Entries by Peggy McKowen

Taking Time to Dream

As Associate Producer for CATF I spend 10 months working with Ed Herendeen to plan, organize and facilitate “the art” and programming. I spend 10 months, organizing calendars and schedules; hiring artists and staff; streamlining production and department budgets and plotting for 80 + people to join us in June.

Most importantly I work with our artists to ensure that they have the best collaboratively artistic experience possible. And occasionally, I assume the role of artist. This year I’m designing the scenery for From Prague by Kyle Bradstreet and the costumes for our 2011 Commission, The Insurgents by Lucy Thurber.

Yep, I wear those artistic hats while I’m game-planning for the Festival-at-large. On the one hand I’m telling the designer in me to CREATE while on the other hand the festival producer in me is thinking this is only one set design in the context of a five show repertory. Ironically as an administrator I’m telling other artists to DREAM first and then later resolve with the Festival team and collaborative process “the fit” of a show into the “whole” of the repertory. I feel a bit like Mrs. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde.

It’s Worth The Trip

What dya’ say we go on an odyssey?… What a great sound that has. What dya’ say we go on an adventure? (pause, another approach) How about…let’s just take a trek to Shepherdstown, the oldest town in West Virginia doin the newest plays in America? It’s closer than you think…AND… It’s worth the trip! So…what dya’ […]

OUR 21st ODYSSEY

The Contemporary American Theater Festival has grown beyond my wildest dreams. More importantly, it’s remained true to it’s mission and core values: a theater that celebrates truth and beauty without ignoring the destructive forces of a dangerous world; a theater company that poses provocative questions about contemporary issues. The work is often personal…sometimes political…sometimes controversial…often […]

CATF BOARD CELEBRATION TONIGHT

Tonight the CATF Board Of Trustees will honor and show our appreciation for the remarkable leadership of Lisa Younis. Lisa has completed her two year term as Board President and her nine years of service as a Trustee. Suzanne Shipley, President of Shepherd University, is hosting a party for Lisa and the CATF Board in her beautiful, […]