SE Chautauqua nearing curtain date

The New Old Time Chautauqua is still set to stop through on its summer tour of Southeast Alaska later this month.

Founded in 1981 by a group of performers, health care practitioners and educators, the Chautauqua revives a brand of entertainment widely popular in the rural United States until the Great Depression. As a movement, the Chautauqua emphasizes community building through education and entertainment.

Sixty performers will stop into Southeast communities between June 21 and July 13 for "AKqua Chautauqua," the group's first tour of the region in 23 years.

Organizer Paul Magid explained the event will revolve around a three-day cycle for each of seven stops and is due in Wrangell from June 25 to 27.

After setting up, the first day will feature a community potluck at Shakes Island and a music show. The troupe will be working with Wrangell Cooperative Association on the details.

The next day, performers plan help assist with a local community project. Tentatively, Magid has said ideas for projects include cemetery cleanup or moving totem poles.

The final day will be spent with a few hours of a variety of workshops, a parade through town that will include the Chautauqua's 25-piece marching band and the grand show at the Nolan Center that evening.

That will be the pattern for the tour, but each stop will have its own activities unique to the port of call. In Juneau, the group will join up with the big July 4th celebration, with workshops at Centennial Hall.

"We're going to make a mega-band," Magid said.

The Chautauqua will incorporate the interests and talents of each community it visits. The potlucks and potlatches will have their own local flavor, and residents are encouraged to share something they enjoy by holding a workshop. Troupe members will likewise hold classes and presentations based on their own varied interests.

"I'll be doing a workshop on the history of Chautauqua, for instance," said Magid.

For further information on the group and how to participate, Magid can be reached at pauldmagid@gmail.com. Additional information is also available on the Chautauqua's website at http://www.chautauqua.org.

"We're still needing people that are willing to step in and help out," said Terri Henson, director of the museum and Nolan Center. A display on the history of the annual tour is currently set up in the Nolan Center lobby, with over 100 pictures on past shows and current performers.