Osher at Johns Hopkins University and The Contemporary American Theater Festival, both celebrating milestone anniversaries, share a commitment to connection, discovery, discussion, and lifelong learning. In July 2026, 80 Osher members renewed a 25-year tradition by traveling to Shepherdstown for brunch and a performance of "Best Line Wins."
The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) is 35 years old, founded in 1991 at Shepherd College (now University) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Johns Hopkins University turned 40 this year, founded as the Evergreen Society in Columbia, Maryland.
“Connections, discovery, and discussion are the foundation of both organizations,” said Osher Director, Susan Howard. “For 40 years, Osher at JHU has been bringing together faculty and members in a learning community that explores art, music, history, film, science, and more.”
CATF produces plays that explore all aspects of the human condition. Like Osher, CATF encourages people to discuss what they see and learn – expanding their understanding and exploring new perspectives.
The road between these educational siblings is well-traveled. Osher at JHU members have been attending CATF for 25 years – including the most recent visit on Thursday, July 30, 2026, when 80 Osher at JHU members traveled to Shepherdstown for brunch at The Bavarian Inn followed by the play Best Line Wins. Osher Members enjoyed the show, described by the Maryland Theater Guide as the “…story of legendary comedy duo, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, [which] …explores how two extraordinarily talented people worked together, loved and lost together, and handled (and mishandled) how the world responded to their comedy and their chemistry.”
As they traveled to Shepherdstown, the mood on the Osher buses was festive, like the group’s pre-2020 visits to CATF. During and after the pandemic, Osher’s bus trips slowed considerably as members were concerned about group travel and then about rising transportation costs. This trip represents a new energy and excitement that Osher member, Lynnette Mitchell, commented on.
“It was so wonderful to see everyone, and we had such a good time,” she said. “Please thank the Bavarian Inn and the transportation company as well. They took such good care of us. A special shout-out for Kathy [Woody], ‘The Cookie Lady,’ who shared homemade cookies with the Columbia bus riders on the way home from the play.”
Fellow member Cathy Pelskinsky added, “It was so nice to see so many of my classmates in person. I’ve always loved these trips to Shepherdstown and the clever plays. I still think about a couple plays that we saw pre-Covid.”
“The Osher group fills the theater with laughter and a wonderful sense of excitement that can be felt by both the company and our patrons,” said Danica Rodrigues, CATF Group Sales Director. “We look forward to welcoming Osher back for many more seasons to come.”
The Contemporary American Theater Festival is 35 years old, founded in 1991 at Shepherd College (now University) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Johns Hopkins University turned 40 this year, founded as the Evergreen Society in Columbia, Maryland.
“Connections, discovery, and discussion are the foundation of both organizations,” said Osher Director, Susan Howard. “For 40 years, Osher at JHU has been bringing together faculty and members in a learning community that explores art, music, history, film, science, and more.”
CATF produces plays that explore all aspects of the human condition. Like Osher, CATF encourages people to discuss what they see and learn – expanding their understanding and exploring new perspectives.
The road between these educational siblings is well-traveled. Osher at JHU members have been attending CATF for 25 years – including the most recent visit on Thursday, July 30, 2026, when 80 Osher at JHU members traveled to Shepherdstown for brunch at The Bavarian Inn followed by the play Best Line Wins. Osher Members enjoyed the show, described by the Maryland Theater Guide as the “…story of legendary comedy duo, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, [which] …explores how two extraordinarily talented people worked together, loved and lost together, and handled (and mishandled) how the world responded to their comedy and their chemistry.”
As they traveled to Shepherdstown, the mood on the Osher buses was festive, like the group’s pre-2020 visits to CATF. During and after the pandemic, Osher’s bus trips slowed considerably as members were concerned about group travel and then about rising transportation costs. This trip represents a new energy and excitement that Osher member, Lynnette Mitchell, commented on.
“It was so wonderful to see everyone, and we had such a good time,” she said. “Please thank the Bavarian Inn and the transportation company as well. They took such good care of us. A special shout-out for Kathy [Woody], ‘The Cookie Lady,’ who shared homemade cookies with the Columbia bus riders on the way home from the play.”
Fellow member Cathy Pelskinsky added, “It was so nice to see so many of my classmates in person. I’ve always loved these trips to Shepherdstown and the clever plays. I still think about a couple plays that we saw pre-Covid.”
“The Osher group fills the theater with laughter and a wonderful sense of excitement that can be felt by both the company and our patrons,” said Danica Rodrigues, CATF Group Sales Director. “We look forward to welcoming Osher back for many more seasons to come.”
Learn more about the Contemporary American Theater Festival.