James Patrick Moran

Director | Choreographer | Actor | Educator

With a career spanning the world’s most prestigious stages—from the lights of Broadway to the cultural hubs of Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin—James stands as a distinguished force in the performing arts. A veteran of the industry, he has transitioned seamlessly from iconic performances to visionary leadership in direction, choreography, and arts education.

2025 Recipient: The John F. Kennedy Presidential Distinguished Teacher Award (Recognized for his transformative impact on national theater education).

Multi-Award Winning Productions: Director and Choreographer of three Jerry Herman Award-winning productions: Into the Woods, Spring Awakening, and Chicago.

Broadway & National Tours

  • Chicago (Broadway): Long-tenured Artist (2001–2014); featured as Fred Casely and Swing.

  • Chicago (Broadway National Tour): Featured as Fred Casely (1999–2001).

  • West Side Story (Broadway National Tour): Swing, covering the roles of Riff, Diesel, Snowboy, and Big Deal (1996–97).

International & Off-Broadway

  • West Side Story (Euro Tour): Starring as Riff (1999).

  • A Chorus Line (Euro Tour): Swing, covering the roles of Mark, Don, Bobby, and Greg (1995–96).

  • The Benevolent Bath (Off-Broadway): Originated the role of Carter Walt in this World Premiere production.

Film & TV

  • Recurring Roles: General Hospital and Guiding Light

  • Television: Charmed (2005), Officer Down (2005)

  • Film: The Grasslands (2011), Rage of the Yeti (2011), Ghost Voyage (2008)

Direction & Choreography

Resident Director and Choreographer at Windward School in Los Angeles. His visionary staging has been showcased at the Allison and Bennett Rosenthal Theatre and the Irene Kleinberg Theatre in productions including: Chicago (Award-winning),Into the Woods (Award-winning), Spring Awakening (Award-winning), The Prom, Urinetown and Footloose

Based in Los Angeles, James is the Co-Founder and Principal of Cornelius and Barnaby Productions alongside his creative partner, Timmy Quinlan. He is currently spearheading a high-profile development project in collaboration with a major motion picture studio.