Roger Ellis earned his M.A. in English and Drama from the University of Santa Clara, and his Ph.D. in Dramatic Arts from the University of California at Berkeley. During that time he was also guest stage director for several colleges and universities. He has authored or edited eight books in theatre, plus numerous articles, essays, and short stories. In 1991 he initiated an ethnic theatre program at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, creating guest artist residencies and staging plays celebrating cultural diversity.In addition, he has been director of the University's Shakespeare Festival since 1993. He has worked professionally as an actor or director with various Michigan and California theatres and has served as President of the Theatre Alliance of Michigan for the past six years. He is currently a Professor of Theatre at Grand Valley State University.