Producer James Simon

James Simon didn’t originally plan to become a producer. Like many who grow up with a love for theater, his first involvement came through performing. As a child, he acted in school and camp productions, developing an early appreciation for the energy of the stage. While his path later included stops in college and work in radio, he eventually found his way back to theater—though not in the same role he had started with. Today, James L. Simon is a Broadway producer with two Tony Award nominations and a collection of credits that span from New York to the United Kingdom. Born and raised in Bronxville, New York, James studied communications at Emerson College in Boston. After college, he worked in radio for a few years before deciding to pursue acting full-time. In the early 1990s, he moved to New York City to follow that dream. Like many actors, he supported himself through other jobs. One of those jobs placed him in a Broadway production environment, and that experience altered his career path. That project was a revival of Damn Yankees. It gave James a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a production to the stage. He began to understand the many moving parts that had to come together and saw a different way to contribute. From that point forward, Producer James Simon began to take shape. He stepped away from acting and focused instead on the business and production side of theater. James discovered that he had a talent for identifying strong projects and assembling capable teams. His steady, thoughtful approach allowed him to navigate the challenges of producing while supporting creative work from start to finish. James L. Simon earned his first Tony nomination for Bells Are Ringing in the Best Revival of a Musical category. His second nomination came for Operation Mincemeat, which was recognized as a Best New Musical. He also co-produced The Woman in Black Off-Broadway, which received the Best Play Revival award from the Off-Broadway Alliance. His work has been showcased in the West End of London and at global theater festivals. 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 United States national tour of Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty Sided Tavern, a live theatrical experience that incorporates interactive gaming. For James, producing is driven by a belief in the importance of storytelling. He values large productions, but he also holds deep respect for smaller, more intimate shows that may not make headlines but leave a lasting impact. In various articles and interviews, he has emphasized the difficulty new voices face in finding opportunities in theater. He uses his platform to advocate for greater support for emerging artists. James serves on the board of Untitled Theater Company No. 61 and contributes to artist-focused programs, such as Artists Relief and DonorsChoose, helping to provide resources and visibility to emerging artists. His work outside the theater community includes volunteering with the New York Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity, donating blood regularly through the New York Blood Bank, and supporting legal services through the Legal Aid Society. Producing a show involves coordination, financing, creative problem-solving, scheduling, and travel. James L. Simon, the Producer, takes an active role in these behind-the-scenes responsibilities. He works quietly to ensure everything runs smoothly, placing a high value on consistency, preparation, and support for the entire team. Even with a long list of accomplishments, James remains grounded. He chooses projects that prioritize story and collaboration, and he continues to approach each production with care. Whether it’s a major tour or a lesser-known play, James Simon, the Producer, is committed to the work that brings stories to the stage and audiences together.