James trained at the American Conservatory Theatre (MFA Acting) and UC Santa Barbara (BFA Acting). His career bridges performance and teaching – blending professional experience with a commitment to integrative actor training.
As an actor, James has worked extensively on new and classic American plays at theatres including The American Conservatory Theatre, The Magic Theatre, Theatre at Boston Court, San Jose Rep, Aurora Theatre, and Katonah Classic Stage among others. He has collaborated with celebrated playwrights such as Theresa Rebeck, Will Eno, Jackie Sibblies Drury, Lauren Gunderson, Steve Yockey, and Chris Peña. James’ film work includes leading roles in several award-winning independent short and feature films, and his aesthetic leans toward poetic work that is smart, vigorously physical, and emotionally complex.
In addition to acing, James has been teaching and coaching for over two decades. He has taught at The American Conservatory Theatre, The Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, and privately in Los Angeles and New York.
James also completed a PhD at the California Institute of Integral Studies (with funding from The Esalen Institute), focusing on spiritually integrative approaches to performance. This has led to the development of a unique approach — one that explores mind, body, and spirit to support actors’ artistic and professional growth.
James lived and worked professionally in Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles before landing in New York City, where he continues to teach and work in theatre.