CATCO Blog

The fall arts season will be kicking off soon, and at CATCO that means not only our first production of the year (Jeff Hatcher’s hilarious Murderers) but also the commencement of our popular play reading groups.

Each year we put together small groups of about a dozen people to read, discuss and recommend scripts over a two-month period.  The groups include staff, board members, artists, subscribers, volunteers and people who just want a peek “behind the scenes” of a professional theatre. By design, each group includes both experienced theatre people and complete newcomers (both perspectives are very valuable).

We provide the scripts.  Usually, these are drawn from among the hundreds of new plays we acquire each season and have not been read by the staff.  So it’s a little like prospecting.

CATCO Reading Group

Last fall’s Contemporary Plays Reading Group recommended two of the scripts we are producing this season: Murderers and Evie’s Waltz by Carter W. Lewis.  We had also intended to produce a play selected by our Science & Innovation Reading Group, but the rights became unavailable when it was optioned for Broadway (Our reading groups pick winners!).  There were also reading groups for Musicals and Classics & Adaptations.

UPDATE: We have filled our play reading groups for this fall. Thanks to all who are participating, your input is invaluable!

Along with the website, you may have noticed that our logo and tagline have changed. “Live Theatre: It Won’t Kill You” and our old logo have been replaced. Over the years we’ve found that people had all sorts of strange ideas about what “CATCO” was. Some people confused us with a company by the same name that makes catalytic converters. Some people thought we made pet food or supplies (like PetCo). At least one person was convinced that “CATCO” was a topless bar.

Now it’s very clear: CATCO is Theatre. Period.

Even the font (created by CAPA graphic designer Scott Fitzpatrick) has changed. The new lettering is meant to be simple yet elegant, to convey the impression that the theatre is accessible, friendly and inviting.

And then there’s the new color. You may like the orange (I do). Or you may hate it. But everyone notices it.

What do you think? Let us know!