FHS Theater Co schedules Kickoff Meeting Sep 4

FHS Theater Co schedules Kickoff Meeting Sep 4

WELCOME BACK T-CO!

Getting ready to kick off another wonderful year of theater starting with our fall musical.

From returning members to incoming freshman we can’t wait to see you all there. Be sure to join the Google classroom for more info and updates

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CXyDtp5aV/

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.

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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.

Reminder: Get your tickets for the FHS performance of "Urinetown, The Musical" - June 13 & June 14

 FHS performance of "Urinetown, The Musical"
- June 13 & June 14

Three performances by Franklin High School Theatre Company of "Urinetown, the Musical" are scheduled for Friday, June 13 (7 PM) and Saturday, June 14 (2 & & 7 PM).

Tickets are available online through Unipay for Franklin High School.  Tickets can also be purchased at the door with cash or card.

Go to Unipay, select Franklin High School and then Urinetown will appear in the left side menu -> https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx

https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx

Town Council recognitions for Police promotions, FHS Theatre, and retirement of Bryan Taberner (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, May 1.  8 of the councilors were present, 1 absent (Dellorco) in Council Chambers for this session.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/laeIcVjRlgU?si=4VVLHqNRh28zvyuM&t=134

The agenda and released materials for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

Quick recap:

• Chair Callaghan updates on SchCmte business; elementary report card changes approved, support letter for Franklin TV and cable access funding approved for Franklin.News; School budget lays out a foundation for success
• Town Clerk Nancy Danello with an update on the special election, ballots received, absentee sent, vote by mail needs to be requested. Drop ballots off at the Town Hall. May 16 opens early voting during office hours
• Web site updates announcements on the upcoming election. Bridge banners coming soon. Robo call coming May 7. Visited all the Senior housing locations. Mailing to all the households with notification on the election.
• Police Department - Promotions
• i. Sergeant John Godino
• Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective
• i. Tara Lagoa
• Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group
• Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development
• Appointments
• Agricultural Commission
• i. Matthew Stoltz
• Disability Commission
• i. Kelly Quinlan; both appointments approved via 8-0-1 (1 absent) votes
• PUBLIC HEARING - a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central
• Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Resolution 25-29: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes
• Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Update that for the Town Council Budget Hearings scheduled for May 21, 22  Town Administrator will propose that they continue the second hearing to June 4 to enable possible adjustments. The budget as presented assumes the override passes. If it doesn't, cuts would be forthcoming
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided updates on Previous Requests:
• 300 Fisher Street - very dormant, EPA removed soil etc pre pandemic, delayed by staffing issues pre the changes in DC
• Chestnut Street Apartments - The exterior is complete, the interior has not been finished, in the owners control currently There are 2 deeded apartments for local veterans

Photos of the recognitions -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/PKZgCKJM8vAYTVoK7

My notes can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mo8xvhuHCvkPLQ_Fi54OMbtkQ2WulsJK/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin High School Theater Company Reaches State Finals of METG Festival with Staging of 'The Yellow Boat'

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Dr. Maria Weber are proud to congratulate the Franklin High School Theater Company for its moving performance of “The Yellow Boat,” as part of this year's competitive Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) festival.

The production, of a play based on the tragic story of a child with congenital hemophilia, reached the State Finals.

The 32 Franklin High School students, including cast and crew, staged “The Yellow Boat” in the State Finals at John Hancock Hall in Boston on March 28. The Franklin High School Theater Company was one of 15 groups to make the State Finals for the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival held by METG, out of 88 schools that entered the competition during the preliminary round.

The Franklin High School Theater Company performed the play "The Yellow Boat" as part of the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival held by METG, becoming one of 15 groups to make the State Finals out of 88 schools that entered. (Photo Courtesy Maggie Warren)

The festival, which calls on each group to perform a 40-minute, one-act play, also includes a preliminary round and a semifinal round, with each stage judged by a team of METG Adjudicators. 

“It’s a real privilege to be with these kids. They are a really magical group,” said Franklin High School Drama Director Chloe Selznick, who is in her first year leading the program. “We’re all just very grateful. When we took group photos at the State Finals, instead of saying ‘cheese,’ the kids would say, ‘We weren’t supposed to be here!’ There’s a lot of gratitude within the company.”

Selznick, a 2020 Franklin High School graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Hofstra University, said “The Yellow Boat” was influential to her years ago, and she thought the play would allow her students an opportunity for growth as well.

“The Yellow Boat” is the true story of Benjamin, who was born with congenital hemophilia, and died in 1987 at the age of 8 due to AIDS-related complications after receiving a blood transfusion. The play, published in 1997, was written by Benjamin’s father, David Saar.

