Celebrated Author Will Give Public Reading at Chautauqua Institution on July 24 Chautauqua Institution proudly announces Flashlight (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) by Susan Choi as the 2026 winner of The Chautauqua Prize. Awarded annually since 2012, the Prize celebrates a book of fiction, literary/narrative nonfiction or a book-length collection of poetry that provides a richly rewarding reading experience and honors the author for a significant contribution to the literary arts. As the author of this year’s winning book, Choi receives $7,500 and will be presented with the Prize during a celebratory event and public reading at 3:30 p.m. EDT Friday, July 24, in Chautauqua’s Hall of Philosophy. Flashlight was chosen as the 2026 Prize winner from a list of seven finalists and 362 total submissions by an independent jury, which for...
As the summer season approaches, we want to offer one final reminder about how to watch Chautauqua’s programs on our YouTube channel during the season — particularly for those who rely on watching programs after they air live. During the season, the only way to watch programs on demand after a livestream is over will be through the Explore More & Sustain membership ($19.99/month). This tier includes both livestream access and in-season on-demand viewing, allowing you to watch programs later if your schedule doesn’t allow you to join us live. Our other membership levels are designed for more limited viewing habits. Explore More provides access to livestreams only, without the ability to re-watch programs...
Chautauqua Institution is pleased to announce seven exceptional books as the 2026 finalists for The Chautauqua Prize, now in its 15th year: “This finalist list honors the diversity and vibrancy of the literary world, recognizing both acclaimed and debut authors for creating deeply rewarding reading experiences,” said Chautauqua’s Interim Michael I. Rudell Director of Literary Arts Stephine Hunt. The 2026 finalists for The Chautauqua Prize were selected from a longlist of entries read and reviewed by 141 volunteer Chautauquans who are writers, publishers, educators, editors, librarians and avid readers. This year boasted an independent prize jury including award-winning writers Oliver de la Paz, Glory Edim, Jillian Hanesworth and Kao Kalia Yang as guest judges. Awarded annually since 2012, the Prize draws upon...
This summer, a new chapter begins for the performing arts at Chautauqua. With the opening of the Roe Green Theater Center, Chautauqua Theater Company enters its first season with a permanent, purpose-built home designed for all phases of the creation of theater — a robust and vibrant complement to our beloved Bratton Theater. This theater center has rehearsal studios, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, a flexible black box theater, a prop shop, offices and — perhaps most delicious — a bar. My colleagues and I are deeply grateful to Roe Green for her transformational gift, and to the many Chautauquans who have also given generously to make this dream a reality. A spirit of possibility is reflected in CTC’s 2026 season —...
Only at Chautauqua does an audience engage in critical conversations on the matters that shape our world in 45 installments across nine weeks. I’m of course talking about our signature Chautauqua Lecture Series, “the 10:45” in the Amphitheater, which I have had the honor and privilege to steward for four cycles now. There is truly no other place — no speakers series, no conference or seminar, no elite mountaintop gathering — that even approaches the breadth and depth of the work we do together each summer. Thank you for your engagement each weekday morning, and for continuing the conversations over lunch and...
Dear Chautauquans, The Chautauqua Institution Board of Trustees recently convened for its May meetings, which included a strategic Deep Dive session and the Board’s formal business meeting. Across both days, discussions focused on financial sustainability, attendance trends, governance, grounds stewardship and long-term planning for the Institution. The conversations reflected both the progress Chautauqua has made over the past year and the realities of the challenges ahead. Trustees, leadership and staff spent meaningful time discussing how the Institution can continue to strengthen its financial position while evolving the Chautauqua experience for future generations. Financial Sustainability and Planning Trustees reviewed final audited 2025 financial results and ongoing work related to the...
What makes Chautauqua unlike any other place? In addition to the beautiful place and connected community, people continually tell us that it is the “the MIX” that makes us unique. I find myself reflecting that it is not only the mix of program, but also the intersection of and collaboration between our program pillars — Arts, Education, Religion and Recreation — that creates an “only at Chautauqua” experience for you and yours. I wanted to share a few highlights of upcoming interdisciplinary experiences that will make your time here memorable: Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara will take the Amphitheater stage twice on July 2, beginning with a...
Chautauqua Theater Company (CTC), the professional theater company of Chautauqua Institution, is proud to announce its full 2026 season featuring fully produced productions, new play readings and the expansion of its FutureNow program to includes two staged new play workshops. Anchored by two mainstage productions — a CTC commissioned world premiere and the remount of a classic solo piece — the season expands its legacy of developing new work and training the next generation of theater artists. This summer, CTC will present six new works at varying stages of development, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with new plays...
When it comes to caring for the health and well-being of the Chautauqua Institution community, having trusted medical partners close by makes all the difference. Just 15 minutes north of campus, Westfield Memorial Hospital plays a vital role in supporting residents, staff, visitors, and neighbors throughout northern Chautauqua County. Westfield Memorial Hospital is a designated Rural Emergency Hospital (REH), a small but essential facility equipped to respond to everything from urgent medical and traumatic emergencies to routine preventive care. For members of the Chautauqua Institution community, the hospital provides a critical safety net, ensuring high-quality care is available when it’s needed most. More Than Emergency Care ...
Those of us who have the privilege of working at Chautauqua are often entrusted with stories. They are stories filled with gratitude and joy, but also — at times — with hope, uncertainty and quiet concern. They are stories about what this place has meant, what it continues to mean and what people hope it will be for those who come next. One theme we hear again and again from Chautauquans is a question that lingers just beneath the surface: Will my children continue to come here? And will Chautauqua be as meaningful and relevant for them as it has...
