Franklin Cultural Council Seeking High School And College Performers For "Art In Motion Live Art Event"

The Franklin Cultural Council is holding open video auditions for a Live Art Event during their ArtWeek Art in Motion Exhibition at the Franklin Public Library. The juried exhibition will showcase paintings and drawings of figures in motion. 

The kick off to the Art in Motion Exhibition will be the Live Art Event on April 28 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, during which the public can watch exhibition artists paint and draw live performers as they are performing. The FCC is seeking groups of high school and college dancers, musicians and actors to perform fifteen minute segments during the event. 

There is no fee to participate, and performers will be featured in press releases and on social media. A short application form and one to five minute video audition is all that is required to apply. 

High School And College Performers
For "Art In Motion Live Art Event"

Applications are due March 1, and can be found online at http://bit.ly/ArtinMotion_performer. 

Detailed information and application requirements can be found at http://bit.ly/ArtinMotion_details.


The Art in Motion Exhibition is part of ArtWeek, a statewide art festival April 27-May 6, 2018, that is being sponsored in Franklin by the Franklin Cultural Council. Dozens of arts, cultural and culinary events will be held in Franklin during ArtWeek. More information on ArtWeek can be found at www.artweekma.org.

Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for “A Pirate’s Life for Me”

The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of “A Pirate’s Life for Me” to be held at the Horace Mann Middle School located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Performances will be held on Friday, March 2 from 7–9:30 PM and Saturday, March 3 from 2–4:30 PM. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show! Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $13 senior citizens and children under ten.

Tickets will be sold at the door or an order form will be available for download at
www.bfccps.org.

Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter
Public School for “A Pirate’s Life for Me”

Aristocrat Roger Goodman has his heart set on a conventional life married to the wealthy Sarah Huffington and living happily ever after. That is, until he finds out she thinks he’s boring and would rather marry a brave and adventurous pirate! Determined to prove himself to his beloved, Roger hires Long John Silver to tutor him and his newly recruited motley crew in the field of piracy.

The production is under the direction of BFCCPS’s Fine and Performing Arts Director Mr.
Christopher Heater, with a cast comprised of 37 students in grades Six through Eight. The cast is supported by a live orchestra and a dedicated 8 member backstage student crew.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and
provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child.
BFCCPS’s educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education,
integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has led to local, state and national recognition.

If you’d like learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school’s Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at
jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

FPAC presents Noises Off - Jan 19, 20, 21

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the hysterical farce, Noises Off, at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

Directed by Nick Paone, the comedy hit runs this weekend only, with performances on Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, January 21 at 2 p.m.

Michael Frayn’s Noises Off takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss, and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This play-within-a-play captures a touring theatre troupe’s production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, the opening show, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run. 

Frayne gives us a window into the inner workings of theatre behind the scenes, progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a delightful backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, falling trousers, and – of course – flying sardines.

Tickets are $26, with general seating. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Noises Off is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

FPAC presents Noises Off - Jan 19, 20, 21

Dean College Presents: "Twelfth Night" - February 21-25, 2018

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform Twelfth Night, beginning Wednesday, February 21 through Sunday, February 25, 2018.

Twelfth Night, or What You Will is a comedy set at the Hotel de Illyria on the French Riviera. The play centers on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola, disguised as a boy, falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with the Countess Olivia. Throw into this mix a cast of characters, which include Sir Toby Belch, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Feste the Fool, the lusty Maria, and taciturn Malvolio, and you have a riotous tale of mistaken gender and love triumphant on the Côte d’Azur of the Roaring 20’s.

The Dean College production of Twelfth Night will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

Dean College Presents: "Twelfth Night" - February 21-25, 2018

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.

Noises Off Highlights January Events At THE BLACK BOX

The comedy hit Noises Off highlights a full lineup of music and theatrical entertainment at THE BLACK BOX to kick off the New Year this January. A suburban hub for great music and the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

Electric Youth 2018, the international touring ensemble of talented young singer-dancers, debuts at THE BLACK BOX on Friday, January 5, with two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Offering family entertainment for all ages, the group is backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians who have performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, The Temptations and more. Electric Youth presents fully choreographed, high-energy music, including pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits. Tickets are $26. Reservations for tables of 6 or more are available. Call (508) 528-3370 for table reservations after the group’s tickets have been purchased.

