In the News: workshop on superintendent search scheduled, Pour for Paws wine tasting, audition for Rising Stars

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The School Committee heard an update Tuesday night on efforts to hire a new superintendent. 

The school district has officially entered into a contract with ECRA - part of the executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates. The committee had chosen the firm at a meeting earlier in September. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley said it appeared the firm had made the district a priority. 

"They consider us a significant district," he said, noting that the firm believes doing well in Franklin will encourage other districts to consider it for their searches. "I think we have a good thing going with them."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160927/franklin-district-hires-superintendent-search-firm

screen grab of the presentation on Lifelong Learning and the high school experience to the School Committee on Tuesday

"The Purr-fect Cat Shelter will hold the Pour for Paws Wine Tasting Fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, 14 Grove St., Franklin. 

Wine sampling provided by Pour Richard’s will be available, as well as raffle items. Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits will donate 20 percent of the sales during the event to the Purr-fect Cat Shelter. Tickets cost $10 per person. 

Pour for Paws is also the last chance to enter into its Massachusetts State Lottery scratch ticket raffle. Participants can enter to win 50 of the $5 lottery scratch tickets. 

To purchase tickets for the event, or to enter the lottery raffle: 508-533-5855; purrfectcatshelter@yahoo.com. Tickets are also available at the door."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160927/purr-fect-cat-shelter-to-hold-pour-for-paws-wine-tasting

"Franklin Performing Arts Company will hold open auditions for the second Rising Stars Cabaret on Oct. 8 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St., Franklin.  Auditions will begin at 1 p.m. for ages 6-8; 1:30 p.m. for ages 9-10; 2 p.m. for ages 11-12; and 2:30 p.m. for teens.

Students must be 6 or older on the audition date to participate. 

Rising Stars will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 as part of the venue’s Black Box Cabaret series."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160927/franklin-performing-arts-company-to-hold-auditions-for-cabaret

FPAC schedules open auditions for the Rising Stars Cabaret

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for the second annual Rising Stars Cabaret on Saturday, October 8 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. 

Showcasing the vocal talents of promising young area performers, Rising Stars will be presented on Friday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the venue’s BLACK BOX Cabaret series. 

Auditions begin at 

1 p.m. for ages 6-8 1:30 for ages 9 and 102:00 for ages 11 and 12 2:30 for teens

FPAC

Students must be 6 years of age or older on the audition date to participate. Please prepare a 32-bar audition cut and share a story or experience related to the song. Bring sheet music, as an accompanist will be provided. Singers from a variety of age groups will be chosen. If selected, a production fee applies, which includes private coaching, group rehearsal with the band, and musical arrangements of your songs to keep. 

For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com.

Attention student musicians! Audition for the Clafin Hill Youth Symphony!

Greetings, Fellow Musicians and Music Educators! Summer is drawing to a close, too short !!!! and we're getting ready for the next season of Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies. We are holding auditions for new candidates on Sunday, September 18th at MassBay Community College in Framingham.

We have openings in all orchestral and wind ensembles sections, EXCEPT FLUTE, (sorry, we're already over booked for flutes this season, but will be graduating at least 4 this year).

Please forward this to your students and encourage them to consider CHYS. all information is included below, including links to audition sign ups and even some YouTube videos. 

We are in particular need of String Bass, Horns, Trumpets, Low Brass, Bassoons, Percussion and can accommodate new members in ALL orchestral string sections.

OF particular value for your younger students is our Repertory Ensemble under the direction of Dimitar Petkov – an engaging, fun and educational first orchestral experience for 2nd and 3rd year string students.

Thank you and anyone may email me directly at psurapine@claflinhill.org with questions.

