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.  

Dean College' Schools of Performing Arts 2025-2026 Season Ticket Packages on sale as of Aug 1, 2025

The 25-26 Season Ticket Packages for the Schools of Performing Arts at Dean College are now available for purchase.  Regular single tickets will go on sale on September 1.  Here are the links to the different ticket packages available:

25-26 Dance Season Package - https://ci.ovationtix.com/36211/store/packages/148315

25-26 Theatre Season Package - https://ci.ovationtix.com/36211/store/packages/148314

25-26 Full Season Package - https://ci.ovationtix.com/36211/store/packages/148316

The Full Season Package (eight performances - four theatre and four dance) is $132 for the general public and $72 for senior citizens and non-Dean students

The Theatre Series Package (four performances – The Wolves, Cabaret, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Prom) 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 starting today at the links above.  Again individual single tickets for all shows will go on sale September 1 at  www.dean.edu/performance. If there are any questions about season ticket packages, please email David Rowell (drowell@dean.edu) or Anna Proulx (aprolux@dean.edu). 

Thank you.

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

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.

Dean College Announces Stephen Ursprung as New Dean of the Palladino School of Dance & The School of Arts

Dean College is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Ursprung as the new dean of the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance and the School of the Arts. His appointment follows a national search and is effective immediately.

Ursprung has been a member of the Dean College faculty since 2016 and most recently served as interim assistant dean. In this role, he led key curricular enhancements, deepened student engagement, and fostered cross-disciplinary partnerships to strengthen the College’s nationally recognized dance and theatre programs.

Stephen Ursprung

As a seasoned educator and performer, Ursprung brings to his work a dynamic blend of artistic vision, academic leadership, and a deep commitment to student-centered education. He is a long-time champion of innovation in the performing arts and interdisciplinary arts education. 

“I am honored to step into this role as we look to the future of performing arts education at Dean College, where innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence guide all that we do,” said Ursprung. “We have an incredible opportunity to reimagine how we train, inspire, and engage the next generation of artists. I look forward to supporting and guiding our students toward successful careers.”

In addition to his work as dean, Ursprung has chaired the College’s curriculum committee, served on the liberal arts academic program review team, and mentors the Dean College chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA). His influence also extends nationally, as the co-chair of DANCE 2050, an initiative of the National Dance Education Organization that envisions the future of dance education in America.

Ursprung remains an active artist as a member of SAG-AFTRA and the Actors’ Equity Association, with credited roles in the movies “Hocus Pocus 2” and “Little Women,” recent performances in “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Oklahoma!” at Trinity Repertory Company, and choreographing productions for Bridge Repertory Theatre of Boston. Ursprung also completed a research fellowship at Jacob’s Pillow in 2024, one of the most prestigious institutions in American Modern Dance. As a performer and educator, he continues his involvement in Dancing Legacy, the NilsSprung Dance Project, and Reject Dance Theatre.

“Stephen’s expertise, experience, and deep commitment to student-centered learning make him the ideal choice to guide our performing arts schools into their next chapters,” said Dr. Scott Sibley, Provost. “We are excited for the vision and momentum he brings to this role.”

Ursprung holds a B.A. in Economics and Italian Studies from Brown University and an M.F.A. in Dance from Smith College.

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 160 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.

The FSPA Open House includes the Little Music School - Weds, May 21 from 10 AM to 7:30 PM

Little Music School - Weds, May 21

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! Under the direction of Kim Rezendes, FSPA is pleased to be the only school in the United States to offer this unique program!

FSPA is excited to host an Open House for prospective students and families this Wednesday from 10 AM - 7:30 PM!

FREE LITTLE MUSIC SCHOOL TRIAL CLASSES

• Little Music School (ages 18 months-3) 3:30-4:00
• Little Music School (ages 4 + 5) 5:00-5:30

~Additional trials available on different days!~

Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main Street, Franklin ● 508-528-8668

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ44D_LRRDO/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, May 2, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Friday, May 2

** Tri-County: Support the Class of 2026 & Enjoy Panera Bread

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
6:00pm High School Musical Jr (Franklin High School)
7:00pm CAFE MURDER (THE BLACK BOX)
7:00pm Dance Senior Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

 

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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: Thursday, May 1, 2025 ???

Thursday, May 1

Library & Senior Center events 

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

5:30pm Spring Pottery Painting Event & psychic reading (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)

6:00pm LGBTQ Alliance Monthly Meeting (Franklin TV Studio)

7:00pm Dance Senior Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm FinCom Budget Hearing - General Government and Final Recommendations (Council Chambers)

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

7:00pm Sacred & Silly Vocal Recital (Dean College Marvin Chapel)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**   Town Meetings today   **

 

Franklin Housing Authority - Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners (Remote Mtg)

Thursday, May 1 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05012025-1705 

Conservation Commission Meeting (3rd Floor Trng Room)

Thursday, May 1 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/382?fileID=4477 

Finance Committee Meeting (Council Chambers)

Thursday, May 1 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05012025-1710

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, April 27, 2025 ???

Sunday, April 27

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

10:00am Earth Day at Fairmont Fruit Farm (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Earth Day at DelCarte (Conservation Commission)

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

11:00am Franklin Fest (Dean College - Pieri Gymnasium) 

11:00am Wayne Dunnebier (live music) (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

1:00pm Antique Appraisal Day (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 26, 2025 ???

Saturday, April 26

9:00am Ladybug Trail Spring Walk (Franklin, MA )

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Drug Take Back Day (multiple locations) SAFE Coalition

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

10:00am Favorite Poem Reading (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Disability Expo (Franklin Senior Center)

11:00am Drug Take Back Day (Wrentham Town Hall)

1:00pm Bacchus Buster (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

1:00pm Spring Carnival (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm Michael Rivelis (free concert) (Franklin United Methodist Church)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, April 25, 2025 ???

Friday, April 25

** Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

9:00am Strong Like a Tree: A Pop-Up Family Yoga Event! (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Toe Jam Puppet Band!  (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Flower Slime  (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm 1st Annual Comedy for a Cause (cocktail hour) (Walpole Country Club)

7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm 1st Annual Comedy for a Cause (show)  (Walpole Country Club)

7:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

 

 

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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-calendars