CATFringe (pronounced CAT-Fringe) is a student-driven theatre festival produced by Shepherd University’s Contemporary Theatre Studies students. Held each summer, concurrently with the Contemporary American Theater Festival, CATFringe is designed as a venue for students to produce personal projects, hear their plays read (or see them performed) for the first time, or to sharpen skills in bringing existing scripts to life. CATFringe is a low-risk, high-reward endeavor for Shepherd student artists: with limited scenery, lighting, and production budgets, and without the pressures of grades or critical reviews, artists are given permission to succeed AND fail in glorious fashion.
All CATFringe productions are pay-what-you-will, and there is no reserved seating. Patrons with special needs and requests should feel free to contact the appropriate show’s producer in advance of attending performances.
Our inaugural season schedule includes:
Children of the Veil (staged reading) by Jessica McFillin and Korinne Myers
July 8 – 4:00pm in Kresge Hall, The Frank center; shepherd university campus
At the turn of the 20th century, in a town where magic can still be found hidden behind a veil, an unlikely group of noble faeries, human socialites, and misfits must determine the future of their two worlds. Join us for a table reading of Episode 1 of the television series concept Children of the Veil. Produced by Jason Whitaker: jwhita01@rams.shepherd.edu
Every Brilliant Thing, by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe, performed by Jason Whitaker
July 10 – 6:00pm At Christ Reformed Church, 304 East German Street (July 9: 6:00 invited dress Rehearsal)
Based on a true story, Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe is an interactive one-person play that explores the sorrows and joys of being alive. Free show. No reservations. ~75min no intermission. Produced by Jason Whitaker: jwhita01@rams.shepherd.edu
24 Hour Project, Produced by Trevor Gaukler
July 11 – 8:00pm at Christ Reformed Church, 304 East German Street
See three short stories formed and performed – all in 24 hours! Playwrights, directors, and actors will write, rehearse, and perform a cycle of plays based on the situations that make us laugh and cry in academia … all in a days work! Produced by Trevor Gaukler: tgauck01@rams.shepherd.edu