Dear Chautauquans,

Thank you for your patience as we awaited more definitive information from New York State regarding COVID-19 operational regulations and protocols for presenting organizations such as Chautauqua Institution. While guidance from the state continues to evolve, at last, we are at a point where we can share some detail about how Chautauqua will come to life in 2021 — and how that will be similar to and different from recent years. One thing we know for sure is that the experience each of us has at Chautauqua will depend on all of us approaching this summer with a spirit of understanding, flexibility and looking out for each other.

The continuing GOOD news is we will be together again on the grounds of our beloved Chautauqua. Through weekly email updates, we are sharing news of the worship, lecture, youth, education, schools, recreation, and performing and visual arts programs we are planning, and we hope you can see that our staff and collaborating preachers, speakers, teachers, and artists are demonstrating amazing creativity and innovation in bringing to life a diverse and exciting program for this summer. Your willingness to be creative and flexible along with us will make for an enriching experience for all.

That said, this summer will look very different. Below is an initial set of details distilled from a series of updated requirements issued recently by New York State related to how we can operate our venues, food services and grounds this summer. Please note that Chautauqua Institution is subject to these requirements and our operations must follow them. The Institution will do everything possible to implement these measures as efficiently and safely as possible, including to preserve and honor the Chautauqua experience that our community cherishes.

Before we dive into details, we need to flag one item: To manage within the anticipated capacities required by New York State, we are suspending sales of Traditional Gate Passes for Weeks One–Five at the close of business on Monday, April 26, until further notice. Grounds Access Passes will remain available. While we understand this is a step we’ve not had to take previously, we believe it a prudent tactic to help ensure we meet our commitments to you regarding your experience.

There is a lot of information below about what you can expect on the grounds this summer, and we encourage you to read through to the end. Non-New Yorkers will likely notice some differences between New York and other states, and we want to make sure you are prepared for what to expect.

We will update this information weekly, but as of April 19:

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

• Proof of vaccination or proof of a recent negative test (within 72 hours for PCR or 6 hours for rapid antigen) will be required for all persons over age two to attend events in our venues, but neither will be required to enter the grounds.
   
  • The Institution will not offer testing to patrons on the grounds but will communicate information regarding available nearby testing sites and at-home testing services prior to and throughout the summer.
     
  • We expect those patrons coming for multiple days or events will be able to show proof of vaccination once at the beginning of their stay, though we are still working through some aspects of how that will be recorded and monitored. We will continue to update this information.
     
  • We recognize that vaccinations are not available for children under age 16, and are unlikely to be available this summer. At this time, the state is not allowing exceptions to the testing requirement for children, and we do not expect that to change this summer. It is extremely likely that children who wish to enter our venues will need to be tested.
     
• Temperature checks will be required for entry into our venues, but not at the gates into the grounds.
   
• Masks will be required in all public venues and facilities, except when seated at a food service venue. Masks will also be required anywhere else on the grounds where distancing is impossible.
   
• Six-foot distancing between parties will be required at all events.

On-Grounds Services and Programs

• We will run some trams and/or buses, but their routes and capacities will likely be different, and masks and distancing will be required. More specific information about both will be forthcoming as we get closer to season.
   
• The pool and indoor fitness facilities at Turner Fitness Center, Turney Sailing Center, Sports Club, Children’s Beach, Tennis Center, Golf Club and Golf Learning Center, Smith Memorial Library, Post Office, Bookstore, Visitors Center, Robert R. Hesse Welcome and Business Center, Ticket Office, art galleries and The Gallery Store, Chautauqua Cinema, Farmers Market, Bestor Fresh Market (Tuesdays only), shops and food and beverage operations will be open, most daily.

Events at the Amphitheater and Other Venues

• Capacities in our venues will be limited according to state regulations and will depend in part on the size of groups we are permitted to seat together as well as the distance we are required to keep between those groups. We expect to receive additional guidance on these requirements.
  
  What to expect:
   
  • Seating for all events will be assigned, and we will use strategies such as timed and assigned entry points to ease venue entry and to avoid the accumulation of queues.
     
  • We are implementing a new mobile-friendly ticketing and seat assignment system that will modernize the process of selecting assigned seats and purchasing individual tickets. If you choose, you will be able to use your mobile device to check in at all gates and venues.
     
  • Based on current sales levels and historic attendance patterns, we believe we will be able to provide assigned seats to all who have purchased Traditional Gate Passes for Amphitheater events.
     
    • We will be asking all Traditional Gate Pass holders to reserve seats to the pass-included events they wish to attend beginning two weeks in advance of the start of each Summer Assembly week (for example, the Week One advance reservation period will be June 12–19).
       
    • If seats remain after the Traditional Pass holders’ advance reservation period, we will make them available for individual sale to Grounds Access Pass holders (discount will apply) and other patrons. Employee and Complimentary Pass holders will be able to reserve available seats after sales have been open for 48 hours.
       
    • If we determine there is demand exceeding capacity for any event, we will attempt to offer reserved seating at satellite locations where we will be able to present live events via simulcast television technology. In cases where this is not possible or not desirable, we will issue pro-rated refunds to any Traditional Pass holder whose advance reservations are not able to be accommodated.
       
    • Events will be presented on CHQ Assembly when permitted. CHQ Assembly subscriptions will be included with all Traditional and Grounds Access passes.
       
  • Again, to manage within the anticipated capacities required by New York State, we are suspending sales of Traditional Gate Passes for Weeks One–Five at the close of business on Monday, April 26, until further notice.
     
  • Tickets to popular entertainment events at the Amphitheater (as many as two per week) that are not included with the Traditional Gate Pass will go on sale starting in early June. Traditional Gate Pass and Grounds Access Pass holders will receive an early opportunity to purchase these tickets.
     
  • We anticipate Performance Pavilion tickets for assigned seating and Special Studies class registration will be available beginning in early June.

We remain in regular contact with New York State and with Chautauqua County health officials, but there is no prediction at this time whether or when any of these measures will change. We will continue to send and post information as we receive it. Summarized information will be kept up to date at VacationSafely.chq.org.

As a reminder, these parameters apply to Chautauqua Institution events and property. The Institution does not regulate private property, including denominational houses, boarding houses, single family homeowners, or privately owned hotels. Renters, please work directly with your landlord to understand how they will operate this summer.