What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, October 19, 2025 ??

Sunday, October 19

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

8:00am Scary Scurry 5K and Fun Run (Children's Museum of Franklin 157 Cottage St)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

12:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

1:00pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Greenwich Bay Brass (free concert) (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 ??

Saturday, Oct 18

8:00am St. Mary Men's Faith Formation Group (St. Mary's Parish)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am NO KINGS Franklin (Franklin Village Plaza)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin Fire Headquarters)

10:30am Trunk or Treat (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

1:00pm Library "books by the bag" Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

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

7:30pm SHOW CANCELLED - Richard Shindell (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

7:30pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

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

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

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: Friday, October 17, 2025 ??

Friday, October 17

Library & Senior Center events

ECDC 3-year old placements available (Franklin ECDC - FX O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center)

8:00am Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Sheroes Luncheon (355 E Central St)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

1:00pm Library Book sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Cory Mc Lane (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

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

7:30pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA

** 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: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 ??

Wednesday, October 15

Library & Senior Center events

ECDC 3-year old placements available (Franklin ECDC - FX O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center)

Music Booster fund raiser (Panera Bread)

9:00am Ballot Tabulator Testing (Council Chambers) 

11:00am Franklin Q&A (in person & remote) (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

4:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

6:30pm Queer Book Club (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (hybrid) (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

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

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA

**  Town Meetings today   **

Franklin Q&A

Wednesday, October 15 Time: 11:00 AM

No posted agenda for this information sharing session, to participate remotely contact the Senior Center or use the form -> https://forms.gle/Q3i9SUGXzsDHoBvy7 

BOTH EDC & TC meetings have moved to next week, Oct 23

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, October 15 Time: 5:45 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1954 

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1953 

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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

FPAC’s Annie to feature Broadway Dog

When the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the beloved, family musical Annie this October 17-26 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA, young local actor Colette Lelievre will star opposite Bailey, a dog from Berloni Theatrical Animals who has years of professional acting credits. Bailey’s appearance as Sandy is brought to FPAC by the Parkman Family Foundation.

Bill Berloni was a 20-year-old apprentice at the Goodspeed Opera House when a producer offered him his big break: a chance to act professionally and gain his Equity Card. In return, all he had to do was find and train a dog to play Sandy in the original production of Annie. What Berloni didn’t know was that this was a bigger challenge than it seemed. 

Bailey

Animal performances in movies or television can be stitched together using different takes, different camera angles, even different animals. To perform in a featured role, an animal actor would have to be trained to ignore the distraction of the audience and respond to the same cues the same way night-after-night, just like his human counterparts. 

It had never been done before. Berloni found his dog at a local animal shelter – beginning his career-long commitment to using rescued animals. Through a combination of persistence, patience and trial-and-error, he developed his revolutionary humane training techniques – learning how to teach actors and animals alike to create a successful performance. Annie became a huge hit and Sandy became “the longest running dog on Broadway,” never missing a performance in more than seven years.

Since then, Berloni and his handlers have provided animals of all species and sizes, found in shelters, humane societies or rescue leagues, for Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, special events, the New York City Ballet, motion pictures, television and commercials. When their careers are over, the animals return to Berloni’s Connecticut farm. 

He is widely recognized as an expert in animal behavior and for his dedication to rescue work. In addition to his work as a trainer, Bill is currently behavior consultant to the Humane Society of New York. He has a BFA in theatre, and is a published author and actor.

Bailey, who will perform as Sandy with FPAC, was rescued by Bill Berloni from Puppy Love Rescue in Louisiana. He is a Poodle mixed with something large. His theater credits include Finding Neverland, the national tour of Peter Pan, Because of Winn Dixie at Goodspeed Musicals, and Annie at theaters all over the U.S. Joining Bailey for FPAC’s production is Berloni Animal Handler John Grimsley. Grimsley has been a dedicated member of the William Berloni Theatrical Animals team since 1979. His credits with Theatrical Animals include numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions such as Camelot, Alice in Wonderland, Annie Warbucks, Paper Doll, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Wizard of Oz, as well as 37 productions of Annie. He has also handled animals for television, film, commercials, and the Tony Awards.

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 Annie are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. 

Cast Announced for FPAC’s Annie

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present the beloved, family musical Annie October 17-26 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA. The production stars young local actor Colette Lelievre in the title role. Lelievre is a Bellingham, MA resident who attends Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School and the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

L to R: Colette Lelievre, Maria Sylvia Norris,
Nick Paone, Zoë Iacovelli

Joining Lelievre onstage are NYC’s Maria Sylvia Norris (Beetlejuice on tour) as Miss Hannigan, Robbie Rescigno as Rooster, and Ali Funkhouser as Lily St. Regis, as well as local FPAC favorites Nick Paone as Daddy Warbucks and Zoë Iacovelli as Grace Farrell. 

