FSPA’s Drama Department Presents Café Murder on Friday, May 2

Café Murder on Friday, May 2

FSPA’s Drama Department Presents Café Murder (Youth Play) Friday, May 2nd at 7:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX!

Tickets available at FSPAonline.com or by calling the office at 508-528-8668!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DI_fj-tx_KI/?

2 performances of the Disney Showcase scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at THE BLACK BOX

Disney Showcase scheduled for Sat, Apr 12

 

Join us this Saturday, April 12th at THE BLACK BOX for the annual Disney Showcase! 

 

We’re so excited to cheer on all of FSPA’s performing ensembles and to get a sneak preview of the shows Broadway Light, Broadway Bound, and CenterStage will perform in Walt Disney World this month @disneysprings with @disneyimaginationcampus !  

 

 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AYqTMD5ZE/

Tickets available online -> https://www.purplepass.com/organizer/82234

 

 

FPAC Announces Cast for Mel Brooks’ The Producers

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to announce the cast of Mel Brooks’ The Producers running March 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA. The production is directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer, with choreography by Associate Director Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge!, KING KONG, Matilda, Newsies), and music direction by Hallie Wetzell. 

The Producers is a Mel Brooks comedy full of adult humor and innuendo. Audience discretion is advised.

(L-R) Nick Paone, Paul Rescigno, Katie Mariko Murray

Leading the cast are FPAC’s Nick Paone as Max Bialystock and NYC’s Paul Rescigno as Leo Bloom. They are joined by NYC’s Katie Mariko Murray (Disney’s Frozen on tour) as Ulla, Anthony Fett (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on tour) as Roger DeBris, Robert Mintz as Carmen Ghia, and Franklin favorite Timothy Ayres-Kerr as Franz Liebkind.

The ensemble is made up of artists from NYC, the Boston-Providence-Franklin area, and Musical Theater students from Dean College: Andrew Scott Holmes, Casey Harkness Andrade, Melissa Baratta, Elijah Bondar, Marissa J. Browning, Nya Dekrines, Heather Dorler, Shaina Dunn, Charley Eastman, Kim Frigon, Julia Lavoie, Alex LeBlanc, David Livingston, Conor Meehan, Caroline Merten, Anissa Perona, Myranda Rose Silva, Kellie Stamp, Jason Robert Warner, and Isis Wilson.

Joining the ensemble on stage at THE BLACK BOX are FPAC Student Apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts: Elena Baker, Ani Corkran, Helena Cornwell, Devin Curley, Brodie DeAngelis, Devin DeAngelis, Baree Frigon, Kayla Hoben, Hailey Hulbig, Madeleine Jacomme, Katherine LeBlanc, Matthew Packard, Kate Settle, Angelina Willey, and Michael Wirkus.

The plot of The Producers is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit. The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show, hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Annie) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, The Producers skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners.

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts.

Tickets for The Producers are available at FPAConline.com/tickets or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming.

Kimberly Akimbo comes to Boston with FSPA Broadway Faculty Members

This cast features FSPA Broadway Faculty Members Emily Koch  @embkoch as Debra and Jim Hogan @jimhogan220 as Buddy  

"A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), KIMBERLY AKIMBO is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL. It features Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone.

Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure."

Shared from ->    https://www.instagram.com/p/DGgoOJvxBAR/

Tickets available ->    https://www.emersoncolonialtheatre.com/events/kimberly-akimbo/

Dean College Announces Partnership with the Award-Winning Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)

Dean College is excited to announce a synergetic partnership with the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), downtown Franklin’s Actors Equity professional theater. This alliance will enrich the educational experience of Dean students studying musical theatre, acting, or dance; provide a professional affiliation for Dean’s Schools of Performing Arts; and support FPAC’s seasonal programming of musicals, plays, and dance performances. 

Dean College Announces Partnership with FPAC

Through this partnership, internship opportunities will also be available for Dean students at FPAC’s THE BLACK BOX and the affiliate Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA).

FSPA was founded by Raye Lynn Mercer in 1985 to serve the region’s performing arts students and has evolved over the past 40 years into the premier performing arts school in the MetroWest area of Boston. 

In 1991, the non-profit FPAC was launched by Mercer to produce shows, bringing together professional performers, emerging artists, and students. FPAC opened THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin in 2014 and became an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theatre in 2021. The company now boasts an impressive network of Broadway performers and New York-based professionals who frequently perform and teach in Franklin. 

