FUMGASS unites those interested in the history and production of the canon of Gilbert and Sullivan works and provides financial support and stability to The University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Established in 1947, UMGASS is the nation’s oldest student-run society dedicated to performing the operettas of Sir William Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. UMGASS brings together university students, university faculty and staff, and community to produce the works of William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, twice each year. These fully-staged productions are performed with live orchestra at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre in downtown Ann Arbor.

FUMGASS was founded in 1969 to cover a budget shortfall. In recent years, attendance and participation in UMGASS productions has significantly declined, a problem faced by community theater and musical groups locally and nationally. FUMGASS support has been instrumental in continuing the UMGASS legacy, now in its 80th year.