James Ortiz
Latest News on James Ortiz:
Video: Meet The Monster Puppets of Disney's HERCULES in Hamburg (Jul 12, 2024)
Review: John Adams's EL NINO Finally Arrives at the Met After World Travels (Apr 24, 2024)
John Adams to Present EL NINO at The Met, Staged by Lileana Blain-Cruz (Apr 18, 2024)
Video: Meet The Monster Puppets of Disney's HERCULES in Hamburg (Jul 12, 2024)
Review: John Adams's EL NINO Finally Arrives at the Met After World Travels (Apr 24, 2024)
John Adams to Present EL NINO at The Met, Staged by Lileana Blain-Cruz (Apr 18, 2024)
BIO
Based in New York City, James Ortiz is a director, actor, writer, designer, and puppeteer. He was the recipient of the 2016 OBIE Award for Puppet Design for his critically acclaimed Off-Broadway show, The Woodsman.
Ortiz is co-artistic director of Strangemen & Company, which was founded in 2010 by graduates of the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Purchase.
Through spectacular life-size puppetry and original music by violinist Edward W. Hardy, the ensemble of Strangemen & Co. presented an inventive take on one of America’s original fairy tales. The Woodsman (which featured nine Purchase alums) debuted in 2012 at Standard ToyKraft in Brooklyn, followed by a 2013 run at the Ars Nova ANT Fest. It was produced Off-Broadway at 59E59 Theaters in 2014 and 2015, and at New World Stages in 2016, where it concluded its critically-lauded Off-Broadway run in May 2016.
On and Off-Broadway Ortiz has designed for the Theatre for a New Audience, The Public Theatre (King Lear), Shakespeare Theatre of DC (The Tempest), and The New Group (Mercury Fur) among others.
As a director, his work has been seen at New World Stages, Ars Nova, 59e59, and others. As an actor, Ortiz’s credits include The Woodsman (New World Stages), El Gato Con Botas (Tectonic Theatre Co.), On the Head of a Pin (Strangemen), Rhinoceros (UglyRhino Theatre Co.), Wanda’s Monster (Making Books Sing).
Photos
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STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Puppetry
James Ortiz, Into the Woods
Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Puppet Design
James Ortiz, The Skin of Our Teeth
Videos
VIDEO: INTO THE WOODS Cast Performs 'Last Midnight' & Title Song on THE VIEW
by Michael Major - Oct 31, 2022
VIDEO: First Look At HERCULES Starring Jelani Alladin, Krysta Rodriguez, James Monroe Iglehart And More!
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 6, 2019
STAGE TUBE: Inside Look - THE WOODSMAN Original Off-Broadway Solo Recording Tugs the Heart Strings
by Stage Tube - Feb 14, 2017
TV: Rosie O'Donnell Goes Behind-the-Scenes with THE WOODSMAN Creator James Ortiz
by BroadwayWorld TV - Apr 5, 2016
TV: Go Back to the Origins of Oz with Highlights from THE WOODSMAN Off-Broadway
by BroadwayWorld TV - Feb 18, 2016
TV: How Did the Tin Man Lose His Heart? Find Out in Rehearsal for THE WOODSMAN!
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 18, 2016
TV: Naked Angels Previews SEAWIFE; Opens Tonight at South Street Seaport Museum
by TV - On the Road - Jun 25, 2015
TV Exclusive: Watch Extended Sneak Peek of THE WOODSMAN; Begins Previews Tomorrow!
by TV - Press Previews - Jan 12, 2015
News
Video: Meet The Monster Puppets of Disney's HERCULES in Hamburg
Watch as puppet designer James Ortiz talks about bringing the monsters of Hercules to life on stage in the Hamburg production, directed by Casey Nicholaw in this all-new video.
Watch as puppet designer James Ortiz talks about bringing the monsters of Hercules to life on stage in the Hamburg production, directed by Casey Nicholaw in this all-new video.
Review: John Adams's EL NINO Finally Arrives at the Met After World Travels
Back in December, I saw the chamber version of John Adams’s EL NINO—dubbed EL NINO: NATIVITY RECONSIDERED—at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Pared down to its essence, it was wonderful, starred two of the singers who made their debuts in the premiere at the Met, soprano Julia Bullock and bass-baritone Davone Tines plus countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, who were at their best. It was a somber evening in a dramatic setting—a far cry from the oratorio/opera’s over-the-top welcome to Lincoln Center last night, in Lileana Blain-Cruz’s production that made me wonder what Franco Zeffirelli might have done with it. Think the Parisian throngs in Act II of the Met’s LA BOHEME (which, of course, is one of the Met’s most popular productions with audiences).