FPAC launches the 2018 Family Concert Series on January 7, at 1 p.m. with a program of Sunday Afternoon Blues, featuring Mark Poniatowski on bass, Sonya Rae Taylor on guitar/vocals, Joe Bargar on keys/vocals, Ed Scheer on drums/vocals and Bobby Gus on guitar. Showcasing talented, professional musicians in an engaging and entertaining format, Family Concert Series events are presented free to the community and are especially geared to children. Sponsored by Berry Insurance, the concerts provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. The 2018 Family Concert Series continues next month with the New England Percussion Ensemble on February 4.

BLACK BOX Jazz presents the Tim Ray Trio at 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 13. The ensemble features pianist Tim Ray, drummer Mark Walker and bassist John Lockwood. Perhaps best known as long-time pianist for Lyle Lovett, Tim Ray has appeared on over 70 recordings to date and is currently on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music. He has performed with pop music icons including Aretha Franklin and Bonnie Raitt, and with leading jazz figures such as Gary Burton, Esperanza Spalding, Lewis Nash and Rufus Reid. 

BLACK BOX Jazz presents the Tim Ray Trio at 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 13

Classical credits include concerts with Gunther Schuller, the Boston Pops, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and the Boston Classical Orchestra. The trio first played together backing alto great Greg Abate, including on Abate’s Kindred Spirits: Live at Chan’s album with the legendary Phil Woods. In 2016 Tim Ray released the jazz trio recording, Windows, featuring Lockwood and Walker. The CD showcases well-known songs penned by Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock and Horace Silver, as well as Lockwood’s composition “12 by 7,” Ray’s originals “DE-Train” and “Joy,” and his innovative arrangements of Ellington’s “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” Monk’s “Monk’s Dream” and Chick Corea’s “Windows.” Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the hysterical farce, Noises Off, on January 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and on January 21 at 2 p.m. Michael Frayn’s Noises Off takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This play-within-a-play captures a touring theatre troupe’s production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, the opening show, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run. Frayne gives us a window into the inner workings of theatre behind the scenes, progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a delightful backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, falling trousers, and – of course – flying sardines. Tickets are $26, with general seating.

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents violinist Irina Fainkichen and pianist Irina Kotlyar on Sunday, January 28, at 4 p.m. The program will include Beethoven’s Sonata No. 5 and selections by Tchaikovsky, Chausson and Piazolla. Tea service will be available in the lobby. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina Fainkichen is a member of Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, assistant concertmaster of Brockton Symphony Orchestra, and co-founder of “Flying Hearts” duo, which performs in a number of musical genres including jazz, Klezmer and classic American tunes. Born in Ukraine, Irina Kotlyar received degrees from the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, Israel. With Gregory Shifrin, the Kotlyar-Shifrin Piano Duo has won several international prizes and awards and has performed throughout Israel, Europe and America. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, with an additional $5 for the optional tea service.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Spamalot at THE BLACK BOX - 3 shows - Oct 27, 28, 29

Friday, Oct. 27, 7:30 PM

Saturday, Oct. 28, 7:30 PM

Sunday, Oct. 29, 2:00 PM

THE BLACK BOX

Monty Python's Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. Inspired by the classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical also diverts a bit from more traditional versions of the legend. Instead, Spamalot features shennanigans including a line of beautiful dancing girls, a flatulent Frenchmen and killer rabbits. Outside, there is plague with a 50% chance of pestilence and famine. 

Throughout the show, Arthur, traveling with his servant Patsy, recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad. Besides the rabbits and farting Frenchman, they meet such characters as the Lady of the Lake, Prince Herbert, Tim the Enchanter, Not Dead Fred, the Black Knight and the Knights who say Ni. 

