SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – The Contemporary American Theatre Festival (CATF) is ready for its 2017 season.
On Wednesday 140 people arrived in Shepherdstown to begin work on six new American plays.
Founding Producer Ed Herendeen said it was exciting to see everyone arrive; adding that some got started on production some time ago.
“It’s like a creative tsunami out there,” Herendeen said during Panhandle Live. “Many of our technicians have been with us throughout the past week so our shops are already buzzing.”
Herendeen said the casts will come together Thursday to begin rehearsals.
“Each cast will take their place at the table, one after the other, and read four plays,” he said.
This year’s repertory features The Niceties by Eleanor Burgess, Welcome to Fear City by Kara Lee Corthron, Wild Horses by Allison Gregory, Byhalia, Mississippi by Evan Linder, Everything is Wonderful by Chelsea Marcantel, and We Will Not Be Silent by David Meyers.
Herendeen expects the new plays to help draw new people to Shepherdstown.
“Our eye is on the prize this year to have at least a 10% increase in attendance,” he said.
He said he is looking forward to working with the cast, who he announced Wednesday on the show.
The cast includes everyone from veterans of the Broadway stage like Paul DeBoy to Vincent Ramirez, who will be making his professional debut at this year’s festival after working a year as an intern.
Herendeen said the CATF has a major impact on businesses, not only in Shepherdstown, but on the surrounding area as well.
You can purchase tickets for the upcoming season now at www.catf.org and by calling 800.999.CATF or 304.876.3473.