I am thrilled that the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) is returning to live theater in Shepherdstown, in July 2022, with the production of six new plays in rotating repertory.

With great joy, I anticipate opening night and the rise of the curtain for the month-long experience. In my mind, the season has actually already begun, as most of the actors and playwrights and designers and interns and seasonal staff have arrived.

The opening picnic took place on June 1 and the first rehearsal read-throughs took place on June 2. I had the unexpected surprise of seeing David Barber, one of CATF’s longstanding scenic designers, and Caridad Svich, the playwright of “Ushuaia Blue” in a shop on German Street on June 2!

At CATF’s heart, is the focus on the playwright and new play development. But the festival’s actors and creative staff and other seasonal staff all talk about the fact that they feel supported professionally by the experience and their learning environment. A group of creative souls, who may not know each other, coalesce at the opening picnic and the synergy begins. Some of our artists have never been to West Virginia, but by the end of their time here, they become a family together and begin to feel at home.

I have always loved theater, as it forces me to think about issues in new ways. People unite to celebrate the human spirit, in all its strengths and weaknesses, through theater. One of the most important human needs, is to feel connected to others, and theater does just that. The conversations a play inspires often continue long after the curtain is down.

I look forward to seeing many of my fellow theatergoers, who I have not seen in the past two years, this July. If you have never attended a CATF play, please jump on the opportunity this year. I look forward to welcoming you to the festival. You will never be the same.

And let us not forget that CATF is extremely helpful to our businesses and the overall local economy. I want to thank CATF’s amazing partners, including Shepherd University and Shepherdstown, as well as Charles Town, Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, the state of West Virginia and so many others too numerous to mention.

I also want to send a hearty shout-out to Ed Herendeen, CATF’s founder, who announced his retirement last year. It is Ed’s grit and arduous work and creative energy and many leaps of faith that made this all happen. And a hearty welcome to Peggy McKowen, CATF’s new Producing Artistic Director, who has hit the ground running, since her appointment. I see the 2022 season as a “jump start” to the next 30 years.

You can get more information and explore the full season, including TalkTheater events, many of which are at no cost, at catf.org. You can also purchase tickets at catf.org or call the box office at 640-240-2283, extension 1. Pay as you can preview week begins on July 3, and special prices for West Virginia residents and the military are also available.

Please email me, at bethbatdorf@msn.com, if you have any questions.

Beth K. Batdorf, of Shepherdstown