The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” and received 14 Tony Award nominations.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

 

Spamalot at THE BLACK BOX - 3 shows - Oct 27, 28, 29

Paige Martins, NYC Vocalist. To Lead Monty Python’s Spamalot At THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Monty Python’s Spamalot on October 21-22 and 27-29. The production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

A hilarious retelling of the legendary tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, the musical parody is inspired by the 1975 classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and likewise diverts from more traditional versions of the legend. Monty Python’s Spamalot features irreverent shenanigans including a bevy of beautiful showgirls, a flatulent Frenchman, and killer rabbits. Outside there is plague with a 50 percent chance of pestilence and famine. 

Throughout the show, Arthur, traveling with his servant, Patsy, recruits several knights, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Galahad, to accompany him on his quest. They meet such memorable characters as the Lady of the Lake, Prince Herbert, Tim the Enchanter, and Not Dead Fred. With book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by Idle and John Du Prez, the 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, after receiving 14 Tony Award nominations.

Paige Martins of New York City leads the cast as the Lady of the Lake. Martins is an alumna of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and toured Europe as a member of Electric Youth. With a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Miami, her vocal versatility and expertise in a wide range of styles has been showcased in venues worldwide from the Ariston Theatre in Italy to the exclusive Schönbrunn Palace in Austria. 

For the past three years, Paige has traveled to more than 50 countries performing with a variety of bands and captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals. With FPAC, Paige has been seen in Footloose (Ariel Moore), ’Tis the Season! (Featured Vocalist), and The Sound of Music. 

The talented cast of area performers in Monty Python’s Spamalot includes Greg Leach (King Arthur), Nick Paone (Sir Lancelot), Peter Wyner (Sir Bedevere), Jim Braunstein (Sir Galahad), and Jason Barney (Patsy) of Franklin and Griffin Wilkins (Sir Robin) of Walpole. Nick Paone and Raye Lynn Mercer direct the production, with choreography by Mercer, Casey Harkness Andrade and Kellie Stamp. 

The show features a professional orchestra conducted by FPAC Musical Director Hallie Wetzell of Franklin. The show’s lighting design, by Franklin’s Nathaniel Packard, includes the iconic Monty Python animated projections. Original costumes for the FPAC production are designed by Merrie Whitney of Franklin.

Show times are October 21, 27, and 28 at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on October 22 and 29. Tickets are $34. Monty Python’s Spamalot is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, New York. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

NYC Vocalist To Lead Monty Python’s Spamalot At THE BLACK BOX

Franklin School For The Performing Arts Celebrates Fall Expansion

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will expand this fall to assume the entire building of the Felix Cataldo Block in downtown Franklin. The renovation will connect all areas of the existing FSPA facility and provide spacious new dance and music studios, and a first floor waiting area for students and families. The expansion will also create and house Intermission, a new downtown cafe available to the FSPA community and open to the public.

“It will be exciting for FSPA to occupy the entire Cataldo Block and to have easy access throughout the building to all of our studios, offices, The Spotlight Shop, and the new Intermission café,” noted Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA founder and director. “We look forward to FSPA’s updated presence in the downtown and the opportunity to provide a destination at Intermission where the public is invited to enjoy a menu of drinks and snacks in a space with an eclectic, artsy ambiance. Happily our beautiful old buidling is getting a facelift as we expand our performing arts campus.”

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA is dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, teaching children as young as 18 months to play the piano, as well as the FSPA Ballet Conservatory with pre-professional training for young dancers. 

An extensive calendar of performing opportunities features all-student musicals, plays, ballets, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, dance and musical theater showcases, and more. Student ensembles include dance companies, glee club and musical theater troupes, as well as the international touring ensemble Electric Youth, featuring students trained at the school. Many FSPA students are also cast, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. FSPA TALENT offers management services for young performers who elect to pursue professional opportunities.

The added space at 38 Main now allows FSPA to offer more classes at optimum times during the week and to build upon several innovative programs launched over the past few years. FSPA Academy, introduced last fall, provides an academic alternative for students seeking a challenging curriculum in a supportive, flexible environment that encourages their creative goals. Provided Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in collaboration with TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School (TECCA), the FSPA Academy delivers TECCA’s state-approved online curriculum and features an enhanced emphasis on arts, language and culture, including Music Theory, foreign language conversation classes, cultural field trips and more. 

