What's Past Is Prologue...
Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, James found his way south where he began a successful acting career in NY and Washington DC working in theatre and television. He has worked regionally and internationally, performing at such venues as: The Shakespeare Theatre, The Kennedy Centre, The Folger Shakespeare Library, The Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA, The Piccolo Spoleto Festival, The Clemson Shakespeare Festival and The Globe Theatre in Neuss, Germany. He has also appeared in dozens of national and regional commercials, as well as several short films and industrials.
In 2004, he moved to Washington DC where he studied at the Shakespeare Theatre's Academy of Classical Acting, working with such notable artists as Michael Kahn, Christopher Bayes, Floyd King, Ed Gero and Ellen O'Brien. After completing his MFA, he appeared in several productions at the Shakespeare Theatre and began his work as a director.
In 2009 he was offered the position as Artistic Director for Henley Street Theatre in Richmond, VA, for whom he had worked previously as an artistic associate. He was author of the company's mission and artistic aesthetic, producing four-shows a year. The company's artistic values were guided by a reverence for language, a commitment to diversity and a spirit of adventure.
Since that time, James has freelanced as a director, a teacher and a consultant for various companies, universities and high schools on the east coast, but landed back in Richmond in 2017 to return to his company, which had since merged with Richmond Shakespeare for whom he now serves as artistic director.
James has been recognized several times by the Richmond Theatre Critic's Circle Awards as a director and sound designer and is proud to continue his work in bringing dynamic works of classical and contemporary theatre to the Richmond area.
James is a member of Actor's Equity Association, The Actor's Fund and the Society of American Fight Directors.
EDUCATION:
MFA - The Shakespeare Theatre, Academy of Classical Acting, George Washington University
BFA - The University of Oklahoma (Emphasis on Performance)
Acting for the Camera - Maria Greco, NYC
SAFD Certifed - Actor/Combatant with Excellence - Stage Combat Training: Brad Waller, David "Pops" Doersch, David Leong, Joe Travers
FIght rehearsals for Hamlet - 2013 - James Ricks as Hamlet, Jeffrey Cole as Laertes