thinktheater
Experience the magic of live theater like never before in Shepherdstown—the oldest (and most charming) town in West Virginia. Each summer, the Contemporary American Theater Festival transforms this historic haven into a vibrant hub for bold new plays and groundbreaking performances. Be among the first to witness the future of American theater unfold before your eyes. Beyond the stage, explore a town alive with creativity—from art galleries and concerts to captivating storytelling, indie films, exceptional dining, and one-of-a-kind shopping. It’s more than a getaway—it’s an unforgettable cultural adventure.
Since its founding in 1991, Festival has produced over 153 new plays, including 72 world premieres and eleven commissions. Plays produced at CATF have gone on to have robust lives, including regional productions, Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, and film adaptations.
Step into a story-filled summer at the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), named one of the top theater festivals in the world by The New York Times, American Theatre, and World Guide. Every July, the charming town of Shepherdstown transforms into a haven for bold, new plays—where passionate artists and curious audiences come together to explore the most daring ideas shaping our world. In just one unforgettable weekend, you can witness the birth of the next great American plays and be part of the moment they come to life.
At CATF, theater isn’t something you just watch—it’s something you feel. Through talktheater, a dynamic series of conversations, readings, and discussions, audiences and artists dive deeper, sharing stories, questions, and discoveries long after the final curtain. Come ready to be challenged, moved, and inspired. Come ready to fall in love with the power of new plays.
Shepherdstown
Tucked along the Potomac River, Shepherdstown, West Virginia is a small town with an unmistakably vibrant spirit. As the state’s oldest town, it blends historic charm with a thriving contemporary arts scene, creating a destination where creativity and community thrive side by side. Stroll along its picturesque streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafés, and you’ll discover live music, thought-provoking theater, and local stories around every corner.
From farm-to-table dining and independent films to lively festivals and captivating performances, Shepherdstown pulses with culture year-round. It’s a place where history whispers through centuries-old architecture, and innovation comes alive on every stage and canvas. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or returning year after year, Shepherdstown invites you to slow down, look closer, and experience the joy of a town where art and imagination never stop flourishing.