About Us
Entertaining Central Texas since 1976
About Us
About Gilbert & Sullivan
The Gilbert & Sullivan comic operas were composed between 1871 and 1896 in Victorian London. Their sparkling musical scores by Sir Arthur Sullivan and their dazzling lyrics by Sir William S. Gilbert have kept them popular throughout the world ever since. They've been called the "Saturday Night Live" of their day for their satiric appeal, but they have proven universal and timeless in their comic and ironic treatment of human foibles through their "airy persiflage" and "innocent merriment." And the popular appeal of the music has endeared them to millions who cherish "laughing song and merry dance." They are arguably the most popular musical comedies ever written for the stage. For more information about Gilbert & Sullivan visit The Gilbert & Sullivan Archive or GSOpera.
Read the History of the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin / 1976-2001 by Leland L. Smith
Our Mission
Entertaining and educating Texas audiences since 1976, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin is dedicated to spreading the topsy-turvy humor and joyful music of W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.
Grand Productions
GSA is known for its highly acclaimed annual Summer Grand Productions (performed in June) from the G&S repertoire. These productions are fully staged, and performed with a live orchestra.
Season Productions
In addition to its grand summer production, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin presents fall and spring productions of G&S one-act plays, other one-act plays from the Savoy era, or concert and abridged versions of the operas in the G&S canon. Celebrations, historical presentations, and lectures may also be produced. The eleven Gilbert & Sullivan comic operas that we present over the years in the summer are just too wonderful to wait so many years to be seen, so watch for special performances in the spring and fall.
Musicales
Every January, and occasionally in other seasons of the year, the society produces a sing-along program of music, “open-mic” performances, and themed presentations full of lovely music from G&S shows. These musicales are full of singing and fun, are open to all, and are free to attend. Get your name on our email list and you won’t miss a single performance or musicale.
Wand'ring Minstrels and Community Outreach
Gilbert & Sullivan Austin is an educational group, dedicated to spreading and teaching the joys of G&S. The Wand'ring Minstrels are our ambassadors to the Central Texas community. The group performs for schools, private parties, and community groups of all types. Delightfully fun shows range from lively recitals of Gilbert & Sullivan's most popular tunes to interactive, mini-productions of full summer productions.
Learn more
Scholarships
Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are now closed.
For any questions regarding the scholarship or application process, please email scholarships@gilbertsullivan.org
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to announcing our scholarship recipients this summer!
Board of Directors
President & CEO
Vice President & Musicale Coordinator
Treasurer & CFO
Secretary and Technology Coordinator
Publications & Historian
School Outreach & Musicale Director
Office Manager
Production Committee Chair & Bursar
Publicity Director
Scholarship Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Creative Directors
Jeffrey Jones-Ragona
Music Director
Dr. Jones-Ragona maintains a full performance schedule at home and abroad. Jeffrey has been associated with GSA productions since 1994, and was named our Music Director in 2005.
More about Jeffrey...
Janette Jones
Musicale Director
Janette was named to the first Hall of Fame for Gilbert & Sullivan Austin in recognition of her outstanding contributions as an actor and singer to GSA productions since the 1980s. In addition to continued performance, Janette uses her immense creativity to create and direct musicales.
Ralph MacPhail, Jr.
Artistic Director Emeritus
Mr. MacPhail is Professor of Theatre Emeritus, Bridgewater College in Virginia, where he taught and directed for 33 years. "Rafe" began directing for GSA in 1998 and was named our first Artistic Director in 2005. He was appointed Artistic Director Emeritus on January 1, 2021.
More about Rafe...
Volunteers
Special Projects
Concessions
Special Projects
PR Projects
Newsletter Articles
Special Projects
Wand’ring Minstrels Coordinator
Events Photographer
Special Projects
Hall of Fame
2022 Inductees
2016 Inductees
2011 Inductees
