WILLOW JAMES is a Chicago-based artist and educator whose work centers Black identity, new works, and activism. He is the Civic Engagement Director at Definition Theatre (where he is also an ensemble member), a Court Theatre teaching artist, and Adjunct Faculty at DePaul University. Court Theatre: Antigone, Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution, A Raisin in the Sun. Chicago: Fat Ham (Goodman Theatre/Definition Theatre), You Will Get Sick (Steppenwolf Theatre), Hymn (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), The Hot Wing King (Writers Theatre). Regional: American Players Theatre, Next Act Theatre, TheatreSquared, NAATC, Alleyway Theatre, and Phoenix Theatre Indianapolis. Representation: Michael Moore Agency. worksbywillow.com
Photo by Felton Kizer
Bio as of 01/2026