James Simon, a prominent theater producer from New York, has made a lasting impact on both American and British theater. Born into a musically gifted family in Westchester, NY, in 1966, James’s early exposure to the performing arts ignited a lifelong passion for theater. He honed his craft at Emerson College in Boston, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1988. While there, his involvement in college radio deeply influenced his storytelling abilities and creative vision.
James began his professional journey as an actor, performing in New York theater, independent films, and even making a brief appearance on television. His transition to theater production was swift and successful, leading him to work on a variety of notable productions both in the U.S. and abroad. Beyond his professional endeavors, James enjoys skiing, traveling, and attending live music events. He is also dedicated to fostering new talent through his work with various theater organizations and mentorship programs.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days vary, but they usually start early with a review of updates from my productions and, if possible, a quick ski or jog. Most of my time is spent in meetings—whether in person or virtual—covering everything from casting and set design to marketing strategies. To stay productive, I prioritize tasks by urgency and passion, ensuring that every project moves forward each day, even if only incrementally.
How do you bring ideas to life?
It starts with a strong script and a vision for how it can be translated on stage. I work closely with directors, writers, and designers, building a shared vision that evolves through workshops and rehearsals. Creating a collaborative environment where everyone feels free to contribute leads to the most dynamic and engaging productions.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited by the rise of immersive theater. These productions extend beyond traditional stages, engaging audiences in interactive environments and making theater more accessible and captivating for new generations. It’s a fresh way to tell stories and build connections with audiences.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Active listening. Whether in a meeting or rehearsal, being fully present allows me to catch details and nuances that can make or break a production. This helps me make informed decisions quickly and keeps projects moving forward. Theater is a collaborative art form, and listening is a crucial part of that process.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell myself to worry less about following a conventional path. The arts can be unpredictable, and it’s more important to carve out a space where you can be passionate and make an impact rather than trying to fit into a predefined trajectory.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe theater can be just as transformative as technology in shaping society—if not more so. Many see it as an old-fashioned medium, but I see it as a powerful tool for empathy, education, and social change.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Network. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of building and maintaining relationships in this industry. Every opportunity I’ve had—whether a job, collaboration, or production—has come through connections, either directly or indirectly.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go skiing or take a trip. Stepping away from work clears my mind and allows me to return with fresh perspectives and solutions that often seemed elusive in the moment.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Adaptability. Theater is constantly evolving, and the ability to pivot, embrace new ideas, and incorporate technology has helped me stay relevant and successful.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I produced a play that failed due to poor casting decisions. That experience taught me the critical importance of aligning every element of a production with the vision and audience expectations. Since then, I’ve adopted a more rigorous approach to casting and overall production alignment.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Theater is art, and art is subjective. If someone rejects an idea, don’t assume it’s a bad one. Maybe it’s not their area of expertise, or they have a bias, or they simply don’t have time. Be persistent and patient—if you believe in your idea, chances are others will too.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Slack. It streamlines communication across various teams in a production, from set designers to marketing staff. I use it to create dedicated channels for each project, keeping updates, files, and feedback organized and accessible.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I regularly listen to a theater-focused podcast featuring in-depth interviews with performers, directors, and playwrights. Hearing different perspectives from industry professionals always offers new insights and inspiration.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched a film adaptation of a classic stage play. I’m always curious about how theatrical works translate to film, and I thought this adaptation did a great job maintaining the essence of the original story while making it work in a different medium.
Key learnings
- Adaptability in Career Paths
- Importance of Networking
- Continual Learning and Support for the Arts