What kind of entertainment was provided by the Chautauqua Circuit?

Answer 1

The Chautauqua Institute, located at Chautauqua, New York, began primarily for education (though often the instructors were religious leaders). It began in the late 1800s-early 1900s as a gathering place for intellectuals sharing a common interest of knowledge. This was NOT primarily a form of entertainment, but of speeches and lively debates.

The Chautauqua Institute has a covered open-air venue with wide, rising bleachers arranged around a center stage below. People still go there annually for a weekend, a week, a month, or the whole summer. From memory of going there in the 1980s, it has a lake and Golf course for vacationers.

Some of the older and cheaper housing rentals (by rooms) reminded me of the older rental accommodations a few blocks off the boardwalk at Atlantic City, New Jersey. Both, though, offer newer housing at higher rental prices.

Answer 2

It really varied. Some traveling performances involved sermons by famous preachers (especially from members of the Temperance Movement) or educational lectures, or even talks by political figures. But most of the performances were focused on entertainment: some of the troupes featured plays or poetry readings, while others offered popular music and comedy skits, like you might see in vaudeville. During the era before radio and TV, traveling shows came to a wide range of cities, staying a few days or even a couple of weeks. These shows provided attendees with a combination of culture, religious education, and just plain fun.

Answer 3

Religious-inspired.