Paul Surapine

Sunday, September 18th from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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The Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies seeks  NEW students for its 3 ensembles. Repertory, Wind Ensemble and Youth Symphony. Auditions will be held on Sunday, September 18th  at MassBay Community College in Framingham, 19 Flagg Rd. Advanced orchestral training in a supportive musical environment. Student registration.   Just click the appropriate link below. NEW string students. NEW brass, woodwind and percussion students. RETURNING string students. RETURNING brass, woodwind and percussion students. ATTENTION STUDENT MUSICIANS! The Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies seeks NEW members. Rehearsals  take place at MassBay Community College in Framingham, Sunday afternoons during the school year. Concerts take place at MassBay Community College in Wellesley. ¨ Claflin Hill Youth Symphony Orchestra ~ Ages 12-18 ¨ Claflin Hill Youth Symphonic Wind Ensemble ~ Ages 12-18 ¨ Claflin Hill Youth Repertory Ensemble ~ Ages 8-14 §  VERY affordable tuition §  Highest standards of musicality §  Highest level of instructors §  Self-engaged instruction §  Nurturing and supportive environment §  Developing leadership skills More information at www.claflinhill.org.  Email psurapine@claflinhill.org or call 508.478.5924 "Claflin Hill has been my favorite activity in high school. Each Sunday rehearsal has consistently been the highlight of my week." E. D. Claflin Hill Youth Wind Ensemble perform Pilatus: Mountain of Dragons. Claflin Hill Youth Symphony Orchestra performs "Orpheus in the Underworld." The Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies | 508.478.5924| Email | Website STAY CONNECTED:

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, Mail: 54 Claflin Street, Office: 208 Main Street, Suite 112A, Milford, MA 01757 Sent by psurapine@claflinhill.org in collaboration with Try it free today

FPAC Announces Open Auditions For 26th Season

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for several fall and holiday productions featured as part of the company’s 26th season. FPAC proudly presents the musical theater masterpiece Fiddler on the Roof, Neil Simon’s hilarious The Odd Couple, Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet The Nutcracker, the FPAC family-favorite musical Humbug!, and an original American panto with a twist on a fairy tale classic.

Opening FPAC’s season, Fiddler on the Roof will be presented on October 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue in downtown Franklin. The iconic musical, winner of nine Tony Awards for the 1964 premiere production, features the beloved classics “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Miracle of Miracles,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” and “Matchmaker.” Auditions will be held on Wednesday, September 7 at 5:30 p.m. for children ages 8 and older (limited roles), 6:00 for teens, and 7:00 for adults. Please prepare 16 measures of a legitimate musical theater song in the style of the show. A dance combination will be taught at the audition. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)

The Odd Couple auditions will take place on Tuesday, September 13 at 8 p.m., with performances scheduled for November 4-6 at THE BLACK BOX. The two-person comedy is an epic mismatch of personalities as an incompatible pair of suddenly single pals becomes roommates. Please be prepared for cold readings; a monologue is optional.

Presented with live professional orchestra on December 3 and 4 at the Franklin High School auditorium, FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker features more than 100 area dancers and special guest artists. Open auditions for The Nutcracker will be held on Sunday, September 18. Students, ages 6 and older, from all area dance schools are welcome. Ballet attire is required. Audition times are 9:30-10:00 a.m. for ages 6 and 7, 10:00-10:45 for ages 8 and 9, 11:00-11:45 for ages 10 and 11, 11:45-12:45 for ages 12 and 13, 1:00-2:00 for ages 14+ (off pointe), and 2:45-3:45 for ages 12+ (pointe audition; must be on pointe for at least one year). Off-pointe callbacks are scheduled at 2:00-2:30 p.m., with pointe callbacks from 3:45-4:45.

FPAC’s original American panto follows in the British tradition, retelling a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular songs, slapstick comedy, jokes, dances and more. The production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX on December 10 and 11. 