In addition, an FSPA AfterSchool enrichment program offers supervised recreational experiences, including games, crafts and other creative arts activities, for students in grades K-5. The program begins at the close of the regular school day, with transportation available from Franklin and Medway schools and supervised transition back and forth to FSPA for performing arts classes.

“As we begin our 33rd season, we look forward to welcoming new students and families to FSPA for fun and recreation or for preparation for college and career,” said Mercer. “With the renovation and expansion, it will certainly be a very exciting back-to-school season for our faculty, staff, student families, and our entire community!”

FSPA will host Open Houses on Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 19 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. An early October grand opening is slated for Intermission.

Fall classes begin on September 11, with ongoing registration for all programs. Call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information, including a catalog and class schedule.

Franklin School For The Performing Arts  Celebrates Fall Expansion

3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Saturday - July 29 - Closing Day

3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival

Performance Schedule

Saturday, July 29

At THE BLACK BOX

The Franklin Art Association will display works of local artists in the lobby of THE BLACK BOX.   The detailed schedule of performances looks like this:

	Festival Stage (inside)	Circle of Friends Stage (outside, under the tent)
	Set up
12:00 - 12:30 PM	Heath Nisbett	Set up
12:30 - 1:30 PM	Set up	Michele Kelly
1:30 - 2:00 PM	Emma Newton	Set up
2:00 - 3:00 PM	Set up	Jamie Barrett
3:00 - 3:30 PM	Universal Singers	Set up
3:30 - 4:30 PM	Set up	Stefilia's Stone
4:30 - 5:00 PM	Ann Sears	Set up
5:00 - 6:00 PM	Set up	Jim Henry
6:00 - 6:30 PM	Kaye Kelly	Set up
6:30 - 8:00 PM	Set up	Victims of Gravity
8:00 PM	FPAC performs a “24 Hour Play”

Bring your beach blanket and chairs for the 'Franklin lawn' in THE BLACK BOX parking lot (seating limited under the tent, first come first serve).

For updates to the schedule, follow @artshappenhere

Franklin restaurants will offer samples of their best for sale under the tent during the afternoon

All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival. 

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29.  The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices! 
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/07/stop-by-rome-for-festival-fettucini.html


If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://buff.ly/2tUhSCL or follow the Festival on Twitter http://buff.ly/2tqlid1

To help financially support the Festival please visit: http://buff.ly/2tqGcZh.

The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing


You can also download and print a copy of the Saturday schedule here
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10DSpiywIulafMNpPpj5a1ajiY_Gk-jBVXlH15dMS7f4/edit?usp=sharing

Day 3 Schedule - 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Friday, July 28

*** FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
FPS Student Music Concert Band, Orchestra, Chorus students

*** FRANKLIN TOWN COMMON

12:00 to 6:00: Farmers’ Market
3:00 to 4:30: Attleboro School of Rock Show Team (CANCELED)
5:00 to 6:00: Let’s Laugh Today - Laughter Yoga
6:30 to 8:00: Kevin Wolfe (music performance)
8:00 to 9:30? FPAC performs "The Mikado"

3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival Schedule: Friday, July 28, 2017

* note the schedule is subject to change
If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ or follow the Festival on Twitter https://twitter.com/artshappenhere
 


All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival. 

"Festival Fettucini" is the Rome's standard Fettucini Alfredo
with mushrooms added, quite a healthy portion and delicious!

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29.  The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices! 
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/07/stop-by-rome-for-festival-fettucini.html

To help financially support the Festival please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/FCF2017. 

The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing

The Mikado Highlights FPAC’S 10th Anniversary Whatever Theater Festival

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents The Mikado at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28 on Franklin Town Common. The popular comic opera, with music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W.S. Gilbert, was first performed in 1885 and is their ninth of 14 operatic collaborations. With sharp wit and timeless music, the legendary classic satirizes British society and bureaucracy, its politics and institutions.  

The Mikado will be featured as part of the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place July 26-30 at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District. Events are offered to the public free of charge.

