MEET JAMES CAREY

THEATRE LEADERSHIP 

James Carey has directed more than 170 stage productions over a career spanning five decades. He served as Artistic Director of The ATTIC Theatre Ensemble (1987–2012) and SkyPilot Theatre Company (2018–2021), helping shape the artistic vision of two respected Los Angeles theatre companies. In 1992, he co-founded Hollywood Theatre Row, serving as its first President, and was recognized with both an LA Drama Critics Circle Award and the Hollywood Arts Council Charlie Award for his contributions to the Los Angeles theatre community. 

 → Explore Theatre Directing 

FILM DIRECTING / PRODUCING

James R Carey has directed and produced independent feature films and award-winning short films recognized at festivals in the United States and internationally. His work includes the feature film Madly (streaming on Amazon) and acclaimed shorts such as Come Walk With Me, Love Potion, A Cost of Freedom, and Divorce During Pandemic.

→ Explore My Films & Awards

EDUCATION & TEACHING

James Carey holds an MFA in Theatre Management, cum laude, from California State University–Long Beach. Throughout his career, he has taught directing, acting, film, and theatre at leading universities and professional training programs, including the New York Film Academy–Los Angeles, Pepperdine University, California Lutheran University, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy–Los Angeles, and California State University–Long Beach. 

For more than a decade, James Carey has built lasting creative partnerships through directing, teaching, consulting, and cultural exchange programs in the United States and abroad. His international work has taken him to Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates, where he has collaborated with artists, educators, universities, and cultural organizations.

Zimbabwe has been a central focus of this work. 

In 2012, Carey became the first American adjudicator in the nearly 100-year history of the National Institute of Allied Arts Drama Festival, evaluating performances by more than 10,000 students. Returning as a consultant in 2013 and 2014, he developed and led a nationwide teacher-training program that equipped drama educators with new approaches to teaching performance and preparing students for the national festival. In 2015, he directed an original production for Reps Theatre in Harare. 

In 2026, Carey returned to Zimbabwe as a Fulbright Specialist and U.S. Department of State contractor with World Learning, leading directing workshops and professional training programs for actors, directors, and filmmakers in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe. This engagement reflects the continuation of a long-standing creative relationship with Zimbabwe spanning more than a decade.

These continuing collaborations reflect Carey's commitment to developing artists, strengthening cultural exchange, and building long-term creative partnerships across borders. 

 → Explore International Work 

In addition to his work in theatre and film, James Carey is the author of three published collections of short fiction: Three Days in Hamburg & Other Stories, Three Day Trilogy, and What Comes in the Dark. His fiction explores relationships, travel, culture, and the unexpected moments that shape our lives.

Carey also writes regularly through two distinct platforms. TripsWithJames.com chronicles his travels and creative life through short articles and updates, while his Substack features longer essays and reflections on storytelling, theatre, film, travel, and international cultural exchange.

 → Explore Books & Writing 

HONORS & RECOGNITION

 Over the course of his career, James Carey has received recognition for his creative work in theatre, film, and international arts education, including awards, fellowships, and invited professional appointments.

Awards & Festival Recognition

• Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award
• Hollywood Arts Council “Charlie” Award
• 14 Drama-Logue Production Awards (Los Angeles)
• Mi Casa Su Casa — Critics Choice, PortFringe Festival (2018)
• Outstanding Producer for Intimate Musical Theatre — StageSceneLA
• Over 50 Official Selection laurels and multiple Best of Fest awards for film and theatre work

Fellowships, Grants & International Appointments

• Fulbright Specialist — Theatre & Film (U.S. Department of State / World Learning)
• U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe — Teaching & Theatre Training Grant (2014)
• Lincoln Center Directors Lab West — Invited Member
• Examiner, International Baccalaureate Organization (Drama)

Festivals, Speaking & Professional Engagements

• Featured artist at Atlanta Fringe, Hollywood Fringe, San Diego Fringe, and PortFringe Festivals
• Invited presentation of Coming to Zimbabwe at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (2013)
• Keynote speaker, West Coast Theatre Conference
• Consultant, Southern California Academy of Arts and Sciences — Theatre Curriculum Development
• Panel member, Arts Council of Long Beach Community Project Grants (2014)

ACTING

James Carey has appeared in more than 75 stage productions and 40 film, television, commercial, and industrial productions. His experience as a professional actor continues to inform his work as a director, teacher, and collaborator.

→ View Acting Credits & Performance Highlights