In 1982, the Performing Arts Center Guild was formed in order to provide volunteer support for the City of Garland’s newly constructed Performing Arts Center. The PAC Guild volunteers tirelessly supported various arts groups with thousands of volunteer hours, selling concessions and promoting all the arts organizations by publishing the “Arts in Action” Newsletter and TV show. One of the major goals of the PAC Guild was to bring professional musicals to Garland. Therefore, in 1983 the PAC Guild created the Garland Summer Musicals. From the inception, GSM’s mission was to provide a training ground for aspiring performers with the focus on maintaining a professional and educational environment that taught area youth all areas of theatre production. The Garland Summer Musicals quickly became a major theatrical event for the Dallas area. By 1992 the PAC Guild had become a Committee of the Garland Summer Musicals and changed their name to the GSM Guild. The Guild is still a major support arm of the Garland Summer Musicals hosting opening night parties, cast parties and various social functions and fundraisers throughout the year.
Highlights
Since 1983, GSM has created major summer musical productions which encourage 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 1998, the GSM began an educational partnership with Tarleton State University. Tarleton State sends theatre interns throughout the U.S. to work with professional theatre companies during the summer before their senior year.
• For over 30 years, GSM has offered an educational scholarship program with the Dallas County Community College District and a professional training ground for all aspiring performers and technicians. 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.
• The 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.
