Sheepdog at Contemporary American Theater Festival

Ed Herendeen, Founder of Contemporary American Theater Festival, Retires

The Contemporary American Theater Festival has been a beacon for new plays since 1991. Housed on the campus of Shepherd University, CATF has earned a reputation as one of the country's top festivals for new plays. Producing Director Ed Herendeen, who founded the professional theater and lead the organization to its well-respected status, announced his retirement effective this December.  

The Contemporary American Theater Festivals Releases Two Playcasts

The Contemporary American Theater Festivals at Shepherd University, named one of the top professional new play festivals in the country, has coined the term “playcast” to describe the audio dramas of their 2021 season. This summer, they produced two playcasts: Sheepdog by Kevin Artigue and The House of the Negro Insane by Terence Anthony.

The Contemporary American Theater Festival Announces Street Party Line-Up

The Contemporary American Theater Festival, a professional theater company dedicated to producing new plays, is hosting a series of street parties in downtown Shepherdstown on July 9, 16, 23, and 30. CATF, Shepherd University, and Shepherdstown are working together to bring the community and the arts together again.

CATF Reschedules 2020 Season

For the past thirty years, the Contemporary American Theater Festival at Shepherd University has produced and developed new plays in rotating repertory. But this summer, the stages of the professional theater company will be dark.

Contemporary American Theater Festival Announces 2020 Season

a?oeWhat is at stake?a?? This is what Ed Herendeen, Founder and Producing Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival is asking himself after reflecting on the Festival's 2020 season. a?oeOur future,a?? he concludes simply.