The spotlight on new play development is set to shine on Shepherdstown, WV for the Contemporary American Theater Festival's 20^th season, starting July 9 and continuing until August 1.  Featuring a pair of world premieres and another look at three recently produced plays, the always edgy and topical CATF is sure to find the hot-button issue (and push it) in your emotional repertoire.  The festival will explore the realm of memory (Breadcrumbs), musically skewer corporate America (Eelwax Jesus), and offer a voice to the latest of the country's marginalized classes (White People), while examining the consequences of war (Inana) and its aftermath (Lidless).     

Whether you see a play or two on a day trip - CATF is within a few hours drive from four states (MD, VA, PA &WV) and the District - or opt for the whole 5-play festival, there's plenty to see and do in a relaxed atmosphere.   Check out their excellent website for a complete guide to events (www.catf.org). Actors and stage folks are approachable and friendly as they try to make the theater experience accessible to a new audience.  (I remember once talking to an LA-based actor about The Business as he painted scenery.) This will be the first or second presentation of each work, and it's sure to change based, in part, on your responses.   And you'll gain a new appreciation for the craft of theater as you watch this process unfold.  The plays will be performed in repertory, so you and any prospective agents will be able to see the range of the actors' talents. 

Founder and Producing Director Ed Herendeen (pictured, above) will provide his take on the festival at a series of morning breakfasts.  Mr. Herendeen, who will direct three of the productions, also gives his thoughts on the 20^th season, along with the run-up to opening night and beyond in his Producer's Blog posted on the website. 

For new American plays, CATF is this region's answer to the Humana Festival in Louisville, KY, and considering the time, distance, and intimacy, it's a very good one.