Dean College Announces 2026–2027 Performing Arts Season

Dean College proudly announces its 2026–2027 performing arts season, featuring theatre and dance productions performed by Dean students and brought to life in collaboration with accomplished faculty, guest artists, choreographers and directors. Running from October through May, the season includes four mainstage theatre productions, four major dance concerts and four student showcase productions.

“This season gives our students opportunities to explore ambitious works, develop their individual artistic voices and share their talents with the wider community,” said Stephen Ursprung, Dean of the Schools of Performing Arts. “From contemporary musicals and thought-provoking plays to original student and faculty choreography, each production reflects the creativity, collaboration and professional preparation at the heart of Dean’s performing arts programs.

This season also arrives at a meaningful moment, as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. While not every production speaks directly to patriotism, the season as a whole is shaped around the question of what it means to be American: how we exist in community with one another, how we face challenges as a society, and how we embody ingenuity, collaboration and resilience in the face of adversity.   

Regularly priced tickets range from $12 to $22 per show. Full-season ticket packages offer a 25 percent discount off the regular single-ticket prices. The Full Season Package (eight performances) is $132 for the general public and $72 for senior citizens and non-Dean students. All shows for Dean students are $5.  

The Theatre Series Package (four performances – “The Skin of Our Teeth,” “Urinetown,” “August: Osage County,” and “9 to 5”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students.  

The Dance Series Package (four performances – “Fall Dance Concert,” “Faculty Dance Works,” “Choreographers’ Concert,” and “Dance Company”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students.  

Ticket packages are now available online at www.dean.edu/performance. Individual show tickets will be available beginning September 8.  

Continue reading the press release which includes additional details on each performance

https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-announces-2026-2027-performing-arts-season/

FPAC Hosts Cabaret Starring Singers from the Stages of Boston, Providence, and Beyond - Saturday, August 15

(photo credit: Paul Vicario)

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will host A Starry Night: A Cabaret on Saturday, August 15th, 2026 featuring singers from the stages of Boston, Providence, and beyond. FPAC, Franklin’s own Actors’ Equity Professional Theater, is thrilled to welcome talented singers from the area’s robust theater scene to THE BLACK BOX stage for an evening of great music. 

Hosted by Ali Funkhouser,  the evening will feature Molly Dupre, Jessica Graves, Nicole Franklin Kelley, Brandon Lee, Hailey Madison, Isabel Molettieri, Ellen Scarano, Marielle Sciore, Ali Stanglewicz, Cole Stanley, Leah Steinman, and Olivia Valianti with a special appearance by some of FPAC’s Student Apprentices.  

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local performers, and emerging artists. The upcoming 2026-27 season will feature Disney’s Frozen, POTUS, ‘night, Mother, The Secret Garden, and Once Upon a Mattress. 

Tickets for A Starry Night are available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com  or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Franklin Performing Arts Company seeking applicants for a part-time Fundraiser position !!!

For more about FPAC, please visit their page - https://fpaconline.com/about/

For more about this role and the requirements/position description, please visit the Instagram post    https://www.instagram.com/p/DbohzeDG6Ok/

Franklin Performing Arts Comppany announces their 2026-27 Season

For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm: Disney’s Frozen directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer with choreography by Chaz Wolcott (Newsies, So You Think You Can Dance, CATS)!

FPAC presents the hilarious adult comedy “POTUS Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive” directed by Ali Funkhouser.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, FPAC presents the two-person drama ’Night, Mother directed by Nick Paone. 

The Secret Garden is a compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal directed by Raye Lynn Mercer and Ali Funkhouser.

Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, Once Upon a Mattress is a rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea provides some side-splitting shenanigans. Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with choreography by Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson! 

Mark your calendar for these events! Tickets will be available at theblackboxonline.com/ or fpaconline.com/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 7 2026 ???