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)

FPAC will also present a 24 Hour Play production on Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For this theatrical experience, the cast will create, stage, and perform an original show in 24 hours. Rehearsal will begin at 10 p.m. on July 28th, following the final performance of The Mikado. There are no auditions to participate; please call (508) 528-3370 to sign up.

FPAC presents The Mikado and the 24 Hour Play as part of the company’s 10th anniversary Whatever Theater Festival, featured this summer within the Franklin Cultural Festival. Conceived and directed by Nick Paone, the Whatever Theater Festival brings together professional artists, FPAC alumni, students, and community performers in a collaborative theatrical experience that showcases an exciting range of dramatic and comedic works. 

FPAC’s 2017 Whatever Theater Festival is sponsored in part by grants from Foxborough, Norfolk, North Attleborough, and Wrentham Cultural Councils, local agencies that are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com.

FSPA All Access Pass For Prospective Students To Feature Complimentary Spring Concert Tickets And May Open Houses

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is pleased to provide prospective students with complimentary tickets to FSPA Spring Concert performances as part of the school’s All Access Pass program. Families are invited to learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama. 

The Spring Concert shows provide a dynamic way to experience what the school has to offer across many dance disciplines, voice, acting, instrumental music, and musical theater programming. Spring Concert performances will be presented on Saturday, May 20 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 21 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. at the Franklin High School Auditorium, located at 218 Oak Street. Featuring FSPA students of many ages and levels, Spring Concert is presented in an audience-friendly, 90-minute format.

FSPA will also host spring Open Houses on Tuesday, May 9 and Wednesday, May 24 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) - annual Spring Concert - May 20 and May 21

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. 

FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, an innovative program that teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano. An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features musicals, plays, ballets, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater and dance company showcases, and more. Many FSPA students are also cast, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. FSPA TALENT offers management services for young performers who elect to pursue professional opportunities.

FSPA is also pleased to offer FSPA Academy, an academic alternative for students seeking a challenging curriculum in a supportive, flexible environment that encourages their creative goals. Provided Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in collaboration with the Massachusetts Virtual Academy (MAVA), the program builds upon MAVA’s state-approved online curriculum and features an enhanced emphasis on arts, language, and culture, including Music Theory, foreign language conversation classes, field trips and more. 

In addition, a new FSPA AfterSchool enrichment program offers supervised recreational experiences, including games, crafts and other creative arts activities, for students in grades K-5. The program begins at the close of the regular school day, with transportation available from Franklin and Medway schools.

Prospective students and families should call FSPA at 508-528-8668 to reserve their complimentary tickets and schedule a trial class or tour of the facilities. Classes continue at FSPA through June 19 and the summer session begins on June 26. Registration for summer and fall is ongoing. Visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information, including the FSPA catalogue, summer brochure and fall class schedule.

Dean College: "Five Women Wearing the Same Dress"

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, beginning Thursday, April 20 through Sunday, April 23, 2017.

During an “over-the-top” wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings below. As the afternoon wears on, these five very different women joyously discover a common bond in this wickedly funny, irreverent and touching celebration of the women’s spirit.

You won’t want to miss our talented students perform!

The Dean College production of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress will take place in the PAS Stage located on School Street in Franklin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

Dean College boxoffice

Reminder: Cultural Festival Application Deadline Extended to March 17

The deadline has been extended to March 17! Maybe the luck of the Irish are in your favor ... submit your application today!

 
The Franklin Cultural District Festival Committee is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, 2017. 

The Festival will take place in various locations in downtown Franklin including: THE BLACK BOX (inside and outside on its stage), the Brick School, the Historical Museum, the Town Common, the Franklin United Methodist Church, and Franklin High School.

To highlight and support all presenters, the Festival Committee is seeking Performing groups/individuals, Visual Artists, and area Restaurants/Food Service businesses to participate in the Festival.

• Applications are to be submitted by 5:00 PM March 17, 2017

The working draft schedule (locations and times - performances to be filled in)
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/the-working-draft-schedule-for-3rd.html

Application for the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival