CHQ Assembly: Exploring the best in human values

A special presentation of Part 1 of The National Comedy Center's "Lucille Ball Virtual Comedy Festival" discussion with comedian Jay Leno. Hosted by Stephen J. Morrison, Leno discusses his career in stand-up, acting, writing, and late-night television.

Legendary political satirist and comedian Mark Russell takes on current events for the National Comedy Center with a performance of new musical parodies, plus a discussion of his career and legacy with comedian, author and playwright Lewis Black.

Legendary comedian Jay Leno discusses his extensive career in stand-up, writing and late-night television in a conversation with Stephen J. Morrison, executive producer of exhibit media for the National Comedy Center.

An interview with Emmy Award-winner Debra Messing in conversation about her work and career, the art of comedy, and comedy legend Lucille Ball as a major influence on Messing throughout her career, as well as the making of the recent Will & Grace episode in tribute to I Love Lucy. 

Follow the narrative threads contained within a series of six sermons by each of the 2020 Summer Assembly’s weekly chaplains-in-residence.

Original Saturday Night Live writer and five-time Emmy winner Alan Zweibel discussed his new memoir, Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier, and his nearly five decades as an award-winning comedy writer with writer/producer/actress/radio host Kelly Carlin, the daughter of George Carlin.

Betsy Burgeson is Chautauqua Institution's Supervisor of Gardens and Landscapes. Her knowledge of all things that grow and her landscape design and management expertise are among the key reasons why Chautauqua's gardens are themselves an attraction all year-round.

Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson, the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history and 2020 Emmy-nominee discusses comedy with Stephen J. Morrison, executive producer of exhibit media for the National Comedy Center.

The Chautauqua-cherished teacher and author rejoins CHQ Assembly to discuss his new book, The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good?(publication date Sept. 15), which he briefly outlined at the end of his Q-and-A with President Michael E. Hill in July.

Enjoy hours of uninterrupted music from the world’s piano masters, including several Chautauqua favorites such as Alexander Gavrylyuk, Alexander Kobrin, Natasha Paremski, Sara Davis Buechner, Christopher Taylor and more.

Comedian, host and producer Howie Mandel discusses his vast career and his “say yes” philosophy with comedian Harrison Greenbaum in an exclusive National Comedy Center Conversation.

With the Emmy Awards taking place this weekend, we’re pleased to present an interview from the National Comedy Center Archives with comedy legend, founding National Comedy Center Advisory board member and eleven-time Emmy Award-winner Carl Reiner (The Dick Van Dyke Show, Caesar’s Hour)...

"God, Politics and Lessons Learned from a Jewish Journey in the White House and Beyond” | Sarah Hurwitz was a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, starting out as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama, and then serving as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama.

Comedian Bill Engvall discusses finding his unique comedic voice and the phenomenon of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour in a National Comedy Center Conversation hosted by Floor is Lava’s Rutledge Wood.

Live performance and Q-and-A with four CSO musicians.

The Chautauqua-cherished teacher and author rejoins CHQ Assembly to discuss his new book, The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good?(publication date Sept. 15), which he briefly outlined at the end of his Q-and-A with President Michael E. Hill in July.

Comedic actress Kate Flannery, best known for her work on "The Office," reflects on her acting career and the 15th anniversary of the popular TV series in a National Comedy Center Conversation with comedian and NPR host Ophira Eisenberg.

Comedian, actor, producer and writer Roy Wood Jr. speaks about his multifaceted comedy career, including his experiences as a correspondent on "The Daily Show," in a conversation hosted by comedian Wayne Federman for the National Comedy Center.

This four-part series of conversations on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility will explore issues in the classical music industry worthy of deep discussions, such as the audition process and promotion, national diversity fellowships, and pathways for conductors and others in the field of classical music.

The popular talks “from the Archives” continue with regular installments hosted by Chautauqua Institution archivist Jon Schmitz.