Equity Actor - New Plays (Chautauqua Theater Company)/Seasonal Employment

PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is open only to actors who have already received an official offer from CTC’s Managing Director. Applications from individuals who have not received an offer are not eligible for consideration.

Bring to life new characters written by contemporary playwrights as part of CTC's New Play Workshop series (one week commitment).

The Chautauqua Theater Company summer season will consist of fully produced productions, as well as several new play workshops/readings.  To learn more about the season and the company, please visit theater.chq.org.  We build our season around the Actor’s Equity Safety Guidelines in addition to following the guidelines of the CDC, IATSE, USA and SDC.

CTC is committed to the values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. Our statement regarding IDEA work may be found here: https://www.chq.org/chautauqua-theater-company/about/inclusion-diversity-equity-accessibility/

About Your Compensation  

Compensation for this role is $726/week for a one week commitment starting either June 29, July 27, or Aug 10, 2026. The employee is compensated at the rate determined by Actors' Equity Association for the URTA agreement, plus health and pension contributions. Dues will be taken out and submitted to AEA on employee's behalf. 

Housing and travel are covered by CTC, as per the URTA contract.

About Your Work Day

Please refer to the Actors Equity URTA contract for the guidelines we follow regarding the work day and actor responsibilities.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

About Your Schedule

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August.  Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability.  Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.  While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position: 

A typical work week is 6 days. Scheduled hours will include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

About Living on the Grounds

Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for select opportunities based on business needs.  Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you.  Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated below:  

This position offers employer-provided housing and parking. Housing includes a private bedroom and shared living space. Residency is for one week.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization.  

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.  

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward.  One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions in which everyone feels that they can engage as full and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and applicants will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate past experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.