Contemporary American Theater Festival

Contemporary American Theater Festival Producing and developing new plays since 1991.

The ultimate theater experience: six plays in rotating repertory with opportunities to engage with the artt, the artists, and the audience - all nestled in historic Shepherdstown.

06/17/2026

Rounding out our Interview with the Playwright Series, CATF Trustee Sharon J. Anderson sat down with playwright Yussef El Guindi to discuss the themes and ideas at the heart of "Refugee Rhapsody."

Watch this excerpt from their conversation, then visit CATF.org to read Sharon's full article and learn more about the world premiere production at CATF this summer.

06/17/2026

How did playwright Beth Kander find herself writing a play inspired by the legendary Elaine May? Sharon J. Anderson asked that very question in this clip from their conversation earlier this year.

Kander reflected on discovering May's remarkable life and career for the first time, recognizing unexpected parallels to her own journey, and the inspiration behind her play's intriguing title.

Watch this excerpt from their discussion, then visit CATF.org to read Sharon's full article and secure your tickets for the world premiere of "Best Line Wins" this summer season!

06/16/2026

Continuing our Playwright Interview Series: CATF Trustee Sharon J. Anderson had the pleasure of interviewing playwright Christina Pumariega on her discovery of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo and how it ties into her own journey of motherhood, memory and self discovery.

Now's the perfect time to secure tickets to the world premiere of this heart wrenching cyclone of a drama told by two Latina women!

Visit CATF.org to read Sharon’s article inspired by their conversation and get your tickets NOW!

06/16/2026

Playwright Lisa D’Amour joined CATF Trustee Sharon J. Anderson for a thoughtful conversation about “The Smoker,” her new play receiving its premiere at CATF this summer. From the role of ritual and community to theater’s power to help us process the challenges of modern life, D’Amour shares the ideas and questions that inspired the work.

Watch this excerpt from their discussion, then visit CATF.org to read Sharon’s full article and secure your tickets for “The Smoker” today!

06/15/2026

In this clip from a conversation earlier this year, CATF Trustee Sharon J. Anderson interviews playwright Aurin Squire about the ideas behind “My Favorite Sociopath.” With the play’s world premiere at CATF less than a month away, now is the perfect time to hear directly from the playwright. Watch the exchange, then visit CATF.org to read Sharon’s article inspired by their conversation and get your tickets NOW!

06/14/2026

This is where it all begins. 🙌

Our company came together for the first table readings of the 2026 CATF season. The room was electric! This is what happens when bold stories meet limitless storytellers. These plays were written for this moment and this community.

We can’t wait for you to experience what CATF has to offer. Purchase tickets now! Available at the link in bio.

What a joy to celebrate this moment. In 2012, CATF was honored to present the world premiere of "Barcelona" by -- (swip...
06/08/2026

What a joy to celebrate this moment. In 2012, CATF was honored to present the world premiere of "Barcelona" by -- (swipe to see a still image from our production). Last night, Bess won the for Best Play for . This is her first Tony win and a remarkable milestone in an extraordinary career.

Years ago, Bess shared that CATF was “utterly invaluable” to her journey. Today, we’re simply proud to have been a small part of hers. Congratulations, Bess. We’ve loved watching your work grow, challenge, inspire, and move audiences. We can’t wait to see what comes next. ❤️

📸: Getty Images,

06/05/2026

Getting out into the community is one of our favorite things to do!🎉

Thank you to Charles Town Now for inviting us to this week's Walks About Nothing and giving us the chance to explore, connect, and share more about CATF's mission. We're grateful to be part of such a vibrant region and look forward to welcoming new friends to CATF this summer!

Opening July 10, The Smoker by Lisa D'Amour brings together a group of neighbors whose weekly gathering becomes somethin...
06/04/2026

Opening July 10, The Smoker by Lisa D'Amour brings together a group of neighbors whose weekly gathering becomes something much more: a place of connection, debate, support, and belonging.

At a time when genuine community can feel increasingly rare, this powerful new play explores the relationships that sustain us, challenge us, and help us make sense of a changing world. Through humor, honesty, and spirited conversation, The Smoker celebrates the bonds we build when we choose to show up for one another.

Join us this summer for this moving world premiere and discover one of five new plays at CATF. Secure your tickets today!

Directed by Shelley Butler

Please be advised: No smoking occurs during the production of The Smoker.

06/02/2026

The CATF crew had the best time at the Shepherdstown Pride Parade yesterday! We believe fearless stories help create communities where people feel seen, safe, and invited, and we're grateful to be part of a community that shows up with so much kindness, joy, and support. 🏳️‍🌈🎉🏳️‍⚧️

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