About - The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio

OUR CORE BELIEF

Theatrical storytelling changes us as a people.

Theatre is not simply entertainment—it is a mirror, a megaphone, a meeting ground. It can ignite empathy, deepen understanding, and unite communities across divides. At a time when human connection feels increasingly fractured, the power of live performance to transform hearts and minds is more vital than ever.

Explore 40 years of our 
Production History

When you have an experience with The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, you’re engaging with the current moment through intimate, theatrical storytelling at its best. The experience may help you see a community issue in a new way, learn something new, or spark more empathy in your relationships. Our programming is designed to stretch and challenge thinking, and ultimately build a stronger community.

We are deeply committed to producing work that reflects the diverse identities, stories, and lived experiences of our community. We believe representation on stage has the power to validate, inspire, and challenge—and we choose plays that elevate every voice.

Rest assured, “contemporary” doesn’t mean we’re going to lecture to you. Laughter and joy are always at the heart of our work. The plays we produce are fresh, fun, and thought-provoking, bringing the very best of contemporary theater from Broadway and beyond to local audiences.

Slide

“At intermission, I was telling my friend that I need to make room to see theatre here more often - it fed my soul and sparked my creativity. Thank you all for the gift of allowing me (and so many others) to feel in a world where we are not allowed to far too often.”

Audience Member

OUR HISTORY

2019-01-01

2020-01-01

2021-01-01

2019-01-01

1985

CATCO (The Contemporary American Theatre Company) begins under the leadership of Artistic Director Geoffrey Nelson. He produces and directs the pilot production, Mass Appeal, at the Downtown YWCA. The production garners critical acclaim and audience support that enable Geoffrey to pay the actors and the credit card bill he accrued to fund the production.

1986

CATCO forms a board of trustees and incorporates as a nonprofit organization. That Fall the company leases warehouse space on Park Street in the Short North District and converts it into a theatre—in 3 1/2 weeks! Early donations to the company add a furnace shortly after. In 1988 CATCO adds air conditioning to the Park Street space.

1993

Steven C. Anderson founds Phoenix Theatre for Children, which would later merge with CATCO. The Phoenix becomes well known for innovating programming and for applying theatre to help solve community challenges and integrate theatre as a teaching strategy for school curricula.

1995

In 1995, CATCO joined Actors’ Equity Association allowing them to work with professional union actors.

1997

After producing four shows in the Vern Riffe Center’s Studio One theatre in the 1996-97 Season, CATCO officially moves to the Riffe, becoming its resident company in June 1997. Coincidentally, Steven C. Anderson, who would become producing artistic director, was a guest director for the company’s first Riffe production – Terrence McNally’s Love! Valour! Compassion!

2009

In the summer of 2009, CATCO and Phoenix Theatre for Children Boards of Trustees began to discuss the possibility of merging the two companies. After months of strategizing, designing a business plan and conversations with community stakeholders, the two boards decide to merge under Stephen C. Anderson’s artistic direction. The merger becomes effective July 1, 2010. Shortly after the merger, The Phoenix is rebranded as CATCO is Kids.

2019

Steven C. Anderson announces his retirement in 2020 as CATCO’s Producing Director on July 31, 2020. The Board of Directors shifts the company to an updated management structure – Artistic Director and Executive Director – and begins search processes.

2020

In March of 2020, CATCO & CATCO is Kids temporarily scales back operations due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Educational programming pivots to be delivered digitally via recordings and live-streaming. Christy Farnbauch begin as Executive Director on April 15, 2020. Following a national search, Leda Hoffmann begins as Artistic Director on August 3, 2020. CATCO produces a series of virtual theatrical programming.

2021

CATCO returns to in-person programming, first with An Iliad at Mirror Lake on The Ohio State University campus and then with Mr Burns, a post-electric play at the Riffe Center.

OUR LEADERSHIP

The people that make it all happen.

Meet our team. Leda, Steve, Alexa, and Maureen. We keep our full-time staff small so we can put our money where we believe it matters most: incredible productions, performers, and production staff.

Leda Hoffman Producing Artistic Direction

Leda Hoffmann

Producing Artistic Director

Steve Hiller

Education Director

Alexa Baker

Marketing Manager

Maureen Penko

Production Manager

In addition to our full time staff members, we employ more than 100 creative artists each season. From actors to lighting technicians, the vast majority of these artists are from the Central Ohio area—meaning that our theatre truly is created by our community, for our community.

The Contemporary Theatre Backstage Creative Artists

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee

Blythe Coons, President 
Articulation, Inc.

