Debra Charlton received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin with a specialization in Shakespearean theatre.  She joined the  faculty of Texas State University in 1999 and currrently teaches courses in Drama Research, Dramaturgy,  and Dramatic Theory and Criticism.  She established and supervises the production dramaturgy program at Texas State, and serves as Academic Program Director for the Texas at Stratford Shakespeare Study Abroad Program. 

Dr. Charlton began her career as a professional actor at Houston’s Alley Theatre.  She has directed many productions, including  King Lear, The Taming of the Shrew,The Winter’s Tale.   She has also worked as a production dramaturg on numerous plays, including Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, A Little Night Music, and The Learned Ladies.

Dr. Charlton has published and presented numerous articles on Shakespearean performance, and is currently  at work on a book, Holistic Shakespeare, which explores Shakespeare pedagogy.