Virtual Britsburgh Live: Secrets of a Savoyard: translating Gilbert & Sullivan to modern audiences

Virtual Britsburgh Live presents.... 

Secrets of a Savoyard: translating Gilbert & Sullivan to modern audiences

For almost a century and a half, the works of Gilbert and Sullivan have proliferated across the English-speaking world. Though theatrical and musical styles have risen and fallen in popularity over that time, the popularity of Gilbert and Sullivan has endured, culminating today in dozens of performing groups devoted to performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. To what can we attribute the enduring power of the Gilbert and Sullivan art form? What are the secrets and challenges to keeping Gilbert and Sullivan relevant and alive to modern audiences?

Join Shane Valenzi, Gilbert and Sullivan aficionado, as he explores potential answers to these questions, and shares insights gleaned from mentors who trace their influences back to Richard D'Oyly Carte himself!

Shane Valenzi currently serves as the artistic director of the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company in Chicago, Illinois, where he has worked as the resident stage director since 2013. He has been the stage director for the Pittsburgh Savoyards for the HMS Pinafore (2017), The Mikado (2010) and Patience (2009) shows. Additional directing credits include Stage 62 and the Penn Singers Light Opera Company in Philadelphia, where he was honored by the Kennedy Center as the best collegiate director in the Mid-Atlantic states for the company's 2006 production of Candide. Performing credits: Prime Stage Theatre Company, Nashville Opera, Independent Musical Productions (Huntsville, AL) (2x Huntsville WINGS Award nominee - Best Supporting Actor, Judges Choice). B.A., University of Pennsylvania; J.D., Vanderbilt University.

The Pittsburgh Savoyards have been offering entertainment to the greater Pittsburgh area for 82 years and during this difficult time, are looking to support our artists with online events, small productions and classes.

About Virtual Britsburgh Live

Starved of theatre, literature, cultural activities? Yes? Good then this is for you. Britsburgh is talking its activities into the virtual realm! In a series of live events in the coming weeks streamed online using the Zoom Video Conference App, you will experience aspects of theatre, readings, history, interviews and more. Once you log on, your Virtual Host will make sure you can see and hear us, but we can’t hear or see you. The events are live and the experience is remarkable!

How to watch Virtual Britsburgh Live?

1. Register for the event - It's free!
2. Donate what you can. We suggest $10 per person. Donations received during registration will be split 20% Pittsburgh Food Bank; 80% to the Pittsburgh Savoyards to support their artists.   Registered and forgot to donate? No worries click here. Thanks
3. During this difficult time Britsburgh will give all money collected to those in need. However, if you like what we are doing we ask you to consider becoming a Britsburgh member that will help us through the next year.
4. You will receive a registration confirmation with a link to the event and a password.
5. We suggest you join the event 10 minutes before the event start time. You will be placed into a waiting room where you event host will check you against your registration. If you have not registered you won't be allowed into the event.
6. The audience will be able to watch but your event host will make sure we can't see or hear you. If you wish to ask a question you can do so by using the chat function or in the Q&A section you can raise your hand and the host will unmute you.
7. Adjust your Zoom settings. To fully enjoy the performance you will need to adjust the settings on the Zoom app so you can only see the performers, and not the whole audience. Here are the instructions on how to do it. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure everyone is ready before starting the event! 
8. IMPORTANT: Please make sure your Zoom name is your full name so that you can be ticked off the registration list. If the host cannot identify you, you will not be allowed into the event! Watch this 1 min video instructions on how to do it.

This presentation is open to everyone.

Explore fascinating British-themed topics with the guidance of experts and enjoy the company and conversation of fellow enthusiasts as a member of the Britsburgh Society. Society members enjoy our Britsburgh Arts Society, the Britsburgh Beer Society, the Britsburgh History Society, the Britsburgh Literary Society and the Britsburgh Tea Society. If you are not already a member, I would like to invite you to consider becoming a Britsburgh Society member. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page.

THE BRITSBURGH TEAM