This is the sixth of our weekly “What to Expect” communications as opening day of the 2021 Summer Assembly approaches in about a month. We look forward to welcoming you back and are excited about the many and varied experiences we will be able to offer this summer. We ask that all who come to the Institution do so with a spirit of flexibility and “big picture” thinking. In a “normal” summer, it takes nine months to prepare a summer season, with much programming work having started two years prior. This year, we are still getting new information by the day that has profound effects on what we can do this summer. We will not be able to be as nimble or flexible as individuals or families can be. We must create protocols that work for our entire community — inevitably some will feel they are too loose and others will feel they are too tight. It is our sincere hope that the protocols in place this summer are in fact just right for a community that values inclusivity and includes people of all ages, immune systems, experiences and needs. 

May 24 Updates and Clarifications

COVID-19 Vaccinations, Testing, and other Screening and Prevention Measures, as Required by New York State

• On May 13, the CDC released new guidance that vaccinated individuals need not wear masks in most indoor and outdoor settings. On May 17, New York State said it would implement the CDC’s guidance beginning on May 19. The state has not yet released detailed guidance on how to implement this pivot. As soon as we have that detailed guidance, which we expect any day, we will be able to better articulate its effect on our experience together this summer. 
   
• The issues on which we await details include:
  • Will we make available a section in performance venues where vaccinated adults and accompanied non-vaccinated children can sit with no masks and no distance?
  • If so, must those children still show proof of a negative test?
  • Do we still need to perform temperature checks upon entry to our venues?
  • What size groups or pods can we sit together when distance between groups is still required?
  • Can we accept phone pictures or photocopies of CDC cards as proof of vaccination? 

Gate Passes and Events at the Amphitheater and Other Venues

• Reminder: All ticketing sales (online, phone and walk-up) are suspended through tomorrow as we transition to our new ticketing system. The Ticket Office staff is available for general inquiries at the Ticket Office or via phone, but no sales can be accommodated until this Wednesday, May 26. We thank you in advance for your patience as we upgrade systems to better serve Chautauquans and ask that you continue to be patient as we bring the new system online and learn how to use it efficiently. 
   
• A correction: The Ticket Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT daily beginning June 1 (we are not able to offer expanded hours for phone sales and support, as was mistakenly included in last week’s “What to Expect” message). Ticket Office hours expand to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT daily beginning June 26, through Aug. 29.

On-Grounds Services & Programs

• Chautauqua docks should start to go in Memorial Day weekend, beginning with Central Dock. Weather and water levels prevent us from getting a specific schedule from the vendor who performs this service each year, but please email campops@chq.org, the Campus Planning & Operations general inbox, for information about your specific dock. 
   
• The Brick Walk Cafe and Coffee Gazebo open for weekend hours May 28. Café Hours are weekends, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starbucks Coffee Gazebo Hours are weekends, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
   
• Some have asked whether we can have a testing site on the grounds. This is not something we will offer this summer. We have determined that there will not be enough of a testing need by our patrons to warrant this, but the state or county may set up additional testing sites in the region once tourist traffic increases, if demand indicates that makes sense.
   
• Due to scheduling and health and safety protocols, practice cabins at the School of Music will not be available for public rental during the 2021 Summer Assembly, as these facilities will be used exclusively by Schools of Performing and Visual Arts students. For the same reasons, the School of Music is not able to offer the opportunity to study with School of Music students during the 2021 Summer Assembly.