I'm James D. Sasser, an award-winning producer, writer, actor, director, and narrator with a focus on developing new works and innovative storytelling across disciplines. I’ve built a Broadway, television, audiobook, and international touring career centered on multi-disciplinary, immersive, and collaborative experiences. I excel at resource development, production management, and high-level fundraising for both for-profit and nonprofit ventures, with a strong commitment to accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and community building. I thrive in creative partnerships that nurture underrepresented voices and bring audacious ideas to life across stage, screen, and beyond. My work spans IP development, workshops, readings, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, combining creative strategy with hands-on leadership to move projects from concept to audience. I bring a track record of delivering ambitious, audience-focused storytelling and fostering supportive, collaborative environments for artists and communities alike.

James D. Sasser

I'm James D. Sasser, an award-winning producer, writer, actor, director, and narrator with a focus on developing new works and innovative storytelling across disciplines. I’ve built a Broadway, television, audiobook, and international touring career centered on multi-disciplinary, immersive, and collaborative experiences. I excel at resource development, production management, and high-level fundraising for both for-profit and nonprofit ventures, with a strong commitment to accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and community building. I thrive in creative partnerships that nurture underrepresented voices and bring audacious ideas to life across stage, screen, and beyond. My work spans IP development, workshops, readings, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, combining creative strategy with hands-on leadership to move projects from concept to audience. I bring a track record of delivering ambitious, audience-focused storytelling and fostering supportive, collaborative environments for artists and communities alike.

Available to hire

I’m James D. Sasser, an award-winning producer, writer, actor, director, and narrator with a focus on developing new works and innovative storytelling across disciplines. I’ve built a Broadway, television, audiobook, and international touring career centered on multi-disciplinary, immersive, and collaborative experiences. I excel at resource development, production management, and high-level fundraising for both for-profit and nonprofit ventures, with a strong commitment to accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and community building.

I thrive in creative partnerships that nurture underrepresented voices and bring audacious ideas to life across stage, screen, and beyond. My work spans IP development, workshops, readings, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, combining creative strategy with hands-on leadership to move projects from concept to audience. I bring a track record of delivering ambitious, audience-focused storytelling and fostering supportive, collaborative environments for artists and communities alike.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

German
Intermediate
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate
French
Intermediate
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Producer and Chief Development Officer at The 959 Group
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2022
Broadway theatrical development and investment strategy partnership; led development of untold, unique, and innovative storytelling experiences; produced Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812; raised funds for Looking For Christmas (~$1M) and Bottle Shock The Musical development (>$150K); directed workshops, readings, and acquisition of IP for future musical adaptations.
Director of Communications at The Clever Agency
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2024
Digital content creation and brand strategy agency serving social entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, and artists; led digital rebranding for Harlem House and multi-year campaigns for Queens Council for the Arts; co-created VeryCleverStudios and contributed to TheIntercontinentalist.com.
Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at OGILVY
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2013
Created innovative direct marketing and diversity messaging; oversaw training and recruitment; worked with brands to craft inclusivity messaging and training for NA teams.
Institutional Gifts Development Associate at New York Live Arts
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Increased cash reserve fund by $1M+ post-merger; secured multi-year programmatic grants from NEA Art Works, The Kresge Foundation, The Ford Foundation for Tony award and Kennedy Center award-winning company.
Grants Administrator and Board Liaison at Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Oversaw a portfolio worth $11M+ during the 2008-09 crisis; managed 200+ grantees; handled board communications and end-of-year reporting.
Adjunct Professor, Theatre Arts at Santa Rosa Junior College
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Taught History of American Musical Theatre, Intro to Theatre, Beginning Stagecraft and Design, Lyric and Song Form; taught Playwriting and related topics.
Guest Instructor at Foundry10
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
Playwriting, structural analysis, and social justice-driven content creation for high schools in the Seattle area; focused on works of mid-20th Century African-American writers including Lorraine Hansberry and August Wilson.
Guest Instructor, American Musical Theatre Class and Vocal Technique at Fordham University — Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: The Ailey School
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2016
Guest instructor teaching American Musical Theatre class and vocal technique.
Director and Guest Instructor at Stonington Opera House Youth Summer Program
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007
American Musical Theater History, Acting/Song Analysis; summer program.
Adjunct Professor at SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Theatre Arts Department teaching History of American Musical Theatre, Intro to Theatre, Beginning Stagecraft and Design, Lyric and Song Form. Playwriting and Podcasting instruction on occasion.
Guest Instructor at FORDHAM UNIVERSITY — ALVIN Ailey American Dance Theater: THE AILEY SCHOOL
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2016
Guest Instructor American Musical Theatre Class and Vocal Technique Class.
Director and Guest Instructor at STONINGTON OPERA HOUSE
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007
Youth Summer Program focused on American Musical Theater History, Acting/Song Analysis.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Musical Theatre Writing at New York University Tisch School of the Arts - Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2011
Bachelor of Music at Manhattan School of Music, Vocal Studies Program
January 1, 1998 - January 5, 2026
Certificate in Acting at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
January 1, 1998 - January 5, 2026
MFA at NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program
September 1, 2009 - May 1, 2011
Bachelor's in Music at Manhattan School of Music
September 1, 1994 - May 1, 1998
Acting Certificate at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
September 1, 1997 - May 1, 1998
MFA - NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, Musical Theatre Writing Concentration at NYU Tisch
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2011
Bachelors in Music - Vocal Studies Program at Manhattan School of Music
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
Acting Certificate at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998

Qualifications

Dramatists Guild Member
January 1, 2008 - January 5, 2026
Actors Equity Association (AEA) Member
January 1, 1998 - January 5, 2026
SAG-AFTRA Member
January 11, 2030 - January 5, 2026
ASCAP Member
January 1, 1999 - January 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Other