The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) has announced the return of its popular program, Hostel YOUTH!

Launched in 2012 by Associate Producer Peggy McKowen, Hostel YOUTH! brings cutting edge American theater to the ‘teen’ crowd through readings, classes and performances, tickets to the plays and an unparalleled opportunity to participate in workshops conducted by the 2016 Festival artists, including playwright Chisa Hutchinson (THE WEDDING GIFT) and poet Frank X. Walker.

There will be two sessions this summer: July 20-22 and July 27-29. Each includes two overnight stays in the residence halls at Shepherd University, nine meals and snacks, tickets to all five plays, plus eleven workshops. Adult chaperones will be present throughout.

The program is managed by McKowen; Theresa Davis, a dramaturg/deviser of new work/and director who serves as an associate professor of Cross Cultural Performance at the University of Virginia; Pete Hoffman, CATF board member and chair of the Festival’s Education Committee; Karen Rice, Ddtor of Lifelong Learning at Shepherd University (also a CATF board member); and Julian Lazarus, an educational theater specialist and high school drama teacher.

“Through its exploration of the human experience, theater raises levels of understanding, empathy and compassion,” noted McKowen. “Hostel YOUTH! also instills discipline, inquisitiveness and ambition-traits students need to successfully navigate college before entering the work force and settling upon careers, in or outside of the arts.”

The registration package (including housing, meals and all event fees) is $300. Learn more at www.catf.org/hostelyouth or by emailing hostelyouth@catf.org.

For more information about the Festival and the 2016 Season, visit www.catf.org. Social media connections (#CATF) can be made at twitter.com/thinktheater and facebook.com/CATFatSU.