Speaker Andrew Borba (center) is shown with (l to r) Chris Anderson & President-Elect Joelle Washer
 
Chautauqua season is in full swing, and today Jim Smith introduced Chautauqua Institution's Associate Artistic Director Andrew Borba. Andrew is in his 7th season in this position, and has spent the past 11 summers at the Chautauqua Theater Company. 
 
For the Chautauqua Theater Company, Andrew has directed several plays including "The Comedy of Errors", "MacBeth", and "The Philadelphia Story". You may have also seen Andrew in your local movie theater, as he has had roles in such films as the recent hit "Straight Outta Compton" as well as "Taken 3" and "Interstellar". 
 
Andrew currently teaches Shakespeare and advanced acting at USC, is a cum laude graduate of Brown University, and received his M.F.A. from NYU. And, last but not least, Andrew revealed that he was a Rotary scholarship winner, and so he has a fondness for Rotary.
 
As part of his presentation, Andrew spoke passionately about his love of the arts, and how the Chautauqua Theater Company has made an effort to reach out to the local community by go to area schools to perform, engaging students and their imagination, as well as encourage them to attend a play or a performance at Chautauqua Institution. 
 
Getting better connected to the community is a main goal of Chautauqua Institution, or as Andrew put it, reaching out "beyond the gates." Offering special ticket prices to get younger people to the theater at Chautauqua is one of those ways. 
 
Finally, Andrew invited everyone to see "The Taming of the Shrew", which he is directing. What makes this performance of the famous play so unique (and humorous) is that the women's roles will be played by men, and vice-versa!