Kentucky Humanities Opens Applications for Chautauqua Living History Presenters, Offers Insight into Kentucky’s Past

Applications Open for Chautauqua Living History Presenters at Kentucky Humanities

March 13th, 2024, LEXINGTON — The notable non-profit organization, Kentucky Humanities, is now accepting applications for Chautauqua Living History Presenters to help them illustrate Kentucky’s vivid historical stories before a live audience.

A Deep Dive into Kentucky’s Past

Kentucky Humanities has been bringing the lives of different Kentucky characters to life since 1992 through its Kentucky Chautauqua program. Such characters have included well-known figures like Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, as well as the less familiar, such as Kentucky politician Caleb Powers. With 80 characters portrayed so far, it is a golden opportunity for you to suggest and present a character from Kentucky’s history that fascinates you.

Requirements and Selection Process

The proposed Kentucky Chautauqua characters do not have to be renowned. They can illuminate any part of Kentucky’s history, and their tales should be engaging enough to pique the interest of viewers across the state. However, the portrayed characters must be deceased.

A Chautauqua portrayal should last about 35-45 minutes, following which there will be a question-and-answer session lasting up to 30 minutes. Successful applicants will be awarded $1,000 for script development, and will have access to drama, costume, and scholarly consultants. This is to ensure the historical accuracy and authenticity of the portrayal.

Applicants will have to provide their own costumes and props, and must possess their own transportation. They should also be available to travel statewide for at least 45 performances between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2028. Presenters will be paid $350 per show, plus accommodation expenses.

The selection procedure includes auditions for a panel of reviewers, which are scheduled to take place on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Lexington. Applicants will be invited to present a five-minute in-character demonstration, followed by a 10-minute Q&A with the reviewers. Dramatic experience will be an added advantage, albeit not mandatory.

How to Apply?

If there is a character from Kentucky’s past that you wish to depict, you can submit your application online until April 2024. The Kentucky Humanities website provides more detailed information about this opportunity and the application procedure.

About Kentucky Humanities

Kentucky Humanities is a non-profit corporation based in Kentucky, affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities. The organization offers various programs and services to promote public knowledge and appreciation of the state’s rich history and culture.