A Chautauquan is a scholar who portrays a significant figure in our history by delivering an unscripted dramatic monologue in costume and in character.

 

Following the presentation and while still in character, the Chautauquan answers audience questions about the life and times of his or her character. This allows the audience to have a conversation with this important person from the past. Then the Chautauquan steps out of character to take additional questions from the audience.

 

Chautauqua takes its name from a movement that began near Lake Chautauqua, New York, in the 1800s.

 

It began with Sunday school teachers gathering for a week of study, but it became a touring program through which local communities could enjoy traveling speakers, politicians, plays, and music. 

 

With the arrival of radio and film, audiences found new forms of entertainment, and the old-fashioned Chautauqua began to fade. But its heart was never lost. Today, Chautauqua lives on through humanities scholars and performers who take to the stage, bringing historical and literary figures to life through thoughtful, interpretive characterizations.

 

State humanities councils, such as Colorado Humanities, have supported and directed the growth of this
exciting and informative format.