James Chapman – Artistic Director
James is an actor, writer, director and producer born and bred in Newcastle. He has worked as a professional performer for a decade and has appeared in numerous projects on stage and screen. He holds an Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting) and has worked as a workshop facilitator with several well-known drama schools in Newcastle including Hunter Drama, Young People’s Theatre, Tantrum Youth Arts and Aspire. In 2015 James founded the award-winning theatre company Knock And Run Theatre. James joined Hunter Drama as a tutor in 2020 and has been the company’s Artistic Director since 2023. James is a multi-disciplinary performing artist and has received awards recognising his achievements in acting, writing, sound design, audio-visual design and producing.
James’ most recent stage appearances include SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL (Hunter Drama), CARRIE: THE MUSICAL (Hunter Drama), BILLY ELLIOT (The Very Popular Theatre Company), BANGING DENMARK (The Very Popular Theatre Company), IDEATION (Knock And Run Theatre), TREVOR (Knock And Run Theatre) and THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE (Very Popular Theatre Company).
Additionally, he has also directed LOVE AND INFORMATION, THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, SHE KILLS MONSTERS, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and MADAGASCAR JR all for Hunter Drama.