Michael Hill, Chautauqua Institution president, wants to make the 2021 season as close to normal as possible.

In a message posted on the institution’s website Friday, Hill said returning to normal is difficult given the changing nature of state and local restrictions.

It was only March 3 that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said events, arts and entertainment venues could reopen at 33% capacity starting April 2. That news created another level of planning for institution officials to perform and Hill said things could change between now and the start of the summer season.

“Please know that in all cases, we are attempting to offer an experience that comes as close as possible to normal times,” Hill wrote. “Where we are not able to achieve that goal, it will be because state or local restrictions remain in place or because, by the time state and local restrictions are lifted, we will have lost the lead time necessary to book speakers, preachers and performers, hire staff and prepare facilities, or otherwise plan all the programs we wish to offer.”

Hill said the institution is planning worship, lecture and performing arts programs in the Chautauqua Amphitheater and theater, opera and voice programs at a new and temporary Performance Pavilion on Pratt Avenue. Additional programs for smaller audiences will be presented in the Hall of Philosophy and Smith Wilkes Hall.

Outdoor movies will be offered when possible in various locations on the grounds. The Chautauqua Cinema will offer movies at its Higgins Hall location as regulations and feasibility permit.

Hill also said all programs at Chautauqua Institution will be offered in accordance with COVID-19 regulations, which may mean changes to some presentations, but particularly the performing arts, which will have performers more stationary than they would be in a typical performance and set farther apart on stage than normal.

Booking continues for the summer season, with 52% of planned 10:30 a.m. lectures booked along with 20% of planned Interfaith Lecture Series speakers, 70% of weekly pastors and 55% of planned evening entertainment programs. In-person programs will be simulcast on CHQ Assembly as much as possible, when permitted by speaker and artist contracts. A limited number of Summer Assembly events will be presented only on CHQ Assembly.

Hill said patrons will be required to wear face masks in venues or anywhere it is difficult to stay 6 feet away from those not in a patron’s household, except when seated at a dining venue. Vigilant hand washing and other personal hygiene practices will continue to be encouraged. Food and beverage operations will be able to operate according to state guidelines, including requirements that one be seated to consume a beverage or eat. Institution officials will present new foodservice offerings while the Farmers Market and Bestor Fresh Market will continue to be offered.

“We will be required to adhere to strict crowd and queue control for all events in these venues and otherwise,” Hill said. “This will mean procedures will be in place to get into and out of our events — which will represent a slightly different experience for our returning patrons. Similar procedures will be implemented across the country in response to regulations.”

On Thursday Cuomo announced domestic travelers will no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or U.S. Territory starting April 1, though the state Health Department recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers. All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form.

Hill said there are many things institution officials don’t know yet regarding the summer season, including:

¯ whether the state will require COVID-19 testing for people to enter event venues or if the state will require the institution to see proof of COVID-19 vaccination from adults for people to enter event venues.

¯ By May 1, Hill said the institution is expected to share more information about single ticket sales to Amphitheater popular entertainment and Performance Pavilion covered seating.

“We thank you for your continued patience as we navigate increasingly hopeful, yet still uncertain waters,” Hill said. “You have our promise that we will share any new information quickly as we keep our focus on creating a safe and wonderful 2021 Chautauqua experience.”