Charissa Menefee

Charissa Menefee is a Professor of Theatre Education at Iowa State University, holding dual roles in the MFA Program in Creative Writing & Environment and the MA Program in Literature. A multidisciplinary artist, she is a playwright, poet, director, and performer with extensive involvement in over 200 theatre projects across writing, directing, producing, and acting. Her work emphasizes new play development and environmental themes, supported by grants such as Iowa State's Center for Excellence in the Arts & Humanities (2018).

• Education:
• Ph.D., Theatre and Speech Communication, Southern Illinois University—Carbondale
• M.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, West Texas State University
• B.A., English and Theatre, West Texas State University

Her research interests include playwriting pedagogy, interdisciplinary theatre practices, and the intersection of art with social and environmental issues. Recent works include HOW LONG IS FIFTEEN MINUTES? (Climate Change Theatre Action) and poetry collection WHEN I STOPPED COUNTING. Awards span playwriting accolades and literary recognitions, including finalist placements for major prizes.

Advising and grants highlight her leadership in new play initiatives: co-founder of Tomorrow’s Theatre Tonight (Arizona) and co-producer of Iowa State’s Climate Change Theatre Action. Active in literary communities, she serves as artistic director for The One Day Plays and was a 2018 Writer-in-Residence at the Fairhope Center for the Writing Arts.