James Sims: Art & Democracy

Mostly Jew-ish—Now Staging Something More for My Kids

I grew up keeping it quiet. Now I’m learning what it means to pass something louder—and more honest—on to my kids

May 17 • James Sims

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April 2026

The Dark Arts of Loving Problematic Artists

After seeing Giant on Broadway, I’m rethinking Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, Michael Jackson, and what we owe our kids when the stories they love come from…

Apr 26 • James Sims

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The War on the Arts Is a War on American Strength

Trump’s attacks on public broadcasting, arts funding, and cultural institutions are hollowing out one of America’s greatest sources of strength at home…

Apr 19 • James Sims

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A parents guide to raising a film buff

A love letter to classic Hollywood, practical movie magic, and why the next generation deserves more than an algorithmic childhood at the movies.

Apr 4 • James Sims

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March 2026

Hollywood Didn’t Lose the Working Actor. It Phased Them Out.

As studios chase scale and streamers chase stars, the middle-class actor—the backbone of Hollywood—has quietly been written out of the business.

Mar 28 • James Sims

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The Kennedy Center Is Not a Trump Tower

The MAGA takeover of America’s flagship arts institution drove artists away, sent ticket sales sliding, and revealed a simple truth: culture doesn’t…

Mar 15 • James Sims

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April 2025

Producer Jeffrey Richards Keeps Broadway Buzzing

Written for Wesleyan University Magazine

Apr 8, 2025 • James Sims

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October 2024

A DIY Path to Bringing ‘Job’ to Broadway

Written for Wesleyan University Magazine

Oct 3, 2024 • James Sims

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February 2023

Holding Court at the Tony Awards

Written for Wesleyan University Magazine

Feb 24, 2023 • James Sims

March 2022

Alma and the American Dream

Is the American Dream a reality or fallacy?

Mar 6, 2022 • James Sims

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February 2022

Building an Artistic Path Forward

Amidst endless Zoom meetings and pivoting every possible direction while planning seasons across three iconic theatres, Center Theatre Group’s artistic…

Feb 1, 2022 • James Sims

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December 2021

Passing the Baton: Michael Ritchie’s Final Season

After leading Center Theatre Group for more than 16 years, Michael Ritchie will retire as Artistic Director on December 31, 2021, following the…

Dec 1, 2021 • James Sims

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