School Programs & Master Classes

NYGASP proudly presents a wide variety of educational outreach programs tailored to meet the needs of individual schools and presenters across the country. From in-school workshops to audition masterclasses, from patter-song writing workshops to in-depth explorations of G&S for lifelong learners, NYGASP’s education programming is adaptable, engaging, and enriching for students of all ages! To inquire about booking a school program or masterclass please contact Hannah Holmes, Education Manager, NYGASP hholmes@nygasp.org.

School Programs & Masterclasses

The Pirates of Penzance
In-School Workshops & Performance

Workshops:

NYGASP teaching artists visit individual classrooms in costume and lead an interactive journey through The Pirates of Penzance. Workshops include discussion of themes, vocabulary, and historical context of Gilbert & Sullivan, as well as an acting scene study where students are coached through their own performances - students light up when they make their peers laugh out loud with the witty dialogue and colorful characters of G&S!

These workshops can be scheduled flexibly to include as many or as few as the school would like - often encompassing an entire grade level or even every class in an entire school. Content is tailored to grade level, and the workshops are ideal for ages 5-13.

Performance:

An abridged one-act version of The Pirates of Penzance, performed by a sextet of NYGASP’s leading performers and piano. The performance is a perfect follow-up to our workshops, which greatly enhance student comprehension and engagement. With in-class preparation from our comprehensive Teacher Study Guide, students can prepare musical numbers from the show and sing and move along with performers on select songs. Performance duration is approx. 55 minutes, and concludes with an optional 5 minute Q&A. Performance-only option available.

Audition & Performance Masterclass

Getting past self-consciousness and nerves can seem an insurmountable challenge for young performers in both audition and on-stage scenarios. This class focuses on the techniques and skills needed to audition and perform with confidence, primarily the craft of acting while singing, which with practice can eliminate anxiety and lead to transcendent moments while performing. While ideal for high school or college students interested in musical theater or opera, this class also is adaptable for advanced upper middle school (7th-8th grade) students. All skill levels are welcome as long as students are interested! Students learn skills they can immediately implement to get cast in their dream roles, secure their first performing job, enthrall their first audiences, or simply enhance their performing confidence. NYGASP provides the teacher/directors and schools or presenters provide an accompanist. Students prepare and bring sheet music of a musical theatre song or opera aria, preferably in English. If preferred, NYGASP can work with choruses/choirs as a whole and take the group through the same techniques described above.

Gilbert & Sullivan Acting Masterclass

Ideal for ages 12 and up - especially high school and college students. NYGASP’s director/performers lead participants through an exploration of theatrical, comedic acting technique, using scenes from Gilbert & Sullivan as practice material. The session begins with a brief overview of G&S performance practices and a demonstration by NYGASP performers. Students then work through dialogue scenes, focusing on principles like creating character, active listening, stage presence & diction, timing & comedic beats, textual discovery and interpretation. Up to 30 active participants per hour (multiple scenes of duos, trios and quartets are used to include as many students as possible). This class can be paired with the Audition & Performance Masterclass for a well-rounded experience.

Savoy Sampler: Performance & Interactive Workshop

A sextet of NYGASP stars perform either The Pirates of Penzance or H.M.S. Pinafore in a one-act abridged version, including all the famous numbers by all your favorite characters! The performance is followed by a Q&A and interactive program of your choice.

Second half programming options include:

            -Gilbert & Sullivan Acting Masterclass

            -Audition & Performance Masterclass

            -Patter Song Writing Workshop

College Course: “Experiencing Opera: Gilbert and Sullivan”

This 13-week course offers an in-depth exploration of the complete works of Gilbert & Sullivan through engaging performance lectures. Students will examine the historical and cultural context, continued relevance, and sharp social satire woven throughout this iconic repertoire.

Alongside the historical and musical survey, students develop musical theatre acting and performance techniques. They showcase their skills through a variety of performances, including writing original patter songs and staging and performing iconic scenes from the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire.

The course is available in a variety of formats - virtual, hybrid, or in-person - and can be customized in length, ranging from intensive 2-day workshops to a full semester residency.

Originally developed in collaboration with Lafayette College, with contributions from Professor Tony Cummings and presenter Hollis Ashby, this program provides a comprehensive study of Gilbert & Sullivan’s living legacy.

Patron Education

NYGASP’s adult education programming offers patrons an exclusive, enriching way to deepen their connection to our work. Past offerings have included The Art of the Patter Song, a five-week exploration of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most dazzling musical moments, led by Artistic Director emeritus Albert Bergeret and company performers. Additional offerings include lecture recitals and behind-the-scenes sessions that highlight the artistry and history of Gilbert & Sullivan’s work. These programs are made possible through the generous support of our donors, who believe in sharing the joy of Gilbert & Sullivan with both devoted Savoyards and newcomers to the art form.

Youth Production with Artists in Residence

The most comprehensive offering of NYGASP’s grade school programming, this residency evolved in collaboration with the Syosset school district in Long Island, and is a fully immersive experience for students involved. NYGASP teacher/directors workshop a full length show with a large group of students, often between 4th and 6th grades. The school’s music teacher supports the project by teaching the students all the assigned music and lyrics. Students create costumes and learn the choreography of a NYGASP chorus. They are joined by NYGASP’s professional performers who play the principals, and rehearse together before performing the show in front of an assembly of students from one or more schools in the district. The students truly experience what it is like to be part of a professional show. This residency takes several weeks to complete and requires a great deal of support from schools' teaching staff.