James Montaño is a dramaturg, playwright, critic, and educator based in Boston, MA

Hailing from Santa Fe, New Mexico, (Phillip) James was introduced to theater and performance through his early experiences in Pentecostal Evangelical Christianity. From travelling evangelical theater to “Hell Houses” and Christmas pageants, he wrote, directed, and performed in numerous religious productions all through his childhood and teens—unwittingly gaining a theatrical language of a different kind. Much of that experience has shaped his concept of audience, of spectacle, messaging, and the value of personal connection to the arts.

James came to dramaturgy during his undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Under dramaturgs Harley Erdman and Christopher Baker, James was given the tools and framework for the practice of dramaturgy. He eventually furthered his studies, earning a Master’s degree at the American Repertory Theater/Harvard University in Dramaturgy. Since 2016, James has made Boston his base for freelance dramaturgical and educational practices. Much of his recent work has been in devised dramaturgy, where he has served as dramaturg, playwright, and collaborator.

James identifies as a Queer, Cis-Male, Latinx educator, artist, and facilitator. He is passionate about elevating new marginalized voices, while pushing the field toward more inclusive artistic practice. He currently writes criticism for The Theatre Times and teaches Public Speaking at Harvard University.