James "Prez" Carter began his career in the entertainment business as an actor but soon decided to learn all the behind-the-scenes trades as he realized his interests lied in those areas.

"I wanted to be the best at something and I soon came to understand that my artistic instincts were better suited for light and sound design," recounts the personable theater veteran.

Nominated for best lighting designer for the theatrical production Sango: Lord of Thunder at The NBT (2006), James has also designed lights and stage managed at the world famous Apollo Theater, set and costume designed at the Billie Holiday Theater, been the props and stage manager at the Negro Ensemble Company, the electrician and stage manager at the New Federal Theatre and done all of the above On and Off Broadway for productions such as Harlem Coffee Shope, Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Mama I Want To Sing, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Comin' Uptown / and Sophisticated Ladies.

James currently works at ABC-TV on The Good Morning America show and has also worked at NBC-TV with Brian Williams. He just finished designing lights for Hurricane Season at NBT in Harlem, Forgive Me at The Midtown International Theatre Festival, The Turnstyle Warrior at ATA and Hattie McDaniel What I Need You To Know at NBT.

"The Cutting Den," says the designer, "challenged my abilities because it's a play that calls for other dimensions like surround sound and high definition. I had to find a way to integrate the elements, like the rain, in a manner that would allow the audience to feel like it was authentic."

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, James "Prez" Carter is a lighting and sound designer, a production manager, writer, director, producer, entertainment manager, tech director, supervisor and production stage manager, in other words, a man for all seasons.

Contact James at: Jcarter891@aol.com