CATCO New Works Development: World Premieres and Original Productions

From its very beginning in the mid-1980s, CATCO has focused on presenting and developing new work. The theatre has consistently presented world premieres to Central Ohio audiences.

Beginning in 1990-1991, moreover, CATCO has produced the SHORTS FESTIVALS, which have enabled numerous playwrights to hone their craft. Indeed, Herb Brown, author of YOU’RE MY BOY, was one of those lucky playwrights when CATCO produced his short, POWER OF GOD in the SHORTS FESTIVAL 2002. Generously funded by Fred & Howard and the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the SHORTS FESTIVALS have remained an audience favorite.

1986-87 Main Stage

Jupus Redeye by Robert Flanagan (world premiere)

1988-89 Main Stage

The Women of My Father's House by Carter W. Lewis (world premiere)

1990-91 Main Stage

A Shorts Festival including “The Art of Pitching” by Doreen Dunn, “Dead Batch Boys” by Dan T. O'Reilly, “Wednesdays I Do Hills” by Lynne Roth, “The Mind Gallery” by Is Said, “Checking Out” by Joel Selmeier, “Day Old Bread” by Bonnie Milne Gardner, “My Favorite Superhero” by Jeffrey Jordan, “Mom's Restaurant” by Joanne Blum, and “Family Ritual” by Martine L. Stephens (world premiere)

1991-92 Main Stage

Second Annual Shorts Festival including “Nesting” by Rita K.Barkey, “the effects of incestuous-breeding upon thoughts and thought patterns” by Dan T .O 'Reilly, “Infidelities” by Gary Scott, “Brother's Keeper” by Michael Geis, “The Sixth Day” by Kristin Johnson, “We're All Okay Now” by Joanne Blum, “Daddy's Home” by Bonnie Milne Gardner, and “Dead But Not Forgotten” by Lynne Roth

Solo Shorts including “The Lease” by Jeffrey Jordan, “JFK, Rudolph, and a Life With Fear In It” by Gay Brewer, “Afire” by Stephen Jon, “Eat or Die” by Johnrick Hole, “My Grandmother's Vampires” by Ann C. Hall, “The Growing Season” by Is Said, “Jump” by Karin Cash, “The Reader” by Mark Maselli, and “Expedite” by Joe Selmeier

.

1992-93 Main Stage

1892 conceived and edited by Geoffrey Nelson (world premiere)

Third Annual Shorts Festival including “Snow Job” by Mark S. Maselli, “Treading Water” by Dan T. O'Reilly, “Artichokes and Gargoyles” by Lynne Roth, “The Electoral Date” by Jeffrey Jordan, “Plato and Doris Are Dead” by Johnrick Hole, “Visiting Sarah” by Michael L. Geis, and “Forever Fraternal” by Bonnie Milne Gardner

The Comedy Shorts including “The Actor's Nightmare” by  Christopher Durang, “Mr. Preble Gets Rid of His Wife” by James Thurber, “Checking Out" by Joel Selmeier, “French Fries” by Jane Martin, and "Dogs Do" by Jonathan Putnam

1993-94 Main Stage

The Fall River Follies or Oh Mrs. Churchill, Do Come Over. Someone Has Killed Father by John Giffin (produced by Five Minds, Inc. )

1994-95 Tours

Dogs Do by Jonathan Putnam

1996-97 Main Stage

East Market Gardens created by John Giffin (in conjunction With 5 Minds, Inc.)

1999-2000 Main Stage

The Shorts Festival2000 including “Mr. Peepers Goes to Hell” by Johnrick Hole, “Writers’ Block” by Carrie Leonard, “A Geometric Digression of the Species” by Carter W. Lewis, “Blind and Muted” by Dan O’Reilly, “The Eternal Brunch” by Fred Anderle, “Wives” by Jason Beehler, “The Walk” by Dale Doerman, “Eavesdropping without Listening” by Nicholas Hartmann.

2001-2002 Main Stage

The Shorts Festival 2002 including “Baggage Unattended” by Eric Coble, “Power of God” by Herb Brown, “The Escorts” by Bob McKay, “Thank You for Choosing Tree of Life Airlines” by Jason Beehler, “Atlantic Crossing” by Wendy MacLeod, “Version 2.0” by Robert Flanagan and Sheldon Gleisser, “Boarding: A Love Story” by Jerry Holt, and “Estimated Time of Departure” by Travis Horsemann.