The 2024 Acting Conservatory number will be determined once we have chosen our season.  We will be accepting 3 directing fellows through the Drama League’s FutureNow Stage Directing Fellowship, and 5 design fellows (one each for scenic, costumes, lighting, projections, and sound).

To learn about the qualifications and more for this program, visit their FAQ Page here.

Yes, although the majority of those accepted each year are graduate-level candidates. 

Yes, but they must be from theatrical texts. 

Design Fellows will assist mainstage designers, and depending upon the needs of each new play, may have additional design opportunities for readings and workshops.

Materials will be reviewed beginning March 2. Finalists will be contacted to schedule an interview. Though applications are accepted on a rolling basis, priority will be given to those who apply by March 1. 

It’s helpful to know where you are in your course studies, so the submission of both academic and artistic resumes is useful. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply to both programs if desired. 

Upon acceptance, conservatory roles are cast for the mainstage productions. New Play Readings are cast on a rolling basis. 

For the 2023 Season, callbacks will be held virtually with the Producing Artistic Director. 

We can accept international students with the appropriate documentation. Please work with your university to ensure that you are eligible.

Acting Conservatory: Mornings will often be filled with master classes and workshops with CTC Faculty. Rehearsals will take place mostly in the afternoons and evenings. 

Design Fellows: Fellows will work alongside CTC production department heads as well as guest designers depending upon the stage of process for each show. 

Casting opportunities may be available in the new play readings and workshops. 

There will be master classes and workshops led by faculty outside of rehearsals.  

Because we are located on a lake and at a slightly higher elevation, the evenings can be cool; warm clothing is a must. (Daytime temps during the summer typically range from 70–90 degrees Fahrenheit. Night temps are 50–70 degrees.) Rain is not uncommon, so a rain jacket and/or umbrella are also advised. Definitely pack a bathing suit as well.  

You do not need to bring any linens. We provide pillows, sheets, blankets, and towels. 

The Acting Conservatory will live in Jewett House, just steps away from the Bratton Theater. Jewett is a three-story house with private rooms, three shared bathrooms, and a shared common area and kitchen. 

Design and Directing Fellows will live at Connelly Residence Hall, close to the Brawdy Theater Offices. Connelly is a two-story dormitory with private rooms and shared bathrooms, common areas, and two kitchens. 

A $100 housing deposit is required by the Institution. The housing deposit will be refunded as quickly as possible after the completion of the program, provided that damage charges (if any) have been paid in full. 

Yes, membership to the Chautauqua Health & Fitness Center is included in your scholarship. 

There are a limited number of cafes and restaurants on the grounds, but no grocery stores. Company Management will sponsor weekly grocery store runs to nearby towns or can pick up mobile orders if scheduled in advance. 

From the audition process through the close of production, the Acting Conservatory will be exposed to nationally recognized casting directors, agents, directors, and playwrights. 

Directing and Design Fellows will serve as primary assistants to professional directors and designers, whose credits range from regional theatre to Broadway. 

Conservatory and fellows will learn from their peers from other top training programs across the country, as well as build lasting personal and professional relationships. 

There will also be less curated opportunities to have cross-disciplinary interactions with students from other Chautauqua programs such as dance, voice, opera, and visual arts. 

All conservatory and fellows are provided with a travel stipend of $250, which will be included in the first paycheck upon arrival.  

Coming to Chautauqua Institution by plane: 

– Erie International Airport: 45 minutes from the grounds 

– Buffalo/Niagra International Airport: 80 minutes from the grounds 

Coming to Chautauqua Institution by Train: 

The closest train stations to Chautauqua are either the Buffalo/Depew station or theBuffalo/Exchange station. The Buffalo/Exchange station is within walking distance of the Greyhound bus station. From Buffalo you will need to take a limo, taxi or bus. The Amtrak also goes into Erie, Pennsylvania, but from this point you will have to take a limo or taxi. 

Coming to Chautauqua Institution by Bus: 

Coach USA runs five buses per day to Jamestown, New York out of the Greyhound Terminal Metro Transportation Center (800-231-2222) in downtown Buffalo, New York (181 Ellicott Street). This location is walkable from the Buffalo/Exchange street Amtrak station. The trip is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. There is no bus service out of Erie, Pennsylvania. 

For the duration of the program, all students receive a Traditional Gate Pass to enter and leave the grounds. Gate passes also allow you to attend Chautauqua Institution’s lectures and other performances and activities. 

Chautauqua is a self-contained, walking community with shopping, a bookstore, post office and other services conveniently located within the grounds. The use of cars within the grounds is tightly restricted. There is a courtesy bus and tram service within the Chautauqua grounds. 

Bicycles are a popular form of transportation. Company Management has a limited number of bikes available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Should you drive your own vehicle to Chautauqua, parking will be available in protected lots adjacent to the grounds.