The cast features Bailey from Bill Berloni Theatrical Animals as Sandy. Bailey’s appearance as Sandy is brought to FPAC by the Parkman Family Foundation. The Orphans will be played by Kylie Adams, Tawny Adams, Katie Cornwell, Halley Henderson, Bella Pereira, Eliza Rodenhiser, Maja Thaker, Zoey Tucker, and Abby Winsor. 

The ensemble, comprised of NYC and Boston/Providence talent as well as collegiate actors from programs including Dean College, includes Melissa Baratta, Michael Baratta, Gia Mae Chessa, Charley Eastman, Andrew Scott Holmes, Conor Meehan, Emiliano Morales, Andy Saehan Shin, Kellie Stamp, Lindsay Tomas, Jason Robert Warner, and Isis Wilson. 

They will be joined by Student Apprentice Performers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Ani Corkran, Baree Frigon, Hailey Hulbig, Owen Charles, Ricky Fraser, Arabella Girouard, Penny Keenan, Suri Pahari, and Savannah Schlieman. 

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.” 

Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with Music Direction by Hallie Wetzell, the production  features choreography by Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge, KING KONG, Newsies, Matilda). 

Before Friday and Saturday evening performances of FPAC’s Annie, audiences have the option to step into Hannigan’s: a 1930s speakeasy. When an add-on ticket is purchased, patrons will be sent instructions to find and enter this secret establishment including the password. Inside, patrons will be greeted by the prohibition-era staff and enjoy drinks, snacks, and live music. Speakeasy admission is 21+. 

If patrons are attending the show with kids, they can follow Mr. Bundles to The Orphanage (the Orange Studio at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts) for supervised games and activities until 7:00pm. Only kids with a ticket to that night’s performance are permitted. The activities/supervision option is recommended for kids 12 and under, but all are welcome. The add-on ticket to this pre-show experience includes the password to Hannigan’s (it changes every night), an appetizer, soft drink, and reserved seating for the purchased ticket. Drinks and additional food will be available for purchase.

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 Annie are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. 

2025-26 Dean College Theatre and Dance Single ticket sales start on September 1st

Good evening all,

Regular Single Ticket sales start on September 1^st for all of the 2025-2026 Theatre and Dance Season shows at Dean College via online sales at www.dean.edu/boxoffice.  Single ticket types include Adult, Senior Citizen, Non-Dean Student, Dean Faculty/Staff, and Dean Students.

Here is a breakdown of the eight (four theatre and four dance) mainstage 25-26 season shows:

2025-2026 Performing Arts Season at Dean

The Wolves
Written by Sarah DeLappe
     October 15-19, 2025 - Main Stage

A contemporary play that follows the experiences of a high school girls' indoor soccer team. The drama unfolds entirely during their pre-game warm-ups as nine teenage girls navigate complex issues of adolescence, identity, and social dynamics. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.  (www.concordtheatricals.com).

Fall Dance Concert
     October 31-November 1, 2025 - Guidrey Center

This performance showcases student choreography, celebrating the creative voices of Dean's dance majors and demonstrating a range of choreographic perspectives

Cabaret
Book by Joe Masteroff; Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood; Music by John Kander; Lyrics by Fred Ebb
     November 12-16, 2025 - Main Stage
Daring, provocative, and exuberantly entertaining, this musical explores the dark and heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.  Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark (www.concordtheatricals.com).

Faculty Dance Works
     December 5-6, 2025 - Main Stage

Two energetic and exciting evenings of dance, featuring outstanding works conceived by the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance faculty and guest artists.

Much Ado About Nothing
Written by William Shakespeare
     February 18-22, 2026 - Main Stage
One of Shakespeare's last comedies, Much Ado About Nothing was first presented in 1598 and feels as contemporary as if it were written yesterday. The classic play is chock-full of surprises, laughs, relationships that feel familiar, and unforgettable characters navigating their way through impossible circumstances.

Choreographers' Concert
     February 27-28, 2026 - Main Stage

Dean student choreographers will have selected works showcased and adjudicated by renowned industry professionals in this two-night concert. Join us to enjoy the creative talents of emerging choreographers in a full production setting.  Friday evening's presentation will feature live commentary from guest artists following each work, while the program will be reprised as a regular concert on Saturday evening.

Please note: The performances may differ each night, so please ensure you attend the appropriate performance if you hope to see specific students.

The Prom
Book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin; Book by Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Based on an original concept by Jack Viertel; Original Broadway Production directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
     April 8-12, 2026 - Main Stage
In this comedic and heartwarming musical, four Broadway stars come together to support a high school girl in a small town who faces backlash from the school's PTA for wanting to attend prom with her girlfriend. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.  Presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized performance materials are supplied by, Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036 (www.theatricalrights.com).