As the Broadway in Franklin sponsor, Dean will also be integral in bringing FPAC’s exciting roster of Broadway professionals to Franklin, who will participate as performers, master class instructors, and mentors for young artists.

“We are fortunate and grateful to have FPAC and FSPA located just steps away from our Dean campus and have enjoyed decades of friendship with Raye Lynn and her excellent performing arts organizations,” said Mark D. Boyce, interim president of Dean College. “Our students have often been cast in FPAC productions, and this formal partnership will just expand on the experiential learning we can provide for these talented, young artists.”

The Dean/FPAC partnership will provide the following benefits to students in Dean’s Schools of Performing Arts:

• students will receive credit toward their requirements and gain professional experiences to prepare them for careers in the performing arts
• complimentary and/or discounted tickets to FPAC performances
• a reciprocal relationship for sharing costumes and properties
• opportunities to attend auditions for FPAC’s season of shows
• Dean students who are cast will have the chance to perform with the company while maintaining their academic schedules
• and participation in master classes offered as part of FPAC’s Artist in Residence programs.

“Our mission has always been to provide superlative training, quality entertainment, and outstanding performance opportunities for professionals, students, and emerging artists,” said Mercer. “By partnering with Dean College, the Franklin Performing Arts Company will gain talented and dedicated young performers who will benefit from hands-on experience in the industry. Our company appreciates the support of Dean College, and we’re enthusiastic about this valuable partnership.” 

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.

Shared from -> https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-announces-partnership-with-award-winning-performing-arts-organization/

Dean College (@DeanCollege) posted at 2:44 PM on Tue, Feb 25, 2025:
We're excited to partner with the esteemed Franklin Performing Arts Company to continue to enrich the experiences of our performing arts students at Dean. Read on to learn more: https://t.co/esXXYZ2nvX https://t.co/K9Xntv5j6J
(https://x.com/DeanCollege/status/1894473540180529616?t=D04KQ-3g3PHyhwk3nn_zPg&s=03)

Raye Lynn talks about the FSPA 40th Anniversary & the FPAC season underway at THE BLACK BOX (audio)

FM #1308 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1308 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) and Artistic/Executive Director of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC). We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

 

Our conversation covers 

• 40th anniversary of Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

• Franklin Performing Arts Company’s new season

• Fundraising efforts (The Gala, Culinary Cabaret, Golf Tournament, etc.)

• The role of arts & culture in the Franklin economy

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1308-fspa-40th-the-black-box-season-10-23-24/

--------------

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) -> https://www.fspaonline.com/ 

Visit Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) online at -> https://fpaconline.com/ 

The audio recording mentions: 38 Years at 38 Main -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/raye-lynn-mercer-shares-some-stories-of.html 

Fun pathways with Raye Lynn & Susana Cordon -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/talking-about-fun-pathways-at-fspa-with.html

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Raye Lynn talks about the FSPA 40th Anniversary & the FPAC season underway at THE BLACK BOX (audio)

"How to Audition Workshop!" at FSPA on Sunday, Oct 6

Free "How to Audition Workshop!" 

 

"Join FSPA Director @rayelynnmercer this Sunday, October 6th for a How to Audition Workshop! #fspa #franklinschoolfortheperformingarts #franklinma #franklinmassachusetts"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DAlaBd2R9n_/

FSPA schedules Saturday music sessions

FSPA schedules Saturday music sessions

"Hey Franklin and local friends, if your kids are into music and looking to be taught, as well as be inspired, check out the flyers below.

As a season sponsor of FPAC, I am incredibly proud that they are expanding their youth offerings."

Ted Cormier-Leger, Realtor
Suburban Lifestyle Real Estate (Franklin)
617.686.1265

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C_gMRoeAeic/

Franklin School for the Performing Art's (FSPA) shares a new video touting the school (video)

Check out Franklin School for the Performing Art's (FSPA) new commercial! Created by John Fitzhenry (FSPA Class of 2024, Syracuse University Film Class of 2028)

Franklin School for the Performing Art's (FSPA)

NOW ENROLLING for our 2024-25 40th Anniversary School Year! Make FSPA your performing arts home! ALL students of the arts from 18 months to 18 years and beyond are welcome at 38 Main Street whether it be 1 day a week, or 6! The Franklin School for the Performing Arts provides high quality training in all facets of music, dance, and drama. We invite you to discover YOUR FSPA!

Visit us at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin, call 508-528-8668, or check out our website FSPAonline.com for more information!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FSPA (@fspaonline)

Open houses scheduled at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is excited to host a series of Open Houses for prospective students and families!

