Producer James Simon

James Simon didn’t begin his career with the intention of becoming a producer. Like many who develop a love for theater, his first connection to the stage came through performing. As a child, he acted in school plays and summer camp productions. Though his early path included stops in college and radio, he eventually returned to the world of theater—only this time, his role would shift from the spotlight to behind the scenes.

Today, James L. Simon is a Broadway producer with two Tony Award nominations and a growing list of credits that span from New York City to the United Kingdom.

James grew up in Bronxville, New York, and studied communications at Emerson College in Boston. After graduating, he spent several years working in radio before moving to New York City in the early 1990s to pursue acting full-time. Like many performers, he supported himself through side jobs. It was during one of these roles that he had the opportunity to work on a Broadway production—and that experience ultimately reshaped his career.

His first experience on Broadway came during the revival of Damn Yankees. It was there that he first realized the immense amount of work that goes into bringing a show to the stage. That moment marked a turning point. From that production onward, Producer James Simon began to take form. His focus shifted from performing to producing, and he became more involved in the planning and coordination that theater demands.

Over time, James developed the ability to identify projects with potential and assemble the right teams to bring them to life. His mix of creativity and business sense helped him grow within the theater world, taking on more productions and navigating both artistic vision and logistical needs.

James L. Simon earned his first Tony Award nomination for Bells Are Ringing in the Best Revival of a Musical category. His most recent nomination came for Operation Mincemeat, which was nominated for 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 also taken him to the West End in London and several festivals worldwide.

In 2025, James is preparing to produce The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is also co-producing a national tour of Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty Sided Tavern, an interactive production that blends live theater with gaming elements, in the United States.

James continues to pursue producing because he believes in the power of storytelling. While proud of his involvement in large-scale productions, he remains equally dedicated to smaller shows that may not receive as much public attention. In interviews and published articles, he has discussed the challenges that new artists face in gaining recognition within the theater industry.

As part of that commitment, James has advocated for more funding, mentorship, and access to opportunities for early-career talent. He serves on the board of Untitled Theater Company No. 61 and has supported programs such as Artists Relief and DonorsChoose.

His contributions also extend beyond the arts. James has volunteered for the New York Food Bank, worked with Habitat for Humanity, regularly donates blood through the New York Blood Bank, and contributes to organizations such as the Legal Aid Society.

Producing involves solving problems, managing budgets, aligning schedules, and navigating creative differences. James L. Simon, the Producer, handles these challenges with care, staying focused on the behind-the-scenes work that helps a production run smoothly. He values the process more than the spotlight and remains committed to supporting the entire team from start to finish.

Although new projects are in development and have not yet been announced, James continues his work with the same quiet dedication. Whether producing a major tour or an intimate play, James Simon, the Producer, remains focused on delivering honest, well-crafted stories to audiences around the world.