Contemporary American Theater Festival to Host Teacher Training


[April, 2008] Shepherdstown, West Virginia– The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) and the Appalachian Education Initiative (AEI) have partnered to provide the Teacher Training Initiative, a professional development program for high school teachers. High school teachers from across the state and throughout the region are eligible for this “hands-on” opportunity to learn from CATF’s professional theater artists.  Various topics will be addressed, including playwriting, script selection and analysis, seeking funding resources, theater design, and technical production skills and resources.  The participants will also read and attend the five plays produced in repertory this July, attend discussions and lectures, and interact with the 2008 company at informal events.  Graduate level credits from Shepherd University will be awarded to those who choose to enroll in the academic component.

“CATF is pleased to be hosting the 2008 Teacher Training Initiative, supporting our commitment to education,” stated Ed Herendeen, Founder and Producing Director of CATF. “Through this program, teachers will learn skills and techniques that they can share with their students.”
The Teacher Training Initiative will be held July 15 to 19 at Shepherd University and includes housing, per diem, tickets, and money for the schools.

The Appalachian Education Initiative, based in Morgantown, partners with local and regional arts organizations to encourage and strengthen arts education in public schools. For additional information about the Teacher Training Institute contact Peggy McKowen, Associate Producing Director for CATF, at (304) 876-5151.

The 2008 CATF season runs from July 9 through August 3 with five adventurous plays in rotating repertory: The Overwhelming by JT Rogers, Pig Farm by Tony Award-winner Greg Kotis, Stick-Fly by Lydia Diamond, A View of the Harbor, a world premiere by Richard Dresser, and Wrecks by Neil LaBute. Group and individual tickets are now available. The Contemporary American Theater Festival prides itself on producing and developing new American theater. Since 1991, CATF has produced 63 new plays, including 23 world premieres. This year, “thinktheater” and “thinkfive” with the Contemporary American Theater Festival … five playwrights, five unique theatrical experiences. For more information, please visit www.catf.org or call 304-876-3473 or 800-999-CATF (2283).

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Media Contacts:
Sandy Sponaugle, Publicist
O: (304) 876-8321
C: (304) 702-0350



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