Sunday, June 7

8:00am PMC Kids Ride (Washington St School)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm ONCE (THE BLACK BOX)

6:30pm T.3 in Concert (THE BLACK BOX)

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Reminder: The FPAC Golf Tournament, golf to help an artistic & charitable cause

"The FPAC Golf Tournament is coming up fast. We are very excited to make this year’s tourney bigger and better.

Take a day off work for a charitable cause, and test your skills in 18 holes of golf at the New England Country Club! Compete with friends, family, and co-workers for on-course hole contests (50/50 Hole, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive) and raffle prizes!

The FPAC Golf Tournament, golf to help an artistic & charitable cause

Golf proceeds support FPAC programming and THE BLACK BOX while encouraging the development of emerging artists. FPAC’s fundraising events help bring world-class talent to perform in downtown Franklin, amplifying the cultural fabric of MetroWest Boston.

For additional info and to register - https://fpaconline.com/golf-tournament/"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, May 23, 2026 ???

Saturday, May 23

9:00am Thrifty Threads - closed 5/23/26 (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:30pm The Curious Case of Cottingley Fairies (Franklin High School)

3:00pm     Melodious Zach: An Elton John Experience (Franklin Public Library)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

For Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

***  NO  Town Meetings today   ***

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

FHS Theatre Company performs "The Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies"

Tickets are available via GoFan for Friday, May 22 or Saturday, May 23

Ticket link  - https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14576

Shared from https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhdrATgIMs/

FHS Theater Co to perform "Curious Case of Cottingly Fairies" on Fri/Sat, May 22, May 23

FHS Theater Co to perform "The Curious Case of Cottingly Fairies" on Fri/Sat, May 22, May 23

Shared from https://www.instagram.com/p/DYfQI4lFdkm/

 

The FPAC Golf Tournament, golf to help an artistic & charitable cause

The FPAC Golf Tournament is coming up fast. We are very excited to make this year’s tourney bigger and better.

Take a day off work for a charitable cause, and test your skills in 18 holes of golf at the New England Country Club! Compete with friends, family, and co-workers for on-course hole contests (50/50 Hole, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive) and raffle prizes!

The FPAC Golf Tournament, golf to help an artistic & charitable cause

Golf proceeds support FPAC programming and THE BLACK BOX while encouraging the development of emerging artists. FPAC’s fundraising events help bring world-class talent to perform in downtown Franklin, amplifying the cultural fabric of MetroWest Boston.

For additional info and to register - https://fpaconline.com/golf-tournament/

TC Drama invites you to join them for their production of “Murder on the 518” May 8 & May 9

'TC Drama invites you to join them for their production of “Murder on the 518” by Michelle Giles! 

TC Drama invites you to join them for their production
of “Murder on the 518” May 8 & May 9

Come ride the rails to Los Angeles with a cast full of unforgettable characters — newlyweds, a free‑spirited musician, a Hollywood star, and… a murderer 

This train has everything — except maybe a safe arrival.

Show Dates: 

• Friday, May 8th at 7 PM
• Saturday, May 9th at 7 PM

Tickets: $5 cash at the door

Grab your seat, bring your curiosity, and get ready for a thrilling ride.

We hope to see you there!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DX6rlTnDum9/

"Give My Regards to Franklin: A Cabaret" scheduled for May 9 at 8 PM

"Give My Regards to Franklin: A Cabaret"
scheduled for May 9 at 8 PM

"On May 9th at 8:00 PM, FPAC presents Give My Regards to Franklin: A Cabaret featuring singers from the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)! 

FPAC, Franklin’s own Actors’ Equity Professional Theater, is thrilled to welcome back talented singers from their past productions to THE BLACK BOX stage for a fun evening of music. 

Tickets available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DXe0SbVEs4h/

Franklin High School Theater Company presents "The Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies" - May 22 - 23

via FHSTC

Have you ever seen a fairy before?

It’s official… Franklin High School Theater Company presents The Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies directed by Riley MacDonald this May 22nd & 23rd!

