About

What is a ‘Savoyard’, anyway?

Northwest Savoyards takes its name from the Savoy Theater in London. Built in 1881 to house Gilbert and Sullivan’s astoundingly successful operettas, it was considered the most technically advanced theater in London, and was the first to utilize electric lights for the stage. Over 120 years later, G&S is a successful part of every one of our seasons, we emulate Gilbert’s insistence on technical excellence, and take pride in having a name that reflects our association with this rich theater tradition.

Northwest Savoyards was founded in 1990, premiering with a sold out performance of H.M.S. Pinafore. In the beginning, most of our performers and all of our audience came from the local Everett area, show budgets were small, and we performed in a high school gym with very uncomfortable folding chairs. Our audiences in those days were truly dedicated! Thirteen years later, Northwest Savoyards would attract actors and supporters from all over the Puget Sound region. Budgets increased over ten-fold and we found ourselves performing in the lovely 300-seat PUD Auditorium--where the seats were padded and plush.

In 2002 we took over the management of Debut Family Theater and have increased the number of shows and programs that are offered for children.

We started looking for a theater space we could call our own. While the PUD opened up all kinds of new technical possibilities and advancements in audience comfort when we moved into it in 1994,we were producing four shows per year and had quickly outgrown the popular multi-purpose facility.

We have started a scholarship program to encourage people seeking to further their training in musical theater. Last year we awarded scholarships to two people, an actor and a techie, both of whom have worked extensively with us and who are now going on to college. Hopefully, they’ll come back and teach us all the neat stuff they learn! You can find out more here.

Where are we headed from here? So many new and exciting things are happening!

In late summer 2008, we entered into an agreement with the Historic Everett Theatre (www.everetttheatre.org) and moved in! At last, we have ample theatre space to house Northwest Savoyards productions! The regal new facility can seat up to 1200 people. This is all very exciting, but also our new theatre opens up many new possibilities for us moving forward into the future!

As you can see, there is never a dull moment around here. We would love to hear from you, have you join us backstage, or come see a show!