Ann James
Founding Executive Director/Producer
Urban Aphrodite International August 2010 – Present
As a producer, director, and instructor, Ann James brings an astonishing array of experiences
from film, stage, theatre education and business leadership to Shanghai. Ann has served in
numerous professional theater positions over the past 20 years, including Associate Director at Steppenwolf Theatre, Dallas Theater Centre, and the Tony Award® winning Alley Theatre. She has owned two theater companies and directed over 70 plays and musicals including Hair, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Medea, Hamlet, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Topdog-Underdog, and Dreamgirls. Along with her directing experiences, Ann has worked as a professional actress, theater producer, and as a recognized drama instructor and educator on four continents.
In the corporate world, Ann co-founded a real estate company in Manhattan (Apex), holds a current insurance license from the
State of Texas, and has led corporate workshops on Effective Public Speaking, Team Building and Group Dynamics internationally, with certifications in TESOL, CETYL, IGSCE Drama, and IB Theatre. Ann’s knowledge of producing, teaching and directing theatre added to her understanding of group dynamics and the corporate mindset allow her the fortitude, inspiration and skill to be the
leader of Shanghai’s most professional English-Language theatre, Urban Aphrodite International.
Founding Executive Director/Producer
Urban Aphrodite International August 2010 – Present
As a producer, director, and instructor, Ann James brings an astonishing array of experiences
from film, stage, theatre education and business leadership to Shanghai. Ann has served in
numerous professional theater positions over the past 20 years, including Associate Director at Steppenwolf Theatre, Dallas Theater Centre, and the Tony Award® winning Alley Theatre. She has owned two theater companies and directed over 70 plays and musicals including Hair, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Medea, Hamlet, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Topdog-Underdog, and Dreamgirls. Along with her directing experiences, Ann has worked as a professional actress, theater producer, and as a recognized drama instructor and educator on four continents.
In the corporate world, Ann co-founded a real estate company in Manhattan (Apex), holds a current insurance license from the
State of Texas, and has led corporate workshops on Effective Public Speaking, Team Building and Group Dynamics internationally, with certifications in TESOL, CETYL, IGSCE Drama, and IB Theatre. Ann’s knowledge of producing, teaching and directing theatre added to her understanding of group dynamics and the corporate mindset allow her the fortitude, inspiration and skill to be the
leader of Shanghai’s most professional English-Language theatre, Urban Aphrodite International.
{Click here for Ann's International Directing Credits}
Associate Producer & Production Coordinator - Brandi Dowd
Hailing from Albany, New York - USA, Brandi is an accomplished Teacher with Pearson Longman and a most valuable asset to Urban Aphrodite's Production Staff. Her Coordinations skills and dedication as a Producer are unparalleled.
Hailing from Albany, New York - USA, Brandi is an accomplished Teacher with Pearson Longman and a most valuable asset to Urban Aphrodite's Production Staff. Her Coordinations skills and dedication as a Producer are unparalleled.
Set Designer & Dresser - Sigourney Chin
"Siggy", as she known is from Brooklyn, New York. Her passion for Asian studies has landed her here in Shanghai, as a Teacher and Scenic Artist. She is a resourceful and inventive Set Designer and Dresser. We are lucky to have her working with Urban Aphrodite here in Shanghai.
"Siggy", as she known is from Brooklyn, New York. Her passion for Asian studies has landed her here in Shanghai, as a Teacher and Scenic Artist. She is a resourceful and inventive Set Designer and Dresser. We are lucky to have her working with Urban Aphrodite here in Shanghai.