Education

Since 1983 GSM has created a major musical summer theatre entertainment option which encourages professional artists (through Guest Artist contracts with Actor’s Equity) to work with aspiring performers of all ages as part of a theatre training and semi-professional production company. To date over 2000 actors, dancers, musicians, technicians and students have participated in the musical performance and intern programs offered by the Garland Summer Musicals.  In addition, 900 students have earned college credit hours through the following programs:

•          In 1998, GSM began an educational partnership with Tarleton State University.  Tarleton State sends theatre interns all over the U.S. to work with professional theatre companies during the summer before their senior year.

•          For the past 29 seasons, GSM has offered an educational scholarship program with Dallas County Community College District and a professional training ground for aspiring performers.  Each summer, approximately 30 scholarships are given to those cast or working in a technical role.  The academic hours received through the GSM program can be transferred to any school in the state and are also used as continuing education hours by teachers who work with the Garland Summer Musicals.

•          GSM is also proud of their partnership with Dallas Young Artists. This organization offers a three week musical theatre camp at the Granville Arts Center for students in 3rd grade thru 12th grade. The camp is designed to bring excellent theatre instruction in acting, vocal production and movement. The camp finale is a major production of a Broadway musical.

This unusual combination of professional and educational theatre makes the GSM a unique program not only to Garland but also throughout the Southwest. The pride of tradition and the critical success of the Garland Summer Musicals has increased dramatically over the years and today the GSM is considered a major theatrical event in the Metroplex by local agents, actors and audiences.

Long range goals are: to continue to increase corporate support in the community; to continue to build a diversified audience; to continue to enhance educational training through Richland College,  and to strive for new standards of excellence in musical theatre production.