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Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society 

Description

The Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization performing the operatic works of Gilbert and Sullivan in Seattle, WA, since 1954. The Society occupies a unique musical and artistic niche between grand opera (as presented by Seattle Opera, Bellevue Opera, Lyric Opera Northwest, and others) and musical theater (as presented by The 5th Avenue Theater, Seattle Musical Theater, and others). The Society has produced each G&S show at least twice, some much more frequently, and stands alone as the only source, perhaps in the world, of broadcast-quality videos of all existing Gilbert & Sullivan operettas.The Society mounts one major production each year, running for three consecutive weeks in the Bagley Wright Theatre at the Seattle Center, typically to audiences of 5,000-6,000 per production year. The Society has served as the principal means for introducing the Pacific Northwest community to the music of Gilbert and Sullivan and has given local audiences and performers the chance to take part in uplifting, family-friendly musical entertainment.  The Society’s Audience, and membership base consists of wide range of the overall population, from senior citizen to high school student, and through all strata of society. 

Mission Statement
The mission of the Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society is to produce the entire canon of 13 Gilbert & Sullivan operettas to the highest artistic standard to a broad range of Northwest and international audiences at an affordable price.  Our mission also to promote the study, production, appreciation and enjoyment of musical compositions and plays, particularly those of Gilbert and Sullivan. This includes the development of singers and musicians, and artistic staff, as well as the procurement of rehearsal and theater facilities, and the production of shows, either for public or private showing. The Society shall executes its mission in the spirit of friendship and community.
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Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society
Crown Hill Center, G&S Suite 
Seattle 
WA
98117-2306 
(206) 682-0796 

James Francis 
President, Board or Trustees 

Programs

Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society Programs

The Society produced one major production a year, in July at the Bagley Wright Theatre. We spend the majority of the year proceeding the production with fundraising, casting, set design and overall production detail. This summer we will produce 11 performances of The Gondoliers, July 12 - 27. The production will use the combined assistance of 20 on stage performers, a 26 piece orchestra, and 45 backstage and front house volunteers.  

Every spring the Society produces a Spring Fundraising Gala, which spans two evenings and is held in our rehearsal space at Crown Hill Center. Every aspect of our Gala is through the generous support of  volunteers. All proceeds go towards producing our main stage production in July. 

We also, offer a High School Musical Workshop, every winter to help train and prepare the next generation of performers. The workshop is a six week three our training were young people are trained in the art of performance including, improvisation and stage presence.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

In March 2007, the Society was notified that the lease on our rehearsal space in South Lake Union would not be renewed and we would have to vacate in March 2010. In June 2007 the Society launched a aggressive capital campaign and location search. The Society eventually chose Crown Hill Center, which was then known as Crown Hill Elementary, as it's to home. Through generous donations from our membership,and the dedicated hard work of volunteers and contractors'  we created a new rehearsal hall, workshop and green room were we can carry out our mission into the future. In March 2010 the Society officially moved into our new home were we continue to work on improvements to our space as well as Crown Hill Center as a whole.

Currently, we are working with the building owner, Small Faces Child Development Center, to create more storage space for all of our ongoing needs. This is an ongoing project that we all will working towards well into the foreseeable future.

Evaluation

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
12/14/2006 $8,200.00purchase a ticket sales system and scene shop equipment.
9/18/2003 $9,403.00purchase a table saw, copier, and electronic air cleaners.

Financials

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