Call for Living History Presenters
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| ASHLAND CHAUTAUQUA 2012
July 10-14, 2012
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Ashland Chautauqua is seeking scholars/performers who can accurately and entertainingly portray historical figures for its five-day event in Summer 2012 from Tuesday, July 10 through Saturday, July 14.
Ashland Chautauqua is a living history program featuring performers who assume the costume and character of famous historical figures. The theme for Ashland Chautauqua 2012 is The Fabulous Fifties and will feature up to five characters such as (but by no means limited to) the following:
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-Minnie Pearl -Rosa Parks -Pearl Buck -Rachel Carson
-Agatha Christie -Dr. Seuss -Martin Luther King Jr. -Edward R. Murrow
-“Pee Wee” Reese -Adlai Stevenson -Pres. Dwight Eisenhower -Marilyn Monroe
-Rosemary Clooney -Elizabeth Taylor -Doris Day -Lucille Ball
-Elvis Presley -James Dean -Frank Sinatra -Ernest Hemingway
-Tennessee Williams -Arthur Miller -Benjamin Spock -J. D. Salinger
-Mickey Spillane -Jackson Pollack -John Wayne -Joseph McCarthy
*Other historic figures proposed by applicants may be considered if they are appropriate to the theme.
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During Ashland Chautauqua, each Chautauqua performer will present one major performance and two separate daytime workshops - one for youth, another for adults and/or senior-living residents. Chautauqua performers also appear at a variety of social and publicity events.
The major performance consists of a 30-minute monologue, followed by question-and-answer sessions, both in and out of character, for approximately 20 minutes. Chautauqua performances are costumed presentations based on thorough research of both the character and the historical period. Daytime workshops focus on specific aspects of the character’s life and work or the theme and can assume a variety of formats (e.g., a lecture-and-slide program, games and activities for children, dramatic readings with audience discussion, etc.).
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Qualified applicants may include academic or independent scholars, teachers, and actors who have previously portrayed historical figures. Applicants are responsible for developing their own scripts, costumes, and props. Performers are paid a weekly honorarium, plus meal and travel expenses. Lodging is provided.
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Interested individuals should submit ALL of the following materials to:
Ashland Chautauqua -- c/o Deleasa Randall-Griffiths
Department of Communication Studies
Ashland University, Ashland, OH 44805
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Your current resume/c.v., including all contact information, acting and public-speaking experience;
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A list of 3 references to confirm scholarly-based performance content and experience;
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A 1,000-word essay about your character;
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A brief bibliography of the 6-10 best sources of information on your character;
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An outline or brief content description of three possible workshops - one for youth, one for senior living residents, and one for a general adult audience;
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A 15 minute DVD of yourself portraying your character.
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