Back in December, I saw the chamber version of John Adams’s EL NINO—dubbed EL NINO: NATIVITY RECONSIDERED—at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Pared down to its essence, it was wonderful, starred two of the singers who made their debuts in the premiere at the Met, soprano Julia Bullock and bass-baritone Davone Tines plus countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, who were at their best. It was a somber evening in a dramatic setting—a far cry from the oratorio/opera’s over-the-top welcome to Lincoln Center last night, in Lileana Blain-Cruz’s production that made me wonder what Franco Zeffirelli might have done with it. Think the Parisian throngs in Act II of the Met’s LA BOHEME (which, of course, is one of the Met’s most popular productions with audiences).
John Adams to Present EL NINO at The Met, Staged by Lileana Blain-Cruz
Pulitzer Prize–winning composer-conductor John Adams will return to the Met for the company premiere of his acclaimed opera-oratorio El Niño, opening on April 23.
Pulitzer Prize–winning composer-conductor John Adams will return to the Met for the company premiere of his acclaimed opera-oratorio El Niño, opening on April 23.
Review: Kate Hamill's THE SCARLET LETTER at Two River Theater Captivates with the Timeless Theme of Womanly Strength
Two River Theater is presenting the stunning world premiere of 'The Scarlet Letter' skillfully reimagined by Kate Hamill, the renowned contemporary American playwright.
Two River Theater is presenting the stunning world premiere of 'The Scarlet Letter' skillfully reimagined by Kate Hamill, the renowned contemporary American playwright.
Two River Theater to Live Stream World Premiere of Kate Hamill's SCARLET LETTER
Two River Theater is partnering with The League of Live Stream Theater to stream the world premiere of Scarlet Letter by Kate Hamill. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Two River Theater is partnering with The League of Live Stream Theater to stream the world premiere of Scarlet Letter by Kate Hamill. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Two River Theater Unveils Cast And Creative Team For World Premiere of Kate Hamill's THE SCARLET LETTER
Two River Theater has revealed the cast and creative team for Kate Hamill's The Scarlet Letter, the world premiere of the play. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Two River Theater has revealed the cast and creative team for Kate Hamill's The Scarlet Letter, the world premiere of the play. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Cast & Creative Team Announced For World Premiere Of Dave Malloy's THREE HOUSES
Signature Theatre announces the cast and creative team for the world premiere production of Dave Malloy's Three Houses, directed and choreographed by Annie Tippe. The musical will feature J.D. Mollison, Mia Pak, Margo Seibert, Henry Stram, Scott Stangland, and Ching Valdes-Aran. Performances begin on April 30, 2024.
Signature Theatre announces the cast and creative team for the world premiere production of Dave Malloy's Three Houses, directed and choreographed by Annie Tippe. The musical will feature J.D. Mollison, Mia Pak, Margo Seibert, Henry Stram, Scott Stangland, and Ching Valdes-Aran. Performances begin on April 30, 2024.
Review: CANDIDE at Skylight Music Theatre
Skylight Music Theatre's CANDIDE sublimely ridiculous and sublimely entertaining.
Skylight Music Theatre's CANDIDE sublimely ridiculous and sublimely entertaining.
INTO THE WOODS, SWEENEY TODD, and More Nominated For 2023 Hewes Design Awards
The Henry Hewes Design Awards Committee has announced the 2023 Henry Hewes Design Awards Honorees who will be recognized at the 59th annual ceremony on October 23 in New York. Find out who will be honored here!
The Henry Hewes Design Awards Committee has announced the 2023 Henry Hewes Design Awards Honorees who will be recognized at the 59th annual ceremony on October 23 in New York. Find out who will be honored here!
CANDIDE Comes to Skylight Music Theatre in October
Skylight Music Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the long-awaited production of Leonard Bernstein’s masterpiece, Candide. Learn more about the production, and who will star in it, here!
Skylight Music Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the long-awaited production of Leonard Bernstein’s masterpiece, Candide. Learn more about the production, and who will star in it, here!
Krysta Rodriguez Will Return to INTO THE WOODS For Final Weeks of National Tour
The National Tour of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods will welcome back Krysta Rodriguez to the company, playing Cinderella for the production’s final weeks of the national tour engagement.
The National Tour of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods will welcome back Krysta Rodriguez to the company, playing Cinderella for the production’s final weeks of the national tour engagement.
Video: Cast of INTO THE WOODS Talks Opening Night in Los Angeles
BroadwayWorld was at the final opening night for the Into the Woods tour, as the production begins its final engagement in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theater. See what the cast had to say about bringing this production to cities across the country.
BroadwayWorld was at the final opening night for the Into the Woods tour, as the production begins its final engagement in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theater. See what the cast had to say about bringing this production to cities across the country.
