Award-Winning Playwright, Actor & Director; Professor of Theatre & Head of Playwriting at Columbia University School of the Arts

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James Ijames Biography

James Ijames is an award-winning playwright, director, and educator, currently an associate professor of theatre and head of playwriting at Columbia University School of the Arts. Active in Philadelphia theater, he is presenting a citywide three-play showcase, including the premieres of "Wilderness Generation" at the Philadelphia Theatre Company and "Good Bones." Ijames cemented his status as a defining voice in American theater when he won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Fat Ham," a modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s "Hamlet," joining the ranks of Eugene O’Neill, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Neil Simon, Wendy Wasserstein and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

A prolific artist, Ijames has been writing plays since age 14 and first gained recognition in Philadelphia in 2011 as the recipient of the F. Otto Haas Award for emerging theater artists. His work has since earned four Barrymore Awards, two each for acting and directing, a 2019 Kesselring Prize for "Kill Move Paradise," the 2015 Pew Fellowship for Playwriting, and the 2015 Terrence McNally New Play Award for "White," a witty and provocative exploration of contemporary life.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 02/04/2026.

James Ijames Videos

Playwright James Ijames & Director Saheem Ali on GOOD BONES

Playwright James Ijames & Director Saheem Ali on GOOD BONES

New York Premiere GOOD BONES By James Ijames Directed by Saheem Ali Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames explores gentrification.

Story/Teller Arts: James Ijames on Fat Ham with Jonathan McCrory

Story/Teller Arts: James Ijames on Fat Ham with Jonathan McCrory

Story/Teller Arts: James Ijames on Fat Ham with Jonathan McCrory.

Meet the Playwright of "Fat Ham": James Ijames

Meet the Playwright of "Fat Ham": James Ijames

Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames shares the journey #FatHam has taken from filmed production to Broadway and now Los Angeles.

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  • What topics does James Ijames speak about?

    James Ijames is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actor, Celebrity, College, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Professors, Television & Film
  • Where does James Ijames travel from?

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James Ijames is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book James Ijames for your event is available upon request. James Ijames generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Liza Colón-Zayas, Jerry Trainor, Eric Nam, Bobby Berk and Jonathan Van Ness. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling James Ijames for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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