Queer Theater in Trump Country

A Unique Cultural Haven in the Heart of Trump Country

Nestled along the banks of the Potomac River, Shepherdstown is a small town that has carved out a unique identity in the heart of West Virginia. Known for its rich Civil War history, it's just a short drive from the historic Antietam battlefield, one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war. But beyond its historical significance, Shepherdstown stands out as a cultural and artistic hub, home to Shepherd University, a bookstore with a section dedicated to banned books, refined dining options, and bars adorned with rainbow flags. This 1,500-person community, located in a state that leans heavily Republican, offers an unexpected blend of progressive values and artistic expression.

The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF)

One of the key reasons for this cultural diversity is the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), which has become a beacon of innovation in the performing arts. Located in the middle of the vast Appalachian region, known for its conservative leanings, CATF represents a rare exception. Founded in 1991, the festival has remained committed to showcasing new and bold theatrical works, despite a national decline in support for the stage arts and shrinking regional theater networks.

The festival takes place every July and attracts a passionate audience of theater lovers who are drawn to the risk-taking nature of the performances. Attendees come from across West Virginia and the country, but especially from nearby cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., which provide a steady stream of weekend visitors to the small town.

Over the years, the festival has evolved into a four-week event featuring five new plays spread across three local theaters. For the 2025 edition, the motto "Fearless Stories" highlighted a lineup of works that challenged conventional narratives, including a critique of the healthcare system and pharmaceutical companies, a queer romantic comedy set in the world of 1980s Hollywood stunt doubles, and a personal narrative by Kevin Kling, a disabled storyteller who weaves his life story with live music.

Challenging Conservative Values

These productions stand in stark contrast to the values of many residents in Jefferson County, where Shepherdstown is located. With 57% of voters supporting Donald Trump in the last presidential election, the festival’s inclusion of works like Happy Fall, which features homoerotic scenes, can be seen as a challenge to local norms. However, according to Peggy McKowen, director of CATF, the festival operates as an independent foundation, allowing it to maintain creative freedom without institutional constraints.

A Play That Resonates

One of the most compelling works featured this year was Side Effects May Include…, written by Lisa Loomer. The play explores themes of motherhood, mental health, and the pharmaceutical industry, drawing on Loomer’s own experience as a mother to a son with a neurological disorder. Her work highlights the struggles of navigating a healthcare system that often prioritizes profit over patient well-being.

Loomer, whose previous play Real Women Have Curves received critical acclaim on Broadway, emphasized the importance of telling stories that reflect real-life experiences. “If that hadn’t been the case, no one would have believed what the protagonist goes through,” she said. The play features a strong cast, including Lisa Fernandez, who portrays a mother tirelessly seeking treatment for her child.

A Model for New Theater

CATF not only provides a platform for emerging playwrights but also supports the development of their works. According to Amy Wratchford, interim executive director, about a third of the festival’s funding comes from ticket sales, with the rest coming from individual and institutional donations. While federal funding once played a role, it has dwindled in recent years, particularly after the return of Trump to the White House.

The festival’s model has influenced other theater initiatives, such as the now-defunct Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, Kentucky. CATF continues to thrive, offering actors and playwrights a space to experiment and refine their craft. Many of the plays produced at the festival go on to regional theater circuits or even film adaptations, such as Farragut North and Stage Beauty.

The Future of Theater

Despite its success, the future of theater in the United States remains uncertain. Loomer points out that the audience for traditional theater is aging and largely white, creating a cycle where high ticket prices make it inaccessible to many. She believes that without change, the art form risks fading away.

For now, CATF continues to serve as a vital incubator for new theater, offering a rare space where bold ideas can flourish. As the festival wraps up each summer, the money generated from subsequent productions goes to the creators, with only a small share taken if a play reaches Hollywood. For McKowen and her team, the goal is simple: to keep the oasis of contemporary theater alive in the heart of Trump territory.