JAMES RAGEN
ACTOR - MUSICIAN
Big Fish, Redhouse Arts Center (Director Matthew Winning)
Photographer: Amelia Beamish | Set Designer: Izmir Ickbal
Antigonick, Syracuse University (Directors Erica Murphy & Matthew Winning)
Photographer: Mike Davis | Set: Robert John Andrusko | Costumes: Grier Coleman
Hi, I’m James!
I am a Brooklyn based actor from San Diego, CA.
I am currently finishing up my BFA Acting degree at the Syracuse University Tepper Semester in NYC. I love The Beatles, Stephen King’s IT, and the San Diego Padres.
I began my gender transition my first year of actor training and as I have achieved my authentic gender presentation, I’ve watched myself become an authentic artist as well. I am creating and seeking opportunities with other artists who want to uplift the authenticity and vulnerability of visible transgender identity onstage and offstage. I’ve been lucky enough to work on pieces both regionally and educationally that have allowed me to bring myself to both trans and cis roles.
My love of the arts began with my love of piano, which I began learning at age three before picking up guitar at five. My first original song, “Sugar Rush,” written at age eight, kicked off my passion for creating. Most recently, I created, produced, and directed my cabaret “The Cult Cabaret” at Syracuse University in support of Trans Lifeline.
NEXT UP I am producing a concert at 54 Below entitled “songs from the musicals that made me queer” featuring Broadway stars, TikTok influencers, and some of my best friends who are not famous, but are gay. You can purchase tickets here.