Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston

Your Source for Innocent Merriment

aka Houston Gilbert and Sullivan Society | Houston, TX | http://gilbertandsullivan.org

Mission

The mission of the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston is to preserve and promote the classic works of Sir William Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan through the production of live musical theater. We seek to entertain and educate the public on the relationship between modern culture and these historical works by presenting high-quality performances, while maintaining a strong commitment to the community and fine arts by donating tickets to at-risk children's organizations and providing scholarships to vocal performance and theater tech students.

Ruling year info

1954

Principal Officer

Steve McCary

Main address

P. O. Box 741267

Houston, TX 77274 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

74-6010073

NTEE code info

Music (A68)

Opera (A6A)

Singing Choral (A6B)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Gilbert & Sullivan were the forerunners of musical theater as we know it. Gilbert's comedic genius and Sullivan's gorgeous melodies are as enticing today as they were when first introduced to the public. Presenting and exposing young minds to these operas ensures that the inspiration these works provide continue to engage with future generations. An example: Lin Manuel Miranda, whose current musical Hamilton is a runaway sensation, got his start in musical theater playing The Pirate King in G&S' The Pirates of Penzance, and one of the songs in the former, "Right Hand Man", is partially based on "Modern Major General" from the latter.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Summer Production

Each summer we produce a professionally-staged performance of one of the operas of Gilbert & Sullivan. We were the first group to perform in the Cullen Theater of the Wortham Theater Center, and this year marks our thirty-first anniversary there. Through our outreach program with groups like Boys and Girls Country, Boys and Girls Harbor, and DePelchin Children's Center, the Society gives disadvantaged youth the opportunity to see live musical theater, some for the first time.

Educational Outreach

The Society has just established a touring group to bring an educational and entertaining introduction to the world of Gilbert & Sullivan to schools and community venues across Houston. Based upon established programs in Austin, San Francisco, and New York City, our goal will be to allow audiences to have substantive experiences that will promote a life-long love of exploring the arts. We are seeking foundation grants to allow us to perform at Title I schools without cost to them.

Scholarships

Each year, the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston awards a scholarship to a promising vocal student attending a college or university in the Houston area, or to a student from the Houston area attending a college or university elsewhere. High school seniors entering college in the fall are also eligible. When financially able, the Society also awards additional scholarships to other strongly qualified candidates. The Society offers a technical internship as well to a Houston area college student of a Theater Management program. The student spends June and July assisting the Artistic and Stage Directors with the Society's summer production, gaining valuable experience in the workings and production of a large budget show.

Where we work

Awards

Emmy Nomination 1974

National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Best Show - Runner Up 1995

International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival

Best Conductor 1995