CATF was founded in 1991 on the values of creating fearless art and telling diverse stories. Located on the campus of Shepherd University, a public liberal arts institution the Festival has grown into a significant and impactful organization. Located 75 miles from Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD, the Festival and University have helped establish Shepherdstown, West Virginia as a preeminent cultural center and destination for new theater work.

More than 30 years since its founding, the values on which the Festival was built now represent a mindful intention and best-practice commitment to be more than a theater that produces plays by diverse playwrights. The CATF team dreams of being an institution that holds anti-racism and anti-oppression (ARAO) values in every aspect of their daily operations. They strive to infuse these practices in the art, business, and culture they create for artists and audiences.

CATF strives toward a future in which underrepresented communities are uplifted and valued within the American theater. CATF believes focusing on equitable art-making will create a richer, more profound experience for artists, audiences, and our communities.

The Workshop is North America’s first arts fellowship centering the work of JOCISM (Jews of Color, Jewish-Indigenous, Sephardi & Mizrahi) artists & culture-makers.

Conceived and founded by theatre-artist and rabbi, Kendell Pinkney, The Workshop seeks to stir-up, interrogate, incubate, expand, trouble and revitalize Jewish art by providing unparalleled career support for wildly talented artists.

Over the course of a year, fellows receive artistic mentorship, financial support, research support, and access to performance and residency space. Additionally, fellows learn together regularly, build community with each other and partner organizations, and present their work at seasonal performances across New York City.

Initially piloted at The Jewish Theological Seminary of America, The Workshop is incubated and fiscally sponsored by Reboot.