Roger's career as a director and actor commenced with his graduate and founding membership at Robert Brustein's prestigious Yale Repertory Company, where he refined his craft and expertise. This auspicious beginning laid the groundwork for a storied trajectory, marked by collaborations with esteemed institutions and organizations. Notable among these were Joe Papp's iconic New York Shakespeare Festival, the renowned London's Royal Court Theatre, Dublin's celebrated Abbey Theatre, the esteemed Edinburgh Festival, Lincoln Center, the esteemed Brooklyn Academy of Music, La Mama, Roundabout, Juilliard Opera, the innovative Los Angeles Theatre Center, the prestigious Williamstown Theatre Festival, the esteemed O'Neill Playwrights Conference, the revered Folger Shakespeare Group, the acclaimed Great Lakes Theatre Festival, PBS, Metromedia, and BBC-TV, as well as National Public Radio.
Roger has had the extraordinary opportunity to unveil productions penned by celebrated playwrights of international acclaim, including the legendary Tennessee Williams, the innovative Sam Shepard, the accomplished David Hare, the esteemed Michael Weller, the critically acclaimed John Guare, the accomplished Terrence McNally, the distinguished Lanford Wilson, the respected Israel Horowitz, the celebrated Jean-Claude van Itallie, the talented Megan Terry, and the renowned William Saroyan.
Throughout his illustrious career, Roger has demonstrated his versatility and expertise as a director by working with a diverse range of notable actors, boasting a veritable who's who of Hollywood and Broadway luminaries, such as the highly acclaimed John Lithgow, the versatile John Travolta, the legendary James Earl Jones, the accomplished James Woods, the talented Tovah Feldshuh, the iconic Samuel L. Jackson, the beloved Dick Shawn, and the accomplished Judith Ivey, to name but a few of the many esteemed thespians he has had the pleasure of collaborating with.
Roger has had the privilege of imparting his extensive knowledge and expertise to students from diverse cultural backgrounds, encompassing the vast and vibrant regions of India, Pakistan, Iran, Nigeria, and South Africa, as well as throughout the storied and historic lands of Europe, all made possible through his esteemed collaborations with the United States Information Agency and the U.S. State Department.
In the United States, Roger has had the distinction of teaching at some of the most prestigious and renowned institutions of higher learning, including the University of California, Los Angeles, Columbia University, Yale University, New York University, the Juilliard School, and Brooklyn College, all of which have provided him with the opportunity to share his passion for learning and inspire future generations of scholars and artists.
Roger, a visionary leader in the world of performing arts, has made a profound impact as the founding artistic director of two esteemed institutions: The Simon Studio in New York City and the Los Angeles Theatre Center Classical Theatre Lab. Through his tireless efforts, he has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth and development of numerous gifted artists, providing them with the guidance and opportunities necessary to hone their craft.
In addition to his impressive work as a director, Roger was also recognized with an NEA grant in his capacity as producing director of National Public Radio's Simon Studio Presents. This esteemed program, which was broadcast on XM Sirius cable radio and Time Warner Public Access TV, further solidified his reputation as a master of his craft, and his ability to bring innovative and captivating productions to a wide audience.
Roger's multifaceted career has extended far beyond his esteemed roles as a director and educator, as he has also garnered significant recognition for his acting talents.
Notably, he has recently shared the screen with the renowned Michael Douglas in Oliver Stone's cinematic masterpiece, Wall Street 2.
In addition, his impressive repertoire includes a critically acclaimed performance in the indie feature film, The Sublet.
Furthermore, his work in the film short, Jimmy's Cafe, has been showcased at the prestigious Newport Beach Film Festival.
Currently, Roger is involved in the creative process of the musical web series, Bread Today, serving as both co-producer, director, and actor alongside the talented Sarah Levine Simon.
