The Contemporary American Theater Festival, located in Shepherdstown, has pushed its 2020 season to next year due to coronavirus concerns. This summer was meant to be the festival’s 30th anniversary celebration.
The CATF’s producing director Ed Herendeen made the announcement to reschedule the 2020 season in a letter posted on the festival’s website.
Herendeen said he’s concerned for the health and safety of his staff, family, friends and all those involved in bringing the festival to life each year.
He said this year’s lineup of plays would still be produced and performed in July 2021. He also said all 30th anniversary festivities would take place next year as well.
Those who have already bought tickets are eligible for a full refund.
CATF was founded in 1991 and has elevated West Virginia’s standing in the professional theater scene. To date, the festival has produced 121 new plays, including 47 world premieres by 85 American playwrights.
In 2017, CATF issued more than 17,500 tickets to more than 5,000 patrons from 36 states, Washington, D.C., and around the globe.