FPAC’s large-cast holiday musical, Humbug!, will be presented on December 17 and 18 at Franklin High School auditorium. A family favorite since debuting as part of the company’s 2008 season, Humbug! is a contemporary adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Open auditions for both holiday musicals will take place on Saturday, October 8 at 1 p.m. for ages 6-8, 1:30 for ages 9 and 10, 2:00 for ages 11 and 12, 2:30 for teens, and 3:30 for adults. Students must be 6 years of age or older on the audition date to participate. Beginners and all levels are welcome. Please prepare 16 measures of a musical theater or pop song. A simple dance combination will be taught at the audition.

All FPAC auditions will take place at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com

open auditions - Little Shop of Horrors

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for the Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical Little Shop of Horrors on Saturday, May 14 at 38 Main Street in Franklin. Auditions begin at noon for adults and teens ages 15 and older. Please prepare 16-32 bars of a contemporary musical theater song in the style of the show. For more information, including a character breakdown, please visit www.FPAConline.com.

Part of FPAC’s 25th anniversary season, Little Shop of Horrors will be presented on June 10 and 11 at 7:30p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue in downtown Franklin. With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, the popular comic rock musical delivers an uproariously good time. With catchy, early Motown-inspired tunes and a wacky tale, Little Shop of Horrors follows a down-and-out skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation after discovering an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, R and B singing carnivore – ultimately revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination.

Little Shop of Horrors is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

Little Shop of Horrors

FPAC Slates Open Auditions For Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Disney’s The Little Mermaid on Wednesday, January 27 at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

Auditions begin at 6 p.m. for ages 7-9 (very few roles available) and continue at 6:30 for ages 10-13 (very few roles available), 7:00 for teens ages 14 and older, and 7:45 for adults. Please prepare 16 measures of a musical theater song in the style of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. For more information, including a character breakdown, please visit www.FPAConline.com.

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)

FPAC will stage the under-the-sea spectacular on March 12-13 and March 19-20 at THE BLACK BOX. Based on the beloved fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and the classic animated film, the enchanting blockbuster musical brings audiences into a magical ocean kingdom – home to mermaid Ariel, King Triton and a host of memorable characters, including Flounder the fish and Sebastian the crab. 

When the beautiful and curious young mermaid falls for a handsome human, Prince Eric, in the world above, she bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright, Disney’s  The Little Mermaid features the irresistible songs “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”

FPAC presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid as part of the company’s 25th anniversary season. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

"NUTCRACKER" AUDITIONS, this SATURDAY 9/19 AT Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center

FINAL COUNTDOWN IS ON! 

"NUTCRACKER" AUDITIONS, this SATURDAY 9/19 AT Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center. OPEN TO ALL! 

Audition Times for 

• ages 5-7 -> 1-1:30
• ages 8-9 -> 1:30-2:15
• ages 10-12 -> 2:15-3
• ages 13 plus -> 3:00-4:00

Patti Eisenhauer Dance photo

Auditions will take place at the Dance Center 31 Hayward Street Franklin, MA. 

We look forward to seeing you all there to be a part of this timeless classic.

More info can be found on the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Patti-Eisenhauer-Dance-Center-119810176867/timeline/

Open auditions for "The Addams Family"

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for the hit musical comedy, The Addams Family, on Wednesday, September 9, at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

Auditions will begin at 6:30 p.m. for boys ages 10+ and girls ages 13+ and will continue at 7:00 for adults. Please prepare 16 bars of a contemporary musical theater song. Callbacks (if needed) will be held on September 10 at 7:00 p.m. and rehearsals will begin on September 12. For character breakdown, including descriptions, ages and voice parts, please visit www.FPAConline.com. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company

The devilishly delightful musical serves up an original story based on the iconic characters of legendary cartoonist Charles Addams. Inspiring a TV sitcom, TV cartoon series and two feature films, Addams’ illustrations for The New Yorker spawned a pop culture phenomenon. His famously motley group – Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Grandma and Lurch – has a taste for everything macabre. 

Yet there’s a sweetness, charm and humor at the heart of their twisted and dark world. With book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, The Addams Family musical tests that world when outsiders – the respectable Ohio family of Wednesday’s “normal” fiancé – come to dinner, setting in motion a chain of riotous events one memorable night! 

