James Valletti is a theatrical Director and Producer based in New York. He currently serves as a CPM of Entertainment for Disney Cruise Lines, where he is responsible for maintaining the artistic integrity and show quality of live shows/events aboard vessels across the fleet, ensuring that performer direction, creative intent, and technical aspects are maintained to Disney standard. He currently oversees a diverse team of 50+ performers and collaborates with shoreside production teams regularly.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, James spent his childhood staging musicals with GI Joes, and then getting frustrated when they wouldn’t take his notes.
His directorial debut was at Regis High School, where he cast Stefani Germanotta (now known as Lady Gaga) as "Rosemary" in a production of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, catapulting her into a life of megastardom, and taking credit for everything she's done since.
James graduated from Fordham University at Lincoln Center, and has worked in various capacities on a number of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows and special events. He could list all of them here, but then there'd be no reason for the "Résumé" tab above.
He has been fortunate enough to work with (and learn from) legendary Directors like Twyla Tharp, Francesca Zambello, Carl Andress, Richard Maltby Jr., Stafford Arima, Casey Nicholaw, Christopher Gattelli, and Harold Prince. He participated in 2006’s world-renown Lincoln Center Director’s Lab, where he and his writing partner, Troy Diana, conceived the idea for their Off-Broadway show, TALES FROM TUNNEL.
Along with his experience as a Director, James has produced and/or raised money for a number of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. He's also held administrative positions within two well-known talent agencies, as well as NAMCO, and in the General Management office at NY City Center, focusing on their Encores! and Fall For Dance series.
James worked frequently in television, editing five hit shows for HGTV, the Style Network, Anderson Cooper’s daytime talk show, “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and a GLAMOUR Magazine project for Barbra Streisand. He also worked in production on many other freelance projects, including “Jerseylicious” and “The Tyra Banks Show.”
James continues to seek directorial involvement with exciting projects, so please don't hesitate to reach out and tell him about yours.