A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (Acting), and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (MA Classical Acting), James has worked extensively in all aspects of the Australian theatre industry.

Musical theatre credits include: Peter and the Starcatcher (Jones Theatrical/Dead Puppet Society), The 25thAnnual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Hayes Theatre), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (Squabbalogic), Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: The Musical (Crossroads Live/Jones Theatricals) and covering the role of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Crossroads).

Other theatre: Iago in Othello, Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night (Sport for Jove), Puffs (TEG Live), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, As You Like It, Henry V (Pop-Up Globe), Quick Death/Slow Love (La Mama), The Rivers of China (Theatreworks) and The Legend of King O’Malley (Seymour Centre).  James has also appeared in the feature films Swimming for Gold and The Deb (directed by Rebel Wilson).

James was the Resident Director for Gaslight (Queensland Theatre/New Theatricals) and Assistant to the Associate Director on 9 to 5: The Musical (Crossroads Live).

James was also part of the Australian Beetlejuice the Musical company (Michael Cassel Group) covering the title role, Beetlejuice, plus other roles.