Contemporary Theatre of Ohio

==CATCO (The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio)== CATCO, also known as The Contemporary Theatre of Columbus, Ohio, is a prominent theatre company dedicated to presenting contemporary theatre that resonates with the current societal landscape and fosters a sense of empathy within the community. The organization, which underwent a rebranding to The Contemporary, aims to achieve national recognition as an anti-racist theatre company and to be a cornerstone of a thriving theatre ecosystem in Columbus, Ohio, contributing to an empathetic and equitable world. ===History and Transformation=== CATCO was established with the mission to harness the transformational power of theatre. Over the years, it has undergone significant changes, including a rebranding that reflects its commitment to contemporary and inclusive theatre practices. The organization's leadership has played a crucial role in its evolution, with Executive Director Christy Farnbauch taking the helm in April 2020. Her leadership has been marked by a focus on strategic planning, board development, and fundraising, which has led to the creative transformation of the organization. Artistic Director Leda Hoffmann joined CATCO in August 2020, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including Artistic Director at Strawdog Theatre Company in Chicago and various positions at Milwaukee Rep. Her vision for the company includes producing and directing site-specific productions that engage with the community. ===Leadership and Team=== The organization's leadership team is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds in the arts and business sectors. Christy Farnbauch, the Executive Director, is a respected leader with a background in music performance and business administration. Leda Hoffmann, the Artistic Director, has a history of creating engaging and community-oriented productions. Production Manager Tony Koehler brings his experience from GALA Hispanic Theatre and The Theatre Lab School of Dramatic Arts to CATCO. Development Manager Beth Graham, a Columbus native, has a strong connection to the local arts scene and has worked with various arts organizations in fundraising roles. Administrative Coordinator Summit J Starr, a Columbus-based artist, contributes her artistic talents and administrative skills to the organization. Education Director Steve Hiller, who joined in April 2023, has a background in nonprofit youth and family programming, as well as education. ===Board of Directors=== The CATCO Board of Directors consists of a diverse group of individuals who bring a range of expertise to the organization. The Executive Committee includes Ed Hofmann as President, Joshua Schonauer as Vice President, Blythe Coons as Secretary, and Kathleen M. Fox as Treasurer. The board also includes directors from various sectors, including Sonya M. Brown, Katerina Fuller, Christopher Green, Mary Filice, Dr. Jeff S. Keyes, Alexa Konstantinos, Brad Richey Turner, and Timothy S. Wilson. ===Facilities and Contact Information=== CATCO operates out of two locations in Columbus, Ohio. The administration office is located at 55 E. State Street, while the theatre itself is at 77 S. High Street, 2nd Floor. The organization offers a variety of ways to engage with its work, including ticket purchases, production inquiries, and educational program information through various contact numbers provided. As an integral part of the Columbus arts community, CATCO continues to bring people together through theatre and remains committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding through its productions and educational initiatives.