60Producer James Simon (jamessimonproducer)
Joined 8 days ago from New York
James Simon didn’t begin his path in theater thinking he would become a producer. Like many who first love the stage, he started as a performer. As a child, he appeared in school plays and camp productions, discovering the excitement of live performance at an early age. Though his journey would take a few detours through college and radio, he eventually returned to theater—just not in the way he expected.
Today, James L. Simon is a Broadway producer with two Tony Award nominations and a portfolio that reaches from New York City to the United Kingdom.
He grew up in Bronxville, New York, and later studied communications at Emerson College in Boston. After graduating, James worked in radio, but in the early 1990s, he moved to New York City to pursue acting full-time. Like many actors in the city, he worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. One of those jobs led him backstage, where he would discover a new direction.
His first experience with a Broadway production came with the revival of Damn Yankees. Working behind the scenes gave him insight into the amount of coordination and energy it takes to mount a show. It was during that process that Producer James Simon began to emerge. Over time, he became more involved in the producing side, developing his skills and building lasting connections within the theater community.
James discovered that he had a talent for identifying promising theatrical projects and assembling the right teams to bring them to life. His success came not from chasing the spotlight, but from striking a balance between creativity and practical know-how.
James L. Simon received his first Tony nomination for Bells Are Ringing in the Best Revival of a Musical category. His most recent nomination was for Operation Mincemeat, a Best New Musical contender. He also co-produced The Woman in Black Off-Broadway, which was named Best Play Revival by the Off-Broadway Alliance. His work has extended to productions in the West End and at various global festivals.
In the coming year, James is preparing for the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he will bring The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein. He is also co-producing a U.S. national tour of Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty Sided Tavern, an interactive performance that merges theater with live gaming elements.
For James, the drive to keep producing comes from his belief in the value of stories. He respects the big productions but also holds a deep appreciation for smaller, more personal works. He has expressed in interviews and articles how challenging it can be for new voices in the theater to be heard.
James has leveraged his platform to support emerging talent, advocating for the need for mentorship, increased funding, and greater access to opportunities. He currently serves on the board of Untitled Theater Company No. 61 and contributes to artist support initiatives, such as Artists Relief and DonorsChoose.
His community involvement extends beyond the stage. James has volunteered with the New York Food Bank, donated blood through the New York Blood Bank, participated in Habitat for Humanity projects, and supported legal aid efforts through the Legal Aid Society.
Producing a show involves much more than choosing a script. There are logistical challenges, financial responsibilities, creative negotiations, and travel to manage. James L. Simon, the Producer, works behind the scenes to make sure each piece fits together. He values the quiet, often unseen efforts—calls, budgets, quick fixes—that ensure a production runs smoothly.
While he has many credits to his name, James stays focused on the work rather than the recognition. He avoids chasing industry trends and instead puts his energy into projects with purpose and staying power. In a fast-changing industry, he remains steady in his commitment to thoughtful storytelling and a respectful creative environment.
James has additional projects underway, though details remain private for now. No matter the size or scope, he approaches each one with care. For James Simon, the Producer, the goal is always to bring stories to the stage in a way that honors the work—and the people—behind them.