Roose-Evans, James 1927-

James Roose-Evans, theater director and author, was born in London on November 11, 1927. He completed his education at Oxford University in 1957. Roose-Evans began his career as an actor, but by 1954 had started directing. He founded the Hampstead Theatre Club in 1959, and served as artistic director until 1971. In 1969, while at the Hampstead, Roose-Evans also founded and became director of Stage Two, an experimental theater workshop and research center.

Roose-Evans also lectured at, and conducted various theater workshops in the United States throughout his career. In addition, he has directed numerous West End productions, including Under Milk Wood, Cider with Rosie, Private Lives, The Happy Apple, An Ideal Husband, Spitting Image, 84 Charing Cross Road, The Seven Year Itch, The Best of Friends, and Mate, a Personal Affair . Roose-Evans has also authored books on theater, as well as a series of children's books in the 1970s. He is a member of the Royal Society of Arts, the Welsh Arts Council, Southeast Wales Art Association, and the Welsh Dance Theatre.