Dr. Leslie Durham is currently the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She joined Department of Theatre Arts faculty at Boise State University in 2001 where she taught the majority of the theatre history and dramaturgy courses. Her Ph.D. in Theatre is from the University of Kansas. The goal of her textbook 'Theatre Lives', authored with her graduate school colleague Sally Shedd, is to present theatre as a vibrant, living art form, populated throughout its history by engaging and engaged artists. The book examines the creative processes, training, unique perspectives and influence of actors, directors, writers and other artists past and present. Dr. Durham's research interests include the analyzation of the work of important female playwrights. In addition to teaching and writing, she has extensive experience both as a dramaturg and director for productions including those at Boise State, Boise Contemporary Theatre, and the University of Kansas.