Show business has been Jimmy Bohr’s business for more than 30 years. The New Yorker directed more than 30 stage productions in the city and worked for network television soap operas.

He brought his talent to Columbus in 2006 when he joined Ohio State’s Department of Theatre. Bohr earned an award in December from The Columbus Dispatch for directing “Frozen,” which was recognized as one of the best plays of 2009.

The recognition would have never been possible at many other public universities, because many discourage professors from continuing a professional career outside of the university.

“Few people get the chance to do what they love and make a career of that,” Bohr said. “I know how fortunate I am and I never take that for granted.”

Before coming to OSU, Bohr worked as an assistant casting director for CBS’s “As The World Turns” and NBC’s “Another World.”

What Bohr has been able to do with his directing career has also rubbed off on his students, in particular Cole Simon.

Simon, a 2007 OSU graduate, has acted, directed and modeled professionally throughout the Midwest.

“He gives perspective to students who come from an Ohio school,” Simon said. “He emphasized you can still be a professional and act like a professional no matter where you are.”

Simon said Bohr has been a mentor for him and that he continues to seek advice from Bohr.

Bohr said he enjoys watching his students go on to work professionally, adding that theater is something every student can benefit from.

“I want to teach them professional skills to communicate well and be confident in everything thing they do,” he said.

One of the factors Bohr attributes to success is the amount of creative freedom OSU offers him.

OSU offered the “kind of creative and artistic support to do a wide range of creative projects the faculty can pursue,” he said. “I realize how lucky I have been to be involved in what I love.”

Bohr directed one play for OSU in the fall — “Summer and Smoke,” one of OSU’s seven main-stage productions for the 2009-2010 school year.

“I try to get [students] the basic skills of acting and teach them what working in theater professionally is all about,” Bohr said. “It helps being a part of a good faculty.”

The results show. Bohr said he has seen many former students make a career in theater.

But it doesn’t come easily. Bohr said the commitment of his students is not unlike the time an athlete gives to the football or basketball team. Bohr said the students work every day from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., and for six hours on Saturday.

“It’s a tough business, show business.”