, funding, and mentorship for emerging artists.
James serves on the board of Untitled Theater Company No. 61 and contributes to artist support efforts, such as Artists Relief and DonorsChoose. His contributions extend beyond the arts through volunteer work with the New York Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and blood donation through the New York Blood Bank. He has also supported the Legal Aid Society.
The process of producing theater is demanding. It includes managing funding, resolving issues, organizing logistics, and aligning creative direction. James L. Simon, the Producer, stays engaged in the background work that keeps things on track—from budget discussions to last-minute decisions. He places importance on these behind-the-scenes efforts and prefers to keep the focus on the project's success rather than personal recognition.
Despite his long list of credits, James remains grounded. He chooses projects based on quality and sustainability, not just what is popular at the moment. As theater evolves, he continues to look for meaningful stories and healthy, collaborative work environments.
There are more projects ahead for James. While some are still under wraps, it’s clear that he will continue to apply the same care and diligence that have defined his journey so far. Whether the production is small or large, Producer James Simon continues to support the heart of live theater—one story at a time.
