About

Who We Are

Chautauqua Theater Company (CTC) produces high-quality, live theater in a vibrant nine-week summer season. We are committed to the development of new work, the next generation of theater artists, producing galvanizing world premieres as well as exceptional modern and contemporary plays, and infusing fresh insight into the classical canon.  

CTC is dedicated to becoming a national home for exciting new plays: commissioning, developing and producing new and established American playwrights. We are where the finest artists of tomorrow bridge the gap between their training and the professional world. CTC is actively building the future of the American theater. 

Our Mission

CTC is where world-class theater and education converge in America’s best small town. 

CTC’s passion is to tell great stories by great writers with great artists for great audiences. 

CTC is committed to being a vibrant player in the panoply of arts at Chautauqua Institution. 

CTC’s mission is to create theater that entertains and stimulates thoughtful involvement within our immediate and extended communities. 

We Value…

Excellence. We make every effort to provide the highest atmosphere of creativity, possibility, and professionalism.  

Inclusion. We champion diversity throughout the company, our work, and within our community. 

New work. We develop and produce new works for the theater and look forward to building out our commissioning program by supporting both new and established writers. 

Education. We provide opportunities for emerging theater artists to work side-by-side with world-class veterans in their field.  

Community. We are committed to building and maintaining relationships within our various communities: our company, our audiences, Chautauqua Institution, the wider Chautauqua County, and the national theater community. 

Fairness. We strive for an equitable work environment. 

Accessibility. We continue to grow our points of accessibility for audiences, artists, and staff. 

We value: Great Storytelling. Joy. Laughter. Open Dialogue. Challenging Conversations. The Creative Impulse.  

Our Vision…

CTC aims to be a nationally recognized incubator for new American plays. 

CTC aspires to be a place where all people and their stories feel a sense of belonging. 

CTC seeks to become an integral artistic voice in the dialogue that will lead to a better America. 

CTC will be an artistic home, fostering a creative and inclusive environment for artists and artisans.  

CTC is building the future of the American theater, developing new plays and the artists of tomorrow.