Review: INTO THE WOODS At The Curran San Francisco
What did our critic think of INTO THE WOODS at Curran?
What did our critic think of INTO THE WOODS at Curran?
Interview: Cole Thompson of INTO THE WOODS at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts
Here in Orlando, we are lucky to be a stop for many Broadway tours and also very fortunate that these get to play in the magnificent Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts. But rarely do we have the chance to see a limited run of an acclaimed Broadway musical with much of its original cast in place. But next week, we have just that chance when Stephen Sondheim’s INTO THE WOODS lands in Orlando, fresh off a successful run on Broadway and original production at City Center ENCORES!. One of those cast members who has been a part of the production from the very beginning is Cole Thompson, who plays the young lad, Jack. I had a chance to catch up with Cole and learn about his take on the role and his exciting journey with INTO THE WOODS.
Here in Orlando, we are lucky to be a stop for many Broadway tours and also very fortunate that these get to play in the magnificent Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts. But rarely do we have the chance to see a limited run of an acclaimed Broadway musical with much of its original cast in place. But next week, we have just that chance when Stephen Sondheim’s INTO THE WOODS lands in Orlando, fresh off a successful run on Broadway and original production at City Center ENCORES!. One of those cast members who has been a part of the production from the very beginning is Cole Thompson, who plays the young lad, Jack. I had a chance to catch up with Cole and learn about his take on the role and his exciting journey with INTO THE WOODS.
SOME LIKE IT HOT, PARADE, and More Take Home 2023 Drama Desk Awards; Full List of Winners!
Winners for the 67th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced today. Among the big winners were Some Like It Hot, Parade, and more.
Winners for the 67th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced today. Among the big winners were Some Like It Hot, Parade, and more.
Photos: Stars From SOME LIKE IT HOT, INTO THE WOODS And More Hit The Red Carpet At The 2023 Drama League Awards
The event boasted a star-studded red carpet crowd featuring stars of the Broadway season and beyond, including Jessica Chastain, Ana Uzele, Montego Glover, Patina Miller, Sara Bareilles, Alex Newell, Micaela Diamond, J. Harrison Ghee and more! See photos from the event here!
The event boasted a star-studded red carpet crowd featuring stars of the Broadway season and beyond, including Jessica Chastain, Ana Uzele, Montego Glover, Patina Miller, Sara Bareilles, Alex Newell, Micaela Diamond, J. Harrison Ghee and more! See photos from the event here!
Photos: Stars From SHUCKED, SWEENEY TODD, PARADE And More Hit The Red Carpet At The 2023 Drama League Awards
The 2023 Drama League Awards welcomes stars of the Broadway season and beyond, including Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford, Ben Platt, Phillipa Soo, NaTasha Yvette Williams and more! See photos from the event!
The 2023 Drama League Awards welcomes stars of the Broadway season and beyond, including Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford, Ben Platt, Phillipa Soo, NaTasha Yvette Williams and more! See photos from the event!
SHUCKED, SOME LIKE IT HOT Lead Nominations for 2023 Drama Desk Awards
Nominations for the 67th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced today and BroadwayWorld has the full list here!
Nominations for the 67th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced today and BroadwayWorld has the full list here!
XANADU, SPRING AWAKENING, and More Set For Skylight Music Theatre's 2023-2024 Season
Artistic Director Michael Unger has unveiled Skylight Music Theatre's 2023-2024 season at an in-person and livestreamed event from the Cabot Theatre featuring musical selections from the shows to be presented in Skylight's upcoming 64th season. Unger was joined by Skylight performers and an on-stage band.
Artistic Director Michael Unger has unveiled Skylight Music Theatre's 2023-2024 season at an in-person and livestreamed event from the Cabot Theatre featuring musical selections from the shows to be presented in Skylight's upcoming 64th season. Unger was joined by Skylight performers and an on-stage band.
Review: INTO THE WOODS at Blumenthal Performing Arts
The new Broadway revival of INTO THE WOODS, now touring with a significant portion of the New York cast, dispels the too-clever-by-half aftertaste I've experienced in previous productions and bares Stephen Sondheim's heart in an affecting tribute to the late master.
The new Broadway revival of INTO THE WOODS, now touring with a significant portion of the New York cast, dispels the too-clever-by-half aftertaste I've experienced in previous productions and bares Stephen Sondheim's heart in an affecting tribute to the late master.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has James Ortiz written?
James Ortiz has written 1 shows including The Woodsman (Playwright).
What awards has James Ortiz been nominated for?
James Ortiz has been nominated for Outstanding Puppetry at the Drama Desk Awards for Into the Woods and Outstanding Puppet Design at the Drama Desk Awards for The Skin of Our Teeth.
Videos