BIO:
James Meneses is a Chilean Chinese Playwright, Actor and Producer based in NYC. He has recently produced and wrote the book for HERE IS GONE a Sci-fi Goo Goo Dolls musical that received an industry reading at the Players Club (NYC). James is known for delving into the worlds of magical realism and dreams (literal and figurative) like DREAM FRAGMENTATION, (produced by the Greenhouse Ensemble at the Bernie Wohl Center), a play about a son meeting his deceased father in a dream, and attempting to reconcile their past before a tsunami wave approaches them. His play WHILE YOU WAIT, an experimental one act drama with dance and performance art was produced on the Upper west side at Theater 97 (NYC). Before embarking on the journey of playwriting, James acted in over a dozen of plays in NYC, including SUNSHINE QUEST at the Wild Project, 44TH AND 9TH written by Christy Hall (Creator of the Netflix special “I am Not Okay with This”), and SECOND SEAT which received the best play award at the New York Theater festival. James co-starred with Judith Roberts (Orange is the New Black) and Margaret Reed (Seinfeld) in the comedy short film REUNION. (ECU Film Festival, Chelsea Film Festival) He is a proud member of the Dramatists guild and Next Stage a producing program led by Ken Davenport. He trained in acting with Austin Pendleton, Michael Beckett (HB Studio); Susan Pilar, Heater Benton, Lester Shane (American Academy of Dramatic Arts), and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Technology at Alfred State College
Photos by Bronwen Sharp
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Driven by a premonition that her unborn son will be separated from her at birth, Bianca Sullivan a loyal civilian begins to defy the rules set by her country’s authoritarian leadership. HERE IS GONE intertwines the evocative tunes of the GOO GOO DOLLS to tell a tale of sacrifice, rebellion, and the limitless power of dreams, while exploring a futuristic world where genuine human connection is overridden by laws and technological advancements.
Photos from Reading Presentation of HERE IS GONE a Goo Goo Dolls Musical (March 7th 2024)
"IRIS" by GGD's
"MIRACLE PILL" by GGD's
Sitzprobe rehearsal
"FEARLESS" by GGD's
Sitzprobe rehearsal
"SYMPATHY" by GGD's
Sitzprobe rehearsal
"LET LOVE IN" by GGD's
Sitzprobe rehearsal
Producer of . . .
Exploring the blurred lines between inspiration and obsession; a gripping family drama
IN DEVELOPMENT:
"HERE IS GONE," a science fiction musical about a future dystopia where dreaming is against the law.
"SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND OPEN YOUR EYES," a play about Sarah Lombardo the first female football player, and her struggle to navigate the dual roles of being a professional athlete and a caregiver for her autistic sister.
"MAMA'S BABY BOXER" a Latino family's journey through mental health challenges and grief, intertwined with magical realism.
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WHILE YOU WAIT (a play with dance and performance art) by James Meneses
at the West 97th Theater
“Always exciting to see a Greenhouse show because you never know what to expect! Congratulations to the cast and crew of While You Wait on such an honest, vulnerable and sincere performance. Thank you for the courage to explore and share your intimate feelings about art, human relationships and the theater. Cannot wait to see it again in the future!”
– Di Zhu, Managing Director, The Russian Arts Theatre and Studio
On set with Margaret Reed, Judith Roberts and Ruya Koman
at the Greenhouse Ensemble's screening of "Lifestyle Content"
5th Annual Chelsea Film Festival