James Neff

James Neff, a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, is a professional singer/actor from Fishers, IN. Born March 16th, 1982 in South Bend, IN, James lived in Fort Wayne, IN and Fishers, IN before graduating from Hamilton Southeastern High School in 2000. His passion for performance began as a member of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir under the direction of Ruth Dwyer and Henry Leck. From 1992-1998, James was a member of three groups within the “ICC” (Concert Choir, Touring 1 Choir, and Indianapolis Youth Chorale) and had the opportunity to perform across the US and Europe, as well as collaborate with artists including: The Chieftans, Judy Collins, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Canadian Brass, and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

While attending Hamilton Southeastern High School, James continuted his interest in choral music as a part of New Edition choir, directed by J. Kevin Butler, and was the founding director of “8pointfive”, the school’s first student-directed a cappella group. His acting training began with instruction by Jen Otterman and Mary Armstrong. He was very active in HSE’s drama program, becoming president of both the drama and thespian clubs and performing in 10 high school productions. Roles included: The Fakir in The Secret Garden, The King in Cinderella, Reuban in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, and Emile de Becque in South Pacific.

During the summer months, James had the opportunity to gain experience through community theater productions at Footlite Musicals and Indianapolis Civic Theatre. Roles included: Jeffrey Moss in Bells are Ringing, Businessman in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Danny Zuko in Grease (Footlite Musicals); Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden, and Mr. Applegate in Damn Yankees (Indianapolis Civic Theatre).

While preparing for college auditions, James furthered his vocal training with Butler University vocal instructors Stephen Rickards and Steven Stolen, as well as Indianapolis Opera chorusmaster, John Schmid. While studying with Mr. Schmid, James entered several prestigious voice competitions, including MacAllister Awards (second place/audience favorite/Levering Rothfuss Award – 1999, second place/best male – 2000) and Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Competition (first place – 1999). Because of Mr. Schmid, James secured an audition for the Indianapolis Opera and was a part of IO’s productions of Verdi’s MacBeth and Puccini’s Tosca. During the course of rehearsals for Tosca, James became acquainted with a visiting artist, Timothy Noble, portraying the role of Scarpia. Through this fortunate meeting, Mr. Noble became James’s voice instructor at Indiana University for four years and professional mentor for his current career.

In the fall of 2000, James began his education at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music as a voice performance major. While at IU, he performed with several choruses, including the Oratorio Chorus (dir. Dr. Jan Harrington), Festival Chorus (dir. Erich Kunzel), and Symphonic Choir (dir. John Poole), as well as Opera Chorus in twelve productions. In late 2000, James became a member of Straight No Chaser, an IU Alumni Association-sponsored male a cappella group. He later served as the group’s music director and business manager, handling arrangements, promotions, and bookings. SNC performances included: the award-winning recording “Thank You”, IU Alumni Association events, Vera Bradley Breast Cancer Fundraiser, opening act for "The Temptations", National Governor’s Conference, National Anthem performances: Brickyard 400, Cleveland Indians, Indiana Hoosiers (basketball, football, swimming).

James was also very active on the IU stage, performing with the Indiana University Opera Theatre, John Waldron Arts Center, and IU Union Board. Roles included: Ned Keene in Peter Grimes, Jacob in The Ballad of Baby Doe, Pasha Selim in Abduction from the Seraglio, Dr. Neville Craven in The Secret Garden, J.B. Biggley in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Zach in A Chorus Line. James made his IU Ballet Theater debut in 2001 in The Nutcracker, featuring guest artist Julie Kent. In 2003, James created the role of The Chef as a guest artist in the Indianapolis Children’s Choir/Indianapolis Chamber Ensemble world premiere of The Trio of Minuet (WFYI/PBS Broadcast). In May 2004, James graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Music-Voice Performance.

On June 12th, 2004, James made his professional musical theater debut as Stephen Foster in Stephen Foster – The Musical in Bardstown, KY. Now running for almost 50 years, Stephen Foster – The Musical tells the story of America’s legendary songwriter through his own music and a story written by Paul Green. That summer, James also performed as Danny Zuko in Grease.  A year and a half later, James earned his “equity card” at North Shore Music Theatre, performing as Joe Miller in A Christmas Carol.

Professional credits include: Stephen Foster in Stephen Foster the Musical (’04-’06, Stephen Foster Drama Association), Danny Zuko in Grease (SFDA), Capt. Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (SFDA), Benjamin Franklin in Benjamin Franklin – An American Tale (national tour/cast recording, ATAFY/AFT), Harold Hill in The Music Man (Derby Dinner Playhouse), and Joe Miller in A Christmas Carol (’04-’06, North Shore Music Theatre).

updated 11/06