FAQ

​

​

    How will YC function during the continuing pandemic? 

• We will be having hybrid meetings, with the majority on Zoom and some in person. Masking is mandatory at all in person meetings, except when performing. Students will be using this website to share work and read weekly blog posts with helpful information. At the end of the year, students will perform both live in person and recorded Zoom performances with live Question and Answer.

​

    How often does YC meet?

• For our 2024 season, we will be meeting from 4:30-6:00 PM on Wednesdays from January through April. Our performances will take place in May!

​

    What does the program cost? 

• Our 2024 season will cost $100 per student. Please contact us for scholarship information!

​

    How old are the students? 

• Students aged 9-18 are welcome to participate in Young Chautauqua, but special exceptions can be made, especially for siblings of already experienced Chautauquans. Parents of younger students should be able to attend meetings with their children, and provide help and guidance with the project at home.

​

    What previous experience is needed?

• None! Many of our students are first-time performers, and some even start out as very reluctant public speakers. No writing experience is necessary either, although it is helpful. The only real requirement for success is that the student is interested in the program and their historical character.

​

    What happens at the meetings?

• Our meetings are workshops where students learn about research, writing, and performance techniques. At most meetings, students will share their monologues and receive feedback from other students and administrators. We do our best to make our meetings a fun, non-threatening environment where students feel comfortable sharing their work and receiving constructive feedback from others.

 

    How much work is required outside of meetings? 

• While we will be supporting the students with helpful resources and feedback, all historical research, all writing, and most performance rehearsal will be done outside of our meeting times, as will the weekly readings. Some students may require regular assistance at home to complete a Young Chautauqua project.

• Students should read at least one biography about their character, and search for at least a few primary resources. More experienced or motivated students could read several books, and also research their character's historical time period. Students should not expect to only read a Wikipedia page.

• Students should expect to read one short blog post per week to learn more about acting, writing, and other knowledge necessary for Young Chautauqua. These blog posts also contain each week's homework.

• Writing time will vary based on the length of the student’s final performance (5-15 mins.) and the strength of their writing skills.

• Performance notes will be given during meetings, and students should practice their monologue while incorporating these notes outside of meeting times. 

​

    How long is the monologue? 

• Our program allows for lots of flexibility depending on the interests and experience of each student.  Most students tell approximately three stories from their character’s life.  

• Younger or less experienced students typically start with monologues approximately 5-10 minutes long, while more experienced students can create monologues up to a maximum of 15 minutes in length.

​

    What is required of parents? 

• Parents of younger or less experienced students should attend meetings with their children, help their children with research and writing, and have some form of camera to film their students' final performances.

​

    Please contact us at boulderyoungchautauqua@gmail.com if you have further questions!