The Contemporary American Theater Festival at Shepherd University (CATF) has announced publication of its 2015-2019 Strategic Plan. A crucial document, the Strategic Plan steers the organization down specific paths to foster artistic, financial, and institutional growth. It articulates four key goals, all of which support CATF’s mission, vision and core values.

The goals fall under the headings of Artistic Achievement, Education, Collaboration, and Sustainability. By following the Strategic Plan, CATF hopes to increase its annual budget by 36%, expand its primary subscription base by 20%, and boost its free “talktheater” offerings (lectures, readings and post-show discussions) by 33%-all within the next five seasons. More ambitious aims include publishing an anthology of CATF-produced plays and facilitating the group’s first-ever international transfer.

Producing Director Ed Herendeen remarks in the document’s introduction, “The world of performing arts is changing at a rapid pace. In order to remain current-to remain contemporary-we cannot wait and then react. In order to create new works of art that will promote openness to new ideas and creativity, this organization must have a plan in placethat makes firm demands of its leadership while understanding the flexibility required in the risky business of creating bold art. This is the type of plan we have embraced.”

The Strategic Plan was initiated and developed by CATF’s Board of Trustees, in particular, Ann Harkins, Vice President of the Board. “The Strategic Plan is a tribute to the ‘Fearless Art’ CATF produces,” Harkins says, as well as “the Board’s commitment to sustain and grow the organization.”

“One of the great joys has been watching the hardworking CATF staff and volunteer Trustees achieve goals,” continues Harkins, “even as we were developing this Strategic Plan.”

In February, CATF will publicly announce its line-up for Season 26, which will run July 8-31, 2016. To view the Strategic Plan-and for news, events, and special announcements-visit www.catf.org.