Running an amateur society is hard work. It is difficult to balance artistic quality on the one hand with adminisrative needs on the other. In many cases, casts are getting older and administrators and commitees get too bogged down with meeting the challenges of increased costs and finding ways and means of "balancing the books" to be able to pay suffiecient attention to recruiting the essential new blood.
The International Gilbert & Sullivan Association was established over ten years ago. It is a registered charity (no: 1103178) working to ensure a long term future for Gilbert & Sullivan. After numerous requests from societies around the world, we have decided we can do more to help them and are delighted to announce a new initiative which will see the establishment of an International Gilbert & Sullivan Performing Arts Association as a separate arm of the G&S Association with a range of benefits.
Membership will be open to performing groups/societies anywhere in the world and here are some of the benefits.
To join THE PERFORMING ARTS ASSOCIATION online now CLICK HERE
What's in it for you and your Society?
- Societies will be able to post details of their forthcoming shows/news on the Festival website at no charge.
- The opening weekend of the Buxton Festival (July 31st and August 1st) this year, and Monday June 21st in Gettysburg have been designated "Performing Society Day". Members will be able to promote their group and their activities at a free exhibition in both Buxton and Gettysburg. Members of societies will be encouraged to showcase themselves in the Octagon, Buxton and those members at the Gettysburg Festival can join a massive chorus for a "big sing" on the main stage. There will be a special free workshop in each venue sharing success stories relating to promotion, PR, fundraising etc.
- Member Societies will be able to purchase products in bulk from the extensive Musical Collectables catalogue at specially discounted rates for resale. A simple way of raising funds for your group.
- All performing societies need costumes. In the UK we have negotiated a special price for groups needing to hire. These are the fully renovated costumes from Gilbert & Sullivan Costume Hire which are now being co-ordinated by Barataria Costumes.
- Because we have our own design studio we think we can offer another exciting service for our members - programme design - and if required print; along with special artwork from people who are highly experienced in the world of Gilbert & Sullivan.
- There will be a special Facebook Page featuring our society members - more free publicity for your next show.
- It is very difficult for societies to cover every emergency. What if a principal falls ill? Our emergency database should be able to find a substitute within hours.
- We are looking to set up regional activities as part of our Schools and Youth Programme initiatives. These activities will include concert programmes in your region and will offer ideal recruiting opportunities for your group.
- You will have the opportunity of working with us on our school and young people's programmes and benefitting from the special materials we will produce.
- Members will have their own annual meeting each year at the Festival.
We think it's a great concept and hope to welcome your group as members. The annual fee is a nominal £40. It's a small price to pay for such big benefits.
To join THE PERFORMING ARTS ASSOCIATION online now CLICK HERE
To download an application form CLICK HERE
