James Chapman | Head of Drama
James Chapman is an Australian actor, director, writer, and producer based in Newcastle, New South Wales. A proud product of the Hunter region, James has built a dynamic career in the performing arts. Whether he’s performing under the lights, calling the shots from the director’s chair, or helping young performers find their feet, James brings his signature mix of energy, wit and heart to everything he does.
A graduate of RIPA with an Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting), James has spent over a decade working across stage and screen. His career has taken him from the classroom to the main stage, from indie theatre projects to youth arts programs, and from dramatic storytelling to the slightly weirder world of true-crime podcasting.
As Artistic Director of Hunter Drama, James has produced a string of hit productions including The Crucible, The Lightning Thief, Frozen JR., Dot & The Kangaroo JR., Carrie: The Musical, School Of Rock: The Musical and The Jungle Book. His directing style is bold, playful and people-driven, known for crafting big, emotional stories that audiences feel as much as they watch. His directing credits with Hunter Drama include DNA, They Promised Her The Moon, Love And Information, War Of The Worlds and The Shawshank Redemption.
On stage, James has recently appeared in School of Rock: The Musical, Hangmen, Billy Elliot, Ideation, Banging Denmark, Things I Know to Be True and Trevor – the latter earning him a CONDA Award for Best Actor.
He’s also the founder of Knock and Run Theatre, a creative hub dedicated to bringing new stories to Newcastle and telling stories that surprise, challenge and connect.
Outside of theatre, James hosts the hilariously bizarre true-crime podcast “Man Eaters” the only show where the killers are real animals. The podcast has found a cult following, proving that his passion for storytelling extends well beyond the stage.
When he’s not performing or directing, you’ll find James in rehearsal rooms and classrooms across Newcastle, running workshops and mentoring emerging artists through Hunter Drama and Knock And Run Theatre.
Driven by curiosity, community and a healthy dose of humour, James Chapman continues to shape the Hunter’s creative landscape one story, one performance, and one wild idea at a time.