Patricia Ridge is a Professor and Director of Theatre Arts and Performance at Northern Illinois University. Dr. Ridge teaches Directing, Storytelling and Performance courses. As a professional storyteller she performs regularly at festivals, coffee houses, schools and libraries throughout the country. In addition, Professor Ridge specializes in directing original and experimental plays of social and political significance. Her work as a theatre artist has been chosen to represent the Outstanding Contributions by Women Artists Exhibit for the Golda Mier Collection housed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Dr. Ridge is a member of the National Storytelling Association, the American Theatre in Higher Education Association, Northlands Storytelling Network, The Association of Women Playwrights and the Fox Valley Storytelling Guild.