CALL FOR LIVING HISTORY PRESENTERS:

AMERICAN DREAMS: PROGRESS IN BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Applications will be reviewed beginning November 1, 2008 and a Troupe will be selected by the end of the year.

Ashland Chautauqua is seeking scholars/performers who can accurately and entertainingly portray historical figures for its five-day event in Summer 2009 from Tuesday, June 23 through Saturday, June 27.

Ashland Chautauqua is a living history program featuring performers who assume the costume and character of famous historical figures. The theme for Ashland Chautauqua 2009 is AMERICAN DREAMS: PROGRESS IN BUSINESS & INDUSTRY and will feature four characters such as (but by no means limited to) the following:

Andrew Carnegie Waite Phillips Howard Hughes P T Barnum

Julia Child Fred Harvey Orville Wright Madame C J Walker

Henry Clay Frick Walt Disney J C Penney Howard Johnson

William Rosenberg Levi Strauss Aunt Clara Brown Samuel & Flora Mather

Other historic entrepreneurs and innovators influencing America’s world of BUSINESS & INDUSTRY proposed by applicants may be considered if they are appropriate to the theme.

During Ashland Chautauqua, each Chautauqua performer will present one major performance and two separate daytime workshops—one for youth, another for adults. 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.).

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. Interested individuals should submit ALL of the following materials to:

• Your current resume/c.v., including all contact information, acting and public-speaking experience;
• A list of 3 references to confirm scholarly-based performance content and experience;
• A 1,000-word essay about your character;
• A brief bibliography of the 6-10 best sources of information on your character;
• An outline or brief content description of two possible workshops - one for youth and another for adults;
• A 15 minute DVD of yourself portraying your character.

If you have questions or would like to receive more information, please contact Tricia Applegate at 419-651-7119 or tapple@zoominternet.net.

Photos of previous Chautauquas:

• 2008: Literary Legends
• 2007: Sport and Society
• 2005: World War II at Home and Abroad
• 2004: The Wild, Wild West

Ashland Chautauqua is made possible with major support from the Ohio Humanities Council.