Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, April 10, 2025
2 performances of the Disney Showcase scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at THE BLACK BOX
Sunday, March 9, 2025
FPAC Announces Cast for Mel Brooks’ The Producers
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(L-R) Nick Paone, Paul Rescigno, Katie Mariko Murray |
Saturday, March 1, 2025
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."
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Dean College Announces Partnership with the Award-Winning Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)
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Dean College Announces Partnership with FPAC |
- 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.
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.
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)
Friday, November 8, 2024
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/
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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
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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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Thursday, October 3, 2024
"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"
Thursday, September 5, 2024
FSPA schedules Saturday music sessions
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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
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Franklin School for the Performing Art's (FSPA) shares a new video touting the school (video)
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!
Friday, August 16, 2024
Open houses scheduled at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts
- Tuesday, August 20
- Monday, August 26
- 10:00am-6:00pm
- Saturday, September 7
- 10:00am-2:00pm
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Open houses scheduled at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts |
Thursday, June 20, 2024
BalletFranklin Announces New Director - Russell Clarke
Sunday, June 2, 2024
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/
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FSPA Senior Showcase scheduled for June 11 at 6 PM |
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
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!"
Sunday, May 26, 2024
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
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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"