James Rich grew up in Hartford, Connecticut and started his career in the entertainment industry as a singer-actor-dancer in New York City. However, he did not study performing arts growing up. He instead studied visual arts with an eye towards fashion design and illustration.

While studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology, James was discovered by Finis Jung (principle dancer with American Ballet Theater), who offered James a ballet scholarship at his Upper West Side dance studio.

Soon after that Joan Peters (an originating member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater) invited James to join her modern dance company. James danced as a principle with Joan's company for about nine-months before landing his first musical theater lead in a production of "Finian's Rainbow.

" When the producers of that show learned of James's ability to design and build costumes, they quickly hired him to design costumes for their upcoming season.More performing work soon came James's way and he went on to perform on Broadway ("Saturday Night Fever"), Off-Broadway and in Regional Theater.

He was the first actor to perform the role of Benny in the Broadway Tour of "Rent," and toured Internationally as a back-up singer for Harry Belafonte. Additionally, James has appeared in Soap Operas, National Commercials and Commercial Print.

James moved to Los Angeles from New York in 2002. Shortly after his arrival, he landed a lead role in the Independent Feature "Rogues" and a guest starring role on "Everybody Loves Raymond." In 2005 life came full circle for James when he was asked to design costumes for a production show onboard Crystal Cruises.

That job led James to an Assistant Designer position for Season Two of "Dancing With The Stars."James enjoys variety in his work and is interested in all aspects of the entertainment industry. His ability to move easily between performing and being behind-the-scenes has given him a unique perspective to work from.