Born in Newport Beach, California, James' participation in high school drama lead to a BFA in Acting at U.C. Santa Barbara and then an MFA at the American Conservatory Theatre. He stayed in the Bay Area for three years for love and theatre, before moving to Los Angeles where he is now based.
He has built his career working mostly in new American plays - at places like The Magic Theatre, Theatre at Boston Court, and The American Conservatory Theatre - among others. He's most at home in the plays written by the likes of Sam Shepard, Will Eno, Theresa Rebeck, John Kolvenbach, and Abe Koogler. His work tends to be masculine, smart, emotionally authentic, darkly humorous, sensual, deeply American, and attuned to a greater Mystery. In addition to all the theater he's done, he has been in a handful of independent art house features. His goal is to continue to increase his service to new american plays and festival bound independent films.
As a long time meditator and practitioner of creative, integrative transformative practices of various kinds - James approaches his work like a esoteric spiritual practice. He approaches the rehearsal hall or a set like some people might approach a Zendo or a yoga mat, as a place to discover and encounter himself, to make contact with the mystery of the creative life force, and to serve whatever is manifesting through the work for the sake of the a greater good. Ultimately, the goal of the work, like anything in life, is freedom, service, and joy.
He has built his career working mostly in new American plays - at places like The Magic Theatre, Theatre at Boston Court, and The American Conservatory Theatre - among others. He's most at home in the plays written by the likes of Sam Shepard, Will Eno, Theresa Rebeck, John Kolvenbach, and Abe Koogler. His work tends to be masculine, smart, emotionally authentic, darkly humorous, sensual, deeply American, and attuned to a greater Mystery. In addition to all the theater he's done, he has been in a handful of independent art house features. His goal is to continue to increase his service to new american plays and festival bound independent films.
As a long time meditator and practitioner of creative, integrative transformative practices of various kinds - James approaches his work like a esoteric spiritual practice. He approaches the rehearsal hall or a set like some people might approach a Zendo or a yoga mat, as a place to discover and encounter himself, to make contact with the mystery of the creative life force, and to serve whatever is manifesting through the work for the sake of the a greater good. Ultimately, the goal of the work, like anything in life, is freedom, service, and joy.
