To provide enjoyable, affordable family entertainment
that is produced as professionally as possible.
To provide a learning experience for members through
production of musical drama, primarily Gilbert and
Sullivan operettas. No one who is willing to learn will
be excluded.
History
Founded in 1961 by Ronald Sabacek and Gloria Jean
Walrath. Operettas have been performed annually since
then. Until 1977, performances were held in either the
Don A. Watters Theater at Binghamton University or the
Masonic Temple, Main Street in Binghamton. Thereafter,
Savoyard presentations were given at the Forum in
downtown Binghamton. Most recently, however, productions
have been in the Chamber Hall, Anderson Center for the
Performing Arts at Binghamton University where we perform
before four (4) audiences of approximately 250 each. Click here to see a
complete listing of performances.
To continue as a teaching organization open to all.
To offer instruction in all facets of musical production:
set and costume building, make-up, staging and
performance, choral and orchestral experience, graphic
design, marketing, and public relations. This is
accomplished through members, a combination of
established local professionals and amateurs.
To produce one Gilbert and Sullivan operetta every summer
and occasional off-season productions, and to plan
productions at least two years in advance, which aids
general planning (financial, staffing). This is
facilitated through monthly meetings of Board of
Directors and Advisory Board which oversee general
operations and planning of Summer Savoyard productions.
To work with other performing arts groups offering
smaller groups, and students of local instrumental and
voice teachers, an opportunity to be part of a
professionally produced operetta in a world-class venue.
To enrich members’ experiences through participation
in the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, both
in performance and workshops as members are able.
To keep ticket prices down by actively raising funds
through various planned fund-raisers.
Audition and Membership
Every season audition notices are sent to 18 high schools
and colleges and 30 academic departments within a 200
mile radius of Binghamton.
Members of Summer Savoyards do not restrict themselves to
Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Many are regularly
involved in other music and theater organizations that
require on-going skill development. Others are students
in area schools. Several are college students at
Binghamton University and other area colleges, and still
others are members of the Tri-Cities Opera chorus and
residency training program.
Financial
Information
Summer Savoyards is a non-profit organization and has a
501(c)(3). Contributions are tax-deductible.
Only a small number of members are offered honorariums
for their work. Examples are: master carpenter, lighting
designer, costumier, orchestra, set designer, and stage
and technical directors.
The 2004 production and organizational expenses are
currently budgeted for $26,495.00. Click here to see the
2004 Season budget. Present funding comes
from ticket sales, donations, ad sales, bake sales,
raffles, corporate and grant support and voluntary
membership dues.
Cost Containment Efforts
We take advantage of trades from the media, materials and
professional services (legal, accounting, photography,
public relations, graphic design, etc.). Members
contribute at least one ad for our program and distribute
posters and flyers advertising our performances.
Future
Plans
In addition to our on-going local productions, we will
continue our contact with the International Gilbert and
Sullivan Festival, broadening our memberships’
theatrical experience, thus enriching our community
contribution.
Summer Savoyards make themselves available for other
performances in the community. In the past we have
caroled during the December holiday season, and performed
numerous run-outs (singing songs from an operetta,
unstaged) at area schools and community facilities.
Joint concerts with other arts groups such as the
Binghamton Community Orchestra, the Binghamton University
Madrigal Choir, Community Music Center and First Night
Binghamton will continue.
We plan to continue to produce the lesser-known works of
Gilbert and Sullivan. Our First Night
Binghamton productions of Trial by Jury and The Zoo are
good examples of bringing these lesser-known works to our
community.
During 2004 we launched our Costume Rental Program.
Over the last three years we have budgeted for the rental of
costume storage space to protect our remarkable costumes
created by Stephen Dell'Aversano. Our rental program makes our costumes available to a national audience... and
we hope it will become a sustaining income for our company.
Summer Savoyards, Inc.
