Educational Opportunities with The Lamplighters

What do The Simpsons, Family Guy, The San Francisco Symphony, and The Oregon Shakespeare Festival all have in common? In all these places, you can hear the ingenious lyrics and unforgettable tunes of Gilbert and Sullivan. And quotations from Gilbert and Sullivan abound in television shows and commercials of all kinds. The wit and melody of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operas are timeless in their appeal, yet always timely in their ability to poke fun at a wide range of targets.

For students, Gilbert and Sullivan is ideal entertainment. The brilliance of the humor, and the accessible tuneful music immediately appeal to young people, even those who may never have heard of Gilbert and Sullivan. In no time, they’ll be humming and reciting their favorite phrases.

To bring this exciting music to your school, we would like to acquaint you with two of The Lamplighters’ popular and affordable school assembly programs.

The first is an introduction to the world of Gilbert and Sullivan. “H.M.S. Pinafore: Get on Board with Gilbert & Sullivan” uses the music of H.M.S. Pinafore to provide an entertaining and informative look at how Gilbert and Sullivan weave language and music together to make some of the greatest works of musical theatre in the English language.

The second program, “The Pirates of Penzance: Walk the Plank with Gilbert & Sullivan,” is a mini-residency. A stage director and music director will come to your school to help prepare your student cast and chorus to perform a condensed fully-costumed version of “Pirates,” joined and partnered by three lead singers and a piano accompanist from The Lamplighters.

“We all loved the performance - and most importantly, we've given a future population of theater-goers a delightful introduction to operetta! My third graders, especially, are now "hooked" – the direct result of engaging them as the chorus!" - teacher, Oakland Hebrew Day School

“My favorite part was when you sang all the funny songs and included the students in them. It was super fun to be in the chorus.” - student chorus member

“Thank you for offering a great price!!! With the budget problems at schools, it is with great relief that we could bring your performing arts to our school.”  Bay Area teacher

Come “Walk the Plank” and “Get on Board” with Gilbert & Sullivan!

Does your school serve predominantly low-income students? If so, please note that fact on your order form under “scholarship consideration.” Your school may be eligible for a fee waiver and/or additional services, if your public school meets the following criteria:

• no higher than a 50 percentile standing on standardized test results, as shown by a greatschools.org score of 5 or less;
• more than half the students participate in the government subsidized lunch program. For private or parochial schools, we will accept documentation on student scores and income levels to meet these criteria.

H.M.S. Pinafore: Get on Board with Gilbert & Sullivan
The Pirates of Penzance: Walk the Plank with Gilbert & Sullivan
Summer Music West: Gilbert & Sullivan Scenes

Students Both Learn & Have Fun!

This assembly features student participation:

• Pre-selected volunteers will join the crew of sailors onstage in saluting the Captain of the Pinafore and will assist the artists in comparing a patter song to rap!

• Add an optional chorus (any size). Sheet music to choral selections will be provided in advance, along with a CD which demonstrates the music to be learned. Your chorus will have an opportunity to rehearse with the artists on the day of performance.

• A 5-10 minute question-and-answer period will follow the performance.

The Pirates of Penzance:
Walk the Plank with Gilbert & Sullivan

A Mini-Residency

Lamplighters Music Theatre will bring a stage director and a music director to your school to help prepare a fully-costumed student cast to perform a condensed version of The Pirates of Penzance. The student performers will be joined and partnered by three lead singers and a piano accompanist from The Lamplighters company.

Your Student Performers Will:

• Learn how a musical is put together from auditions and rehearsals to costumes and performances.

• Sing both solos and chorus numbers, including one of the famous G&S patter songs.

• Have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills before the entire school.

All Students at Your School Will:

• Be introduced to a type of music and performance that provides a bridge to the world of opera and classical music.

• Explore, through classroom work, the clever use of the English language, wacky plot twists and delightful music of this beloved comic opera.

Technical Requirements: The Lamplighters require a tuned piano in good working order. Performance area should be cleared and available 75 minutes prior to presentation.

Features of this Mini-residency:

• Planning support before auditions and two coaching visits by the stage and music directors during the rehearsal process.

• Costumes provided by The Lamplighters. Your school will be responsible for auditions, casting (limited to 10 student performers) and rehearsals. Optional off stage chorus may be any size.

• Technical assistance to the teacher or teachers in charge of rehearsals includes scripts, detailed staging guide, sheet music and a CD of the music to be learned. You will be able to choose the music that is appropriate for your students and staff capability from a menu of musical options.

• A final rehearsal with The Lamplighters cast 75 minutes before curtain on the day of performance.

• Support for classroom teachers, including background information on Gilbert & Sullivan, lesson plans, topics for discussion, and an activity section.

Cost: Your cost is $250 for one performance and $350 for two performances on the same day, scheduled back to back using the same cast of student actors (maximum audience of 300 per performance). Your school may qualify for a total fee waiver or partial scholarship assistance. See order form for details.

Questions? Contact Ellen Kerrigan, Education Director
Phone: 415-661-4530
email: ekerrigan(at)lamplighters.org

Order form:  Click on the link below
Pirates: Walk the Plank with G&S order form