A Letter from Ed Herendeen

It has been an honor to lead the Contemporary American Theater Festival at Shepherd University. For thirty-one years, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with professional artists to create the future of American theater. I’m so proud of what we all have accomplished together.

The past eighteen months have given me time to reflect and to come to the decision that now is the right time for me to retire as the Producing Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival as of December 2021. I am looking forward to discovering and enjoying the next chapter of my life.

As I exit, I personally assure you the Festival is undoubtedly set up for success. The six play repertory has been selected for the 2022 season. As you know, many of the artists have been working on these shows for the past two years. We are moving forward. The Festival will continue to flourish and thrive. I am curious and excited to experience the future of new play development in Shepherdstown, WV.

The most important part of my role has been the new work. The Contemporary American Theater Festival is not one person. It’s always been a group of artists who come together to breathe life into new plays and create new American theater. The ongoing legacy of the Festival is the work created and produced on the stages.

Thank you for being a part of this legacy.