John Simpkins is a Stage Director and Educator. His directing work includes New York, Regional, and International Theatres and venues – and his directing portfolio focuses on a wide range of shows, styles, and genres – as well as a large emphasis on the development and direction of new musicals.
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His most recent New York project is directing the World Premiere production of The Jonathan Larson Project – opening March 2025 at the Orpheum Theatre. He will also direct the first production of Salzman and Cunningham’s The Morris and Essex Line, which he commissioned for Penn State Musical Theatre. John is also proud to be in partnership with Concord Theatricals on an annual commission project.
Among the many writers he loves working with, he has had the pleasure of a decades long collaboration with Tony nominee Joe Iconis – directing his shows Family Album, Love in Hate Nation, The Black Suits, Bloodsong of Love, Things to Ruin, Rewrite, The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks, and all 14 years of The Joe Iconis Christmas Extravaganza.
As an educator, John is the Head of Musical Theatre at Penn State University. Among the new initiatives he has created are a New Musicals commissioning program and a wellness center for young artists.