Timothy S. Wilson, Vice President 
Equitas Health

Michele Kothe, Treasurer 
Bridge CFO Services

Kelly Fuller, Secretary 
Columbus Chamber of Commerce

Directors

Drew R. Factor 
The Ohio State University Alumni Association

Christopher Green 
Amundsen Davis

Jessica Horstkotte
DLR Group

John Howdyshell 
Pearson

Joe Jorgenson 
RobinTek

Erika Lamont 
Connect the Dots Consulting

Joshua Platt 
Futurety

Adrienne Williams 
Bread Financial

Work With Us

Employment Oportunities

We believe in the transformational power of theatre—and that begins with the people who make it happen. Whether you're a theatre professional, teaching artist, technician, or arts administrator, you'll join a passionate team committed to bold storytelling, community connection, and creative collaboration.

We offer a supportive, inclusive work environment where innovation is valued, diverse voices are celebrated, and everyone’s contribution matters. If you're excited about meaningful work that makes a difference in Columbus and beyond, we want to hear from you.

Artist Educator

Primary Function: The part-time Artist Educator is responsible for facilitating THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO curriculum in a variety of settings, including in-school or after-school residencies, in-house THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO classes, in-house THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO Summer Camps, off-site classes, off-site camps, and other educational formats as determined and assigned by the Education Director.

Qualifications: With you in this critical role, THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO will intentionally work toward becoming a nationally recognized, anti-racist contemporary theatre company that anchors a thriving local theatre ecosystem in Columbus, Ohio.

The person for this position is committed to outstanding theatre education while ensuring young people and adults have meaningful experiences with THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO programming. You are someone who cares deeply about youth development through theatre. You have a passion for facilitating theatrical and educational communal experiences in classrooms and in the community. You are empathetic toward others and are an active, engaged listener. You are people-focused at all times and possess the highest level of integrity.

This team player is able to work collaboratively and independently. The position requires the ideal candidate to have the skills necessary to make independent decisions at the moment that are aligned with THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO’s vision, mission, and purpose. You will bring an empathetic demeanor and strong work ethic to your work with all young people and adults.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties vary dependent on assigned teaching position. Duties may include:

Attending necessary training sessions and meetings.
Teaching ELA, Theatre, and other drama-based in-school or after-school residency programs.
Instructing students during in-house THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO classes, workshops, and camps.
Facilitating off-site THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO classes, workshops, and camps.
Creating and directing plays with in-school or after-school residency students based on educational objectives.
Working alongside other THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO Artist Educators, Education Coordinator and the Education Director.
Administering surveys or assessments and collecting data for program evaluation.
Communicating frequently with the Education Director via educational reports and email.
Representing THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO in the best possible light through a high standard of professionalism, conduct, and appropriate dress.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic understanding of Ohio’s Learning Standards with the ability to apply them to Drama Theatre Standards.

Ability to apply both learned and experiential knowledge to the development of children and youth
Ability to collaborate with diverse disciplines.
Knowledge of theatre terminology and skills

Credentials and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Theatre, English, or a related field or have equivalent relevant work experience.
1-3 years’ related work experience preferred, ideally working with children and youth in a performing art setting.
This position may require travel to multiple education sites; ability to provide own transportation is required.
This position requires a satisfactory background check; THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO will determine the level of background check required based upon current industry standards for individuals working with youth.

Position Structure: This is a part-time, hourly position, paying $20.00 per hour. Prep time will be paid based on the needs for the program.

Required Application Materials: Online application, resume, and cover letter addressed to THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO’s Director of Education that outlines why you are interested in the position.

Click here to apply now.

Overhire Electrician

Work with the Lead Electrician to hang and focus lighting equipment.

Dates – Over hire calls are usually between 4-6 hours or as needed/available. Weekdays and evenings. Some weekends.

Pay – $17/hour

To add your name to the overhire list please email production@thecontemporaryohio.org

ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF OHIO
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is a professional theatre company located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. We are classified as a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) by the Actor’s Equity Association.

Our vision is to become an anti-racist, nationally recognized contemporary theatre company, anchoring a thriving Columbus theatre ecosystem in an empathetic, equitable world. We believe our purpose is to harness the transformational power of theatre that engages with our current moment to inspire a community of empathy.

We achieve our purpose by being responsive to community needs through exceptional:

Productions for adults and young people that immerse audiences in a communal experience, captivating senses and emotions; and
Education Programs that foster creative curiosity, personal growth, and connections rooted in empathy.

We achieve our purpose by being responsive to community needs through exceptional productions for adults and young people that immerse audiences in a communal experience captivating senses and emotions, and education programs that foster creative curiosity, personal growth, and connections rooted in empathy.

The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is committed to maintaining a workforce that is diverse across many lines of difference. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for every staff member. The Contemporary does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

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Come as you are. Leave forever changed.

OUR CORE BELIEF

Theatrical storytelling changes us as a people.