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Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF)

‘Side Effects May Include…’ at Contemporary American Theater Festival

Lisa Loomer has written a deeply personal play about a mother whose son, like Loomer’s, developed a devastating condition. By BOB ASHBY

‘Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular’ at Contemporary American Theater Festival 

In this fresh new realm of theater expression, two stuntmen push to the max to fulfill their sense of self. By DEBBIE MINTER JACKSON

‘Magdalene’ at Contemporary American Theater Festival

In Mark St. Germain's retelling, the Apostle Peter and Mary Magdalene become totally different characters from who we expect them to be. By DEBBIE MINTER JACKSON

‘Did My Grandfather Kill My Grandfather?’ at Contemporary American Theater Festival

Appalachia meets Vietnam in CATF's first world premiere by a local West Virginia playwright. By ANDREA MOYA

‘Kevin Kling: Unraveled’ at Contemporary American Theater Festival

In telling his autobiographical stories, Kling forms a connection with the audience in an emotionally compelling way. By BOB ASHBY

Contemporary American Theater Festival announces full 2025 lineup

CATF to host five world premiere plays by trailblazing playwrights, plus over 40 special events, from July 11 to August 3 in Shepherdstown, WV.

Contemporary American Theater Festival announces summer 2025 season

In the face of censorship and oppression, the Festival will present fearless new work from July 11 to August 3 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. By BOB ASHBY

On community and collective care: An interview with Peggy McKowen

The artistic director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, shares her vision and values. By DERYL DAVIS

‘What Will Happen to All That Beauty?’ at Contemporary American Theater...

A compassionate intergenerational saga of a Black family contending with HIV. By BOB ASHBY

‘The Happiest Man on Earth’ in rep at Contemporary American Theater...

The powerful true-life story of a Holocaust survivor performed by Kenneth Tigar in an acting master class. By BOB ASHBY

Contemporary American Theater Festival announces summer 2024 season

New, exciting work from July 5 to 28 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. By BOB ASHBY

‘Redeemed’ in rep at Contemporary American Theater Festival

A convicted murderer is visited by the sister of the man he killed. A spellbinding psychological chess game ensues.

‘Spiritus/Virgil’s Dance’ in rep at Contemporary American Theater Festival

A character named Virgil relates their awakening to the preciousness of life.

‘Fever Dreams’ in rep at Contemporary American Theater Festival

Two men and a woman in a complex relationship triangle confront their hard truths.

‘Your Name Means Dream’ in rep at Contemporary American Theater Festival

José Rivera's brilliant world premiere, breathtakingly acted, about artificial intelligence and aging.

‘Babel’ by Jacqueline Goldfinger at the Contemporary American Theatre Festival

A dark drama that imagines a future when pregnancies are regulated to control overpopulation.

‘The Fifth Domain’ by Victor Lesniewski at the Contemporary American Theater...

A thrilling mystery about cyber security, a dramatically fun and exciting ride with top-notch acting.

‘The House of the Negro Insane’ by Terence Anthony at the...

A grippingly intense experience of theater, and a microcosm of Jim Crow America, set in a mental hospital for Negroes in segregated 1935 Oklahoma.