Dr James Wenley is a Pākehā theatre academic, practitioner, advocate and critic with a passion for promoting the theatre of Aotearoa New Zealand. A Senior Lecturer in Theatre at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, James teaches acting, dramaturgy, musical theatre and social practice theatre. James was awarded a PhD from the University of Auckland. James is a director, dramaturg, writer and performer and makes theatre under his company Theatre of Love. He has recently completed the Dr Drama trilogy of shows: Dr Drama Makes A Show (2020), Dr Drama Makes A Show With You (2021) and Dr Drama Makes a Musical (2023). James is also the editor and founder of TheatreScenes.co.nz, a platform for reviews and commentary on Aotearoa theatre. His book ‘Aotearoa New Zealand in the Global Theatre Marketplace: Travelling Theatre’ investigates NZ theatre performed internationally.

Twitter