Fiona Coffey is the Associate Director for Programming and Performing Arts at the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan University. She holds a Ph.D. in theatre history, theory, and criticism from Tufts University. Previous to this, she received an M. Phil. in Irish theatre and film from Trinity College, Dublin and a B.A. from Stanford University. Between her masters and doctorate, she spent several years at the William Morris and Harry Walker agencies, working with artists, politicians, and celebrities. This industry and practical experience greatly informs her teaching and scholarship, both of which emphasize the importance of connecting theory with practice. Her research centers around Irish drama with a focus on women dramatists and theatrical responses to the sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. Her first book, "Political Acts: Women in Northern Irish Theatre, 1921-2012" was published by Syracuse University Press (2016). She teaches theatre history and arts administration. She is on the advisory board of the Abbey Theatre Foundation.