James Simon didn’t initially plan to work as a producer. Like many who feel a deep connection to theater, he first engaged with the stage through performance. From a young age, he was involved in acting, participating in school plays and summer camp productions. He later explored various paths, including college and radio, before eventually returning to the theater world, where he felt most at home. Today, James L. Simon is a Broadway producer with two Tony Award nominations and a record of work that reaches from New York’s theater scene to international productions in the United Kingdom. James was born and raised in Bronxville, New York. He studied communications at Emerson College in Boston, preparing for a career in media. After college, he spent time in radio, but in the early 1990s, he relocated to New York City to pursue acting full-time. As is often the case with aspiring actors in the city, he supported himself with additional work. It wasn’t long before one of those roles introduced him to the production side of theater. His first experience on a Broadway production was with the revival of Damn Yankees. That experience helped him see the full scope of work that goes into producing a show. It was from that point that Producer James Simon began to take shape. He transitioned from performance to production, drawn to the challenge of bringing complex theatrical projects to life. James proved himself capable of identifying promising material and forming strong teams to carry each show forward. His practical approach, combined with a strong sense of story and structure, allowed him to establish himself as a steady figure within the theater industry. James L. Simon received a Tony nomination for Bells Are Ringing in the Best Revival of a Musical category. His most recent recognition was for Operation Mincemeat, which was nominated for the Best New Musical award at the Tony Awards. He also co-produced The Woman in Black Off-Broadway, which earned the Best Play Revival award from the Off-Broadway Alliance. His credits include work in London’s West End and performances at various international theater festivals. In 2025, James is set to bring The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In addition, he is co-producing a national tour of Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty Sided Tavern in the United States, a production that combines live gaming with traditional stage elements. James continues producing because he believes in the importance of stories and their ability to reach people. While he values larger productions, he also supports the quieter, more personal shows that may not receive as much attention. In interviews and articles, he has spoken about the barriers new artists face and the limited access to early opportunities. He advocates for better pathways for emerging talent and calls for greater support through funding and mentorship. James currently serves on the board of Untitled Theater Company No. 61 and has supported efforts such as Artists Relief and DonorsChoose. His contributions extend beyond the arts. James has volunteered with the New York Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity, regularly donates blood through the New York Blood Bank, and supports the Legal Aid Society. Producing a theatrical work involves numerous moving parts, including financial arrangements, creative problem-solving, scheduling, and team management. James L. Simon, the Producer, plays a vital role behind the scenes. He takes pride in handling the less visible aspects that keep a show running, making adjustments and solving problems quietly and efficiently. Despite his long list of credits, James remains grounded. He avoids trends and focuses on producing work that is meaningful and enduring. He seeks out respectful work environments and values teams that share a commitment to the audience and the material. With more projects on the horizon, James continues to shape his work with the same level of care and dedication. Whatever comes next, James Simon, the Producer, remains committed to creating thoughtful, well-executed theater experiences. Learn more: https://medium.com/@jamessimon_72667/producer-james-simon-highlights-why-off-broadway-matters-more-today-than-ever-before-f4667f26fd27 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1341174/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/james-l-simon-22467 https://playbill.com/person/james-l-simon-vault-0000028653 https://www.theatricalindex.com/person/james-l-simon https://islandermusical.com/team-items/james-simon/