Invite a friend to stop by 38 Main Street to tour the facilities, speak with faculty, and explore all of the options FSPA has to offer!

• Tuesday, August 20
• Monday, August 26
• 10:00am-6:00pm

• Saturday, September 7
• 10:00am-2:00pm

Open houses scheduled at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts

For more info -> https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1783

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/UiFCcuTzWW6Vs1QC/

BalletFranklin Announces New Director - Russell Clarke

BalletFranklin, the ballet conservatory at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), is thrilled to announce Russell Clarke as their new Director. 

Clarke was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. He received his ballet training at the Royal Ballet School in London. During his time at the Royal Ballet School he performed with the Royal Ballet Company in productions that included The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Clarke joined Ballet Arizona in 2007 and performed principal roles in Don Quixote, Christopher Wheeldon’s Polyphonia, Twyla Tharp’s The Golden Section, George Balanchine’s Movements for Piano and Orchestra, La Valse, La Sonnambula, The Four Temperaments, and Ib Andersen’s Play, 1052, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mosaik, Symphonie Classique, and The Nutcracker. 

Russell Clarke

Clarke received critical acclaim for the role of the Poet in George Balanchine’s La Sonnambula and was praised by the New York Times for the role of Phlegmatic in Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments. Clarke originated a principal role in Andersen’s Diversions, which was seen on the Kennedy Center Stage in June 2010. In Clarke’s final season with Ballet Arizona he originated the principal role in Ib Andersen’s world premiere of Cinderella, which received critical acclaim. After retiring from Ballet Arizona, Clarke went on to direct the Community Dance Academy at Walnut Hill School for the Arts for four years. He is currently an Associate Professor at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Professor of Dance at Dean College. Clarke began teaching at FSPA in 2023. 

Current BalletFranklin Director Cheryl Madeux will assume the role of Artistic Advisor for the ballet conservatory program. Madeux received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. She has enjoyed a long professional career, dancing with such venerable companies as the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and principal dancer with the Hartford Ballet under the direction of Kirk Peterson. Madeux performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe and has been coached by such ballet luminaries as Igor Youskevitch and Eleanor D’Antuono. 

BalletFranklin is proud to incorporate American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum, a high-quality level-based program with age-appropriate technique backed by a comprehensive approach to child development and dancer health. Introduced in 2010 by Cheryl Madeux, who is currently an ABT examiner, the ballet conservatory at FSPA promotes a positive atmosphere of learning while challenging and preparing each student for their goals in the arts.

For more information, prospective students and families are encouraged to visit balletfranklin.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by the studios at FSPA. BalletFranklin is located at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts at 38 Main Street, Franklin MA.  Follow BalletFranklin on Instagram (@balletfranklin) and Facebook. 

FSPA Senior Showcase scheduled for June 11 at 6 PM

"Join us on June 11 at 6:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX to celebrate the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Class of 2024!

All are welcome!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ZB4TMtFjcKArqXuw/

FSPA Senior Showcase scheduled for June 11 at 6 PM

Children's Museum of Franklin mobilizes to visit FSPA Sunday, June 2

"We can’t wait to open full time in the downtown, but, in anticipation, join us for a family-friendly day in Franklin! We’re “popping-up” at @fspaonline on June 2.

You’re not going to want to miss this one - complimentary FSPA trial classes are available during the Mobile Museum event!"

 

Pre-registration required for time slots -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/events

 

 

Children's Museum of Franklin mobilizes to visit FSPA Sunday, June 2

Talking about the FPAC Golf Tournament and other fundraising with Arielle & Alan (audio)

FM #1212 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1212 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Alan Mercer, Operations Director of THE BLACK BOX, and Arielle Hardy, Director of Development for FPAC. We met to record this conversation in the Franklin TV Studios on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  

We talk about 

• FPAC golf event June 10

• Importance of fundraising to augment income

• Expansion of FPAC from a regional theater to include equity performers 

The conversation runs about 20 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Arielle and Alan. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1212-fpac-golf-outing-fundraising-05-16-24

--------------

FPAC Golf outing June 10 -> https://www.fpaconline.com/events.php?id=1747 

FPAC support options -> https://www.fpaconline.com/pages.php?pname=fpac_support_us 

THE BLACK BOX page  ->  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/ 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Talking about the FPAC Golf Tournament and other fundraising with Arielle & Alan (audio)