Dance Company
     April 23-26, 2026 - Main Stage

Faculty and guest choreographers will showcase the impressive talent of Dean's dance majors through a variety of new and restaged dance works, featuring a diverse program of dance genres.

If there are any questions, please email Anna Proulx at aproulx@dean.edu.  Thank you.

	David Rowell (he/his/him)
	Associate Professor /      Program Coordinator – Arts Leadership
	508-541-1638 (office) | drowell@dean.edu | 850-443-5736 (cell)
		dean.edu

Franklin School for the Performing Arts Welcomes New Families for 2025-26

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is excited to welcome new families to begin their performing arts journeys at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin, MA for the 2025-26 School Year.  

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA is a unique place where students of all ages and levels of ability participate in an array of music, dance, and drama programs with professional instruction and extraordinary performing opportunities. FSPA believes that an education in the performing arts, whether or not pursued for a professional career, provides young people with lasting life skills. 

Franklin School for the Performing Arts Welcomes New Families for 2025-26

Students of the arts develop personal attributes including focus, discipline, self-esteem, and an understanding of teamwork. Superior communication and social skills become strengths of students who pursue music, dance, and drama. Conservatory and career bound students, as well as those who attend classes for fun, gain a sense of accomplishment and the confidence they need to succeed in all endeavors. 

The FSPA School of Music features an impressive faculty of Boston area professionals. Student musicians are trained through private lessons, group classes, ensembles, and recital opportunities. A student can begin as a toddler in Little Music School and graduate with Senior Recital Honors, or simply enjoy lessons for fun. FSPA’s Voice Program is committed to nurturing three pillars of vocal success: confidence, technique, and musicality. Voice students develop healthy technique, gain critical knowledge to strengthen musicality, and build stylistic skills within a varied repertoire of vocal genres.

The program fosters a lifelong love of using one's voice and builds the professional singers, choirs, and audiences of tomorrow. The FSPA School of Music offers private lessons in all instruments. Opportunities for instrumental study abound at FSPA, with studio instruction available on piano, drums, bass, guitar, ukulele, woodwinds, strings, and brass for children and adults. Collaborative small ensemble coaching, theory, chamber music, and ear training classes round out the extensive music program. Unique to FSPA, Little Music School teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano, engaging them from the earliest age in the joys of music-making and exploration of the arts.  

At the FSPA School of Dance, students dance for the art, not the trophy. FSPA believes in fostering a love for dance through artistic expression and breathtaking performances without the burden of expensive, time-consuming competitions, offering a community where creativity thrives, performances shine, and the joy of dancing takes center stage. Classes for all ages and levels are offered in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern/Contemporary, Dance for Musical Theater, and Commercial Pro Dance. The School of Dance faculty focuses on what truly matters: students’ growth as dancers and artists. With fewer travel expenses and no pressure to compete, dancers flourish in a positive, supportive environment.  

The FSPA School of Drama offers a rare opportunity to pursue Musical Theater at the highest level. With professional training in the three schools of Music, Dance, and Drama as well as extraordinary performance opportunities, FSPA’s Musical Theater program instills a lifelong love of Musical Theater, while carrying those who choose to pursue it professionally to Broadway and beyond. From the basic elements of pantomime and role playing, to character development and scene study, Acting students are introduced to the fun and work involved in theater. The FSPA School of Drama strives to build great artists while teaching students to work together and think creatively. 

Interested students and families are invited to stop by 38 Main Street to tour the facility, speak with faculty, and learn more about all FSPA has to offer. Additionally, families may call 508-528-8668 to speak with FSPA’s staff or email reception@FSPAonline.com. 

FSPA is excited to launch a new and improved FSPAonline.com in September.  

FPAC Audition Alert: Auditions for Non-Equity Local Adults

Audition Alert: Auditions for Non-Equity Local Adults for Annie & Peter and the Starcatcher will be held by appointment on Thursday, September 4th from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX.

FPAC Audition Alert: Auditions for Non-Equity Local Adults

Sign up at FPAConline.com/auditions. Additionally, non-AEA actors may be seen, time-permitting, at our Full Season EPAs (8/27 NYC, 9/5 Franklin).

Please bring a headshot/resume.

FOR ANNIE:
Prepare 16-32 bars in the stye of the show. Please bring sheet music. Accompanist provided.

FOR PETER AND THE STARCATCHER:
Please prepare a brief monologue OR you may read from sides provided at the audition.

*If auditioning for both shows please sign up for 2 slots in the same 10 minute time frame (by using the quantity drop down feature.)

If this option is not available, please email FPACcasting@gmail.com. 

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