John Simpkins
Director
John Simpkins is a Director and Educator. His directing work has included New York, Regional, and International theatres and venues – and his portfolio has focused primarily on the development and direction of new musicals.
Among the many writers he loves working with, he has had the pleasure of a 15-year collaboration with Tony nominee Joe Iconis – directing his shows The Black Suits, Bloodsong of Love, Things to Ruin, Rewrite, The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks, and all 11 years of The Joe Iconis Christmas Extravaganza. His next project with Mr. Iconis is Love in Hate Nation – opening Fall, 2019 at Two River Theater.
As an educator, John became the Head of Musical Theatre at Penn State University in Fall, 2015. Among the new initiatives he has created are a New Musicals commissioning program and a wellness center for young artists. Read more here.
RECENT NEWS & CURRENT PROJECTS
The Lucky Boy
Developmental Production
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Kirsten Childs
Directed by John Simpkins
Penn State Musical Theatre
Opens February, 2020
Based on the Grimm's fairy tale
"The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs"
A Hero's Tale
World Premiere
Music by Arthur Bacon, Book and Lyrics by Mads Nielsen
Directed by John Simpkins
Fredericia Teater, Denmark
Opens April, 2020
THE LAST DAY
Premiere Production
Music by Mike Reid
Lyrics by Sarah Schlesinger
Book by Sarah Schlesinger, John Simpkins, and Mike Reid
Directed by John Simpkins
June, 2019