WILLOW JAMES is a Chicago-based arts leader, DJ, and multidisciplinary artist working in photography, sound design, and composition. He uses art as a platform for community healing and work that uplifts Black identity–building spaces where art and purpose meet. He currently serves as Civic Engagement Director at Definition Theatre (where he is also an ensemble member), a Teaching Artist with Court Theatre, and Adjunct Faculty at DePaul University. Court: Antigone, Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution, Miss Julie. Chicago: Windfall (Steppenwolf); Black Cypress Bayou (Definition Theatre); The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Goodman); The Hot Wing King (Writers); Hymn (Chicago Shakespeare). Regional: Alley Theatre, American Players Theatre, TheatreSquared, Next Act Theatre, Alleyway Theatre, and others. Representation: Michael Moore Agency. worksbywillow.com | @worksbywillow.
Bio as of 10/2026