The Addams Family will be presented at THE BLACK BOX as part of FPAC’s milestone 25th season. Performance dates are October 24 at 7:30 p.m., October 25 at 2:00 p.m., and October 30 at 7:30 p.m., with two shows on Halloween at 2:00 and 8:30. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com.

FPAC: Open Auditions for 'Lost in Yonkers'

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Neil Simon’s award-winning play, Lost in Yonkers, on Wednesday, August 26 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Auditions begin at 7 p.m. Please be prepared for cold readings. A monologue is optional. Visit www.FPAConline.com for a breakdown of available roles, including character descriptions.

FPAC will present Lost in Yonkers, directed by Nick Paone, on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on September 27 at 2 p.m. Winner of the 1991 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Play, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Lost in Yonkers is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted coming-of-age story by America’s great playwright, Neil Simon.  

original Broadway poster for "Lost in Yonkers"

Striking a balance between pain and humor, drama and comedy, Simon’s poignant play draws from his own experiences growing up in New York City. It’s 1942 and financially strapped Eddie has just left his teenage sons, Jay and Arty, in the care of their mentally challenged and childlike Aunt Bella and her stern and embittered mother, Grandma Kurnitz. Eddie takes to the road as a traveling salesman to pay back his debt to a loan shark, having borrowed to cover his late wife’s hospital care. 

Soon Uncle Louie, a small-time hoodlum hiding from the mob, moves in. Reeling from the loss of their mom and left to contend with this strange new world in Yonkers, the boys embark on a scheme to make some quick cash and get their dad back. As told through the eyes of the brothers, Lost in Yonkers is a masterful work that’s full of heart. 

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com.

You can find out more about "Lost in Yonkers" at this wikipedia link
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Yonkers

FPAC Announces Open Auditions For "Arsenic And Old Lace"

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for the madcap comedy Arsenic and Old Lace on Tuesday, November 25 at 7 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Casting opportunities are for adults and older teens (ages 16+). Those seeking roles should come prepared for cold readings from the script, but no other preparation is required. A monologue is optional. 

The zany theatrical treasure by American playwright Joseph Kisselring has delighted audiences for over 75 years. Spinster sisters Abby and Martha Brewster are devoted to good deeds, taking into their boarding home lonely old men. Only this homicidal twosome literally kill with kindness, treating their guests to a special recipe of charity, humor – and homemade elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine and “just a pinch” of cyanide. FPAC will present the hilarious, off-kilter classic on January 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and February 1 at 2 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX. 

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.fpaconline.com.

THE BLACK BOX Theater - 15 West Central St, Franklin, MA

The wikipedia entry for Arsenic and Old Lace can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic_and_Old_Lace_(play)

Nutcracker Auditions - Sep 20th

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Nutcracker Auditions are being held this SATURDAY, September 20th. 

AUDITION TIMES: Ages 5-7 audition from 1-1:40; Ages 8-10 audition from 1:45-2:25: Ages 11-12 audition from 2:30-3:10 and Ages 13 and up from 3:15-4:15. 

If you cannot make the audition, but would like to be cast in a part, please let the office know. Dancers trying out for Pointe parts MUST have Pointe shoes for audition. 

There is a $10 audition fee. Proper ballet attire and hair must be pulled back in a bun. Auditions are open to the public and we invite all local dance studios to join us!

Nutcracker Auditions

For additional information on the Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center and their programs, you can find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patti-Eisenhauer-Dance-Center/

or on the web here http://www.pedancecenter.com/Home.html

In the News: FPSA auditions

FSPA slates auditions for ‘Technicolor Dreamcoat’

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold auditions for the children’s ensemble of an all-student production of the hit family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Monday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. (ages 6-9) and 7:45 (ages 10-11) at 38 Main St. in downtown Franklin.