Conservatory Program
Summer 2010
June 26 - August 22
How do you say Chautauqua?
She-tô'-kwe
What is it?
Now entering its 27th season, the Chautauqua Theater Company is the resident professional theater and conservatory of the Chautauqua Institution. Internationally known guest artist actors, directors, designers, writers, and faculty join eighteen of the finest emerging theater artists in America to produce a summer of work in the award-winning Bratton Theater.
Where is it?
Located on beautiful Chautauqua Lake in western New York, the Chautauqua Institution is a renowned summer center for arts, recreation, and learning that welcomes nearly 200,000 people from all over the world to its season of programs, performances, lectures and activities. In addition to the theater, the Institution is home to professional symphony, opera, and ballet companies.
What is the Conservatory?
The Conservatory is the core of our company. The actors and design fellows we accept are offered an unparalleled opportunity to bridge the gap between their training and professional careers, working side-by-side with seasoned professionals both onstage and off.
What is the season?
The 2010 season will include: an American masterpiece, a European drama and a Shakespeare classic-- two new play workshops and a host of additional events including collaborations with other arts programs and the wildly popular "Bratton Late Night" cabaret.
What roles are available?
Everyone stays busy: we carefully choose the season and the composition of the Conservatory to ensure a challenging and well-rounded summer for everyone. You will be a part of the acting company and work side-by-side with fellow Conservatory members and guest artists on the full season. All Conservatory actors are in the final Shakespeare production. Most will be in at least one other production and/or staged reading.
What is the training?
Rehearsal and performance work is supported by highly focused, individual tutorials in voice, text and the Alexander technique. Throughout the summer, guest artists and faculty members offer Master Classes in an array of specialties including Games, Masks, Shakespeare and Yoga. Audition Workshops with leading casting directors from theater, television and film foster professional growth and connections.
What is a typical day?
Busy. Generally, there are Master Classes and/or tutorials in the morning between 9-12 and rehearsals from 1-5 in the afternoon and 6:30-10:30 in the evening. During tech and performance weeks the hours can be longer. As often as possible, Monday is the day off. Most Conservatory members will have a few lighter weeks when they are not in full time rehearsal in which to enjoy the many cultural, recreational and intellectual activities of the Institution.
Who should apply?
The conservatory is drawn from a wide pool of applicants, both those who have completed their formal training and those who are currently enrolled in graduate and undergraduate training programs. Past Conservatory companies have run the gamut from undergraduates in their early 20's through graduate and post-graduate actors in their early 30's. Although exceptions are occasionally made, we ask that you be at least 20 years old at the time of the audition.
How much does it cost?
IT'S FREE. All Conservatory members receive full fellowships covering tuition, room, and board. Unlike many summer theaters where you pay them for the privilege of building scenery or serving concessions, at Chautauqua all you are expected to do is develop and practice your craft. A rarity among summer programs, CTC invites you to join a company of your contemporaries and future peers and pays for you to do it.
All you have to do is get there.