Based on a true event, this play follows the story of two cousins, Lilli Barnes and Mabel Hallam, who supposedly captured photographs of fairies during the grim time of World War I. Their photos quickly took over the world, capturing the attentions of reporters, spiritualists, and professors everywhere. 

Join us this May in the FHS Auditorium to watch as the imaginative world of these girls comes to life, as well as how quickly this crazy story of theirs spirals out of control.

Keep an eye out on all of our socials for more information regarding tickets and updates on the show!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DXQFRbVGaGX/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 11, 2026 ???

Saturday, April 11

9:00am Electronics Recycling Event (St. Mary's Parish School Parking Lot)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am    Volunteer Income Tax Preparation with VITA (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am    Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Craftalong for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm The Prom (ticketed) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm The Prom (ticketed) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm Vance Gilbert (ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

*** NO  Town Meetings today   ***

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, March 15, 2026 ???

Sunday, March 15

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club) 

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Into the Woods (THE BLACK BOX)

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

-----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, March 14, 2026 ???

Saturday, March 14

9:00am    Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am    Volunteer Income Tax Preparation with VITA  (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am Rotary St Patrick's Luncheon (Central Park Terrace)

10:30am    Democratic Caucus        (Franklin TV Studio)

10:30am    Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

11:30am    Craftalong for Adults (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm    Irish Harp Orchestra Concert (Franklin Public Library)

7:30pm    Into the Woods (THE BLACK BOX)

8:00pm    Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

9:00pm    South Street Six (live music) (Victory Lane Bar and Grille, Millis)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

-----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Cast Announced for FPAC’s performance of "Into the Woods"

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s timeless, yet relevant, Into the Woods March 14-22 at THE BLACK BOX! Directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer. The production will feel immersive with the audience seated throughout the theater space and actors traveling on paths amongst them. 

Cast Announced for FPAC’s performance of "Into the Woods"

The cast will star Broadway’s Liam Fennecken (Chicago) as the Baker with FPAC’s Kellie Stamp as The Baker’s Wife and Hallie Wetzell as The Witch. They are joined by NYC’s Miracle Myles (Hadestown Tour) as Jack, Ali Funkhouser as Cinderella, Robbie Rescigno as Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf, Paul Rescigno as Rapunzel’s Prince, and Boston’s Anissa Perona as Rapunzel.

The cast also features FPAC’s Nick Paone as the Narrator/Mysterious Man, Kim Frigon as Jack’s Mother, Zoë Iacovelli as Cinderella’s Stepmother, Liz Ayres-Kerr as Cinderella’s Mother, Timothy Ayres-Kerr as Cinderella’s Father, Melissa Baratta as Granny, and Charley Eastman as the Steward. 

Dean College Musical Theater students Isis Wilson and Emily Marino will appear as Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. The cast is rounded out with FPAC Student Apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Aida DiChiara as Little Red, Hailey Hulbig as Florinda, Baree Frigon as Lucinda, and Matthew Packard as Milky White (featuring Puppet Design by Molly Jae Chase). 

The story follows a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. 

Content Advisory: Into the Woods contains some violence, death, and darker themes that may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly young children in Act 2. The musical adaptation of the classic fairy tales includes a “darker” and less “happy ending” focused story than traditional fairy tales. 

Matinee performances will feature an “Act 1 Only” option for kids with activities/supervision provided next door at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts during Act 2.

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local performers, and emerging artists.

Tickets for Into the Woods are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. 

Charter School to perform High School Musical 3/6 (1 show) & 3/7 (2 shows)

Charter School to perform High School
Musical 3/6 (1 show) & 3/7 (2 shows)

WELCOME TO TECH WEEK and please join us for one of three shows this weekend!

There's still time to order well wishes to the cast and crew, place business ad or order tickets in advance!

Three shows this weekend. We hope you'll join us!

Tickets - https://www.bfccps.org/apps/s/?s=12777

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, February 27, 2026 ???

Friday, February 27

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

7:00pm FHSTC performs "Animal Farm" (Franklin High School)

7:30pm Choreographers' Concert (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

-----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar