Program Production Crew (Production)/Seasonal Employment

The Production department works through the Program Office team to bring artist and creator visions to life by providing audio and visual production support. There are multiple events each day; events can include music and orchestral productions, visual presentations, special functions, lectures, conferences, and virtual meetings. Shift start times vary from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

About Your Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $16.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $18.00/Hour. 

About Your Work Day

• Provide professional and seamless production support for the assigned venue(s), cater to diverse events such as religious services, guest lectures, and playback for dance performance or orchestral presentations. Ensuring they meet Chautauqua Institution requirements and standards.


• Set-up and tear-down of equipment for rehearsals and performances.


• Assist with troubleshooting technical problems as they arise.


• Assist additional production crews as needed across all Institution properties. 


• Support the Music Student Festival Orchestra Supervisor and/or Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra Manager as necessary.


• Knowledge of orchestral production and instruments preferred, but not required. 


• Care and maintenance of the assigned Chautauqua Institution facilities. Including cleaning, checking inventory, organization and general maintenance.


• Under supervision of Production Managers, plan effectively for allocation of equipment resources.  


• Foster positive interactions with crew members, performers, presenters, patrons and staff to ensure a gratifying experience for all.


• Reports directly to the Program Production Manager and subsequently the Amphitheater Production Manager. 

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

About Your Schedule

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August.  Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability.  Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.

While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position: 

Will be scheduled to work an average of 35-45 hours/week.  Scheduled hours will include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.  

About Living on the Grounds

Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for select opportunities based on business needs.  Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you.  Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated.   

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization.  

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.  

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward.  One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.