“As heartbreaking as that is, Benjamin’s story wasn’t just defined by his illness,” Selznick said. “‘The Yellow Boat’ was a way to tell his story that was joyful, whimsical and childlike, and it was able to bring him to life. This made for a good artistic challenge for these young artists as they continue to grow as actors. I think they handled it wonderfully. They handled it in a way that’s sensitive but truthful.”

The reaction from the audience and judges included “a lot of tears,” she said.

“It felt nice to know that people were touched by the story in the same way that we had been,” Selznick said. “The judges' feedback was wonderful. It was nice to get feedback from people in the theater world. The kids really valued that as well.”

In addition to the State Finals, the Franklin High School Theater Company performed “The Yellow Boat” during the METG festival’s preliminary round on March 3 at Wayland High School and during the semifinals on March 15 at Framingham High School.

The Franklin High School Theater Company was assisted in its production of “The Yellow Boat” by Erin Ferreira, who came on as a volunteer to be the show’s movement director and assistant director. Franklin High School student Riley MacDonald served as the production’s dramaturg, providing classmates with a research package about “The Yellow Boat,” containing insight into the context of the play, showing how the story should be handled with sensitivity and truthfulness.

Throughout the METG festival, the Franklin High School students witnessed 25 plays staged by drama groups from other schools in the matter of a month.

“Most people won’t see one play in a year, let alone see that many,” Selznick said. “It was a real treat all around. It was a wonderful experience. There was a lot of support. Now, afterwards, there’s a lot of gratitude.”

The METG Festival is a prestigious annual event for high school theater companies, and this marked the 94th year of the competitive drama festival.

METG also has a middle school division and a musical theater division. In addition to the annual METG Festival held in March, the organization also facilitates a series of acting and technical theater scholarship contests held in December.

This experience with the METG Festival will provide some momentum for the Franklin High School Theater Company ahead of its next production, a musical called “Urinetown,” with showings planned for June 13-14.

Principal Weber and Superintendent Giguere congratulated the Franklin High School drama performers for their success in the METG Festival and wished them the best on their upcoming productions.

“We are so impressed by the incredible skills and abilities of our stage performers, crew and everyone involved with staging this play,” Principal Weber said. “They possess great individual talents and also display incredible teamwork. Bravo to our students for an incredible run in the METG Festival. And bravo to Director Selznick for the guidance she is providing to this talented group.”

“I’d like to congratulate all of our stage performers and crew members who really put their hearts into these shows,” Superintendent Giguere said. “Their passion, talent and skills are inspirational. They really did a great job with this play. I’d also like to recognize Director Selznick and our other teachers, along with parents and all of our Franklin High School Theater Company supporters, who help make all of this possible.”

Additional photos can be found where this was shared from ->   https://www.franklinps.net/article/2149677

You can also listen to my conversation with three of the members of The Yellow Boat performance -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/listen-to-how-fhstc-performance-of.html

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, April 11, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It ia available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, March 28, 2025

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events 

• This segment features my conversation key members of the FHS Theatre Co's production of "The Yellow Boat" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/listen-to-how-fhstc-performance-of.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, April 4, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It ia available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, March 28, 2025

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events 

• This segment features my conversation key members of the FHS Theatre Co's production of "The Yellow Boat" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/listen-to-how-fhstc-performance-of.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

FHS Theatre Co to perform "Urinetown (The Musical)" in June

Via FHS Theatre Co 

"Urinetown (The Musical)" on June 13 & 14

"Urine good company in FHSTC’s audience, and our next production is no exception! On June 13th and 14th, FHSTC will be performing URINETOWN (The Musical) for our final production of the 2024-2025 season!

Looking to get more involved? Auditions are this wednesday at 2:15 in the FHS auditorium! for more information look at or join our google classroom (Code: LFPDOST)! We hope to see you there!

For more updates on this production, keep an eye out on all of our social media! We hope to see you in the audience in June!"

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DH4NLL-PIez/

"The Yellow Boat sets sail, straight into the sun"

"As the run of The Yellow Boat comes to an end, we want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey. going to finals was such an amazing opportunity for all of us as a company, and we are forever grateful for it.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the production and to all of our all star award winners!

Onto the next one. ALWAYS. 💙💛❤️

Stay tuned for more updates on what we’re doing next!!!"

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DH3lw5uMP8y/

If you haven't already, you can listen to the conversation with Eden, Aiden, and Ginny here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/listen-to-how-fhstc-performance-of.html

Listen to how the FHSTC performance of the Yellow Boat got to sail to the State Finals (audio)

FM #1413 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1413 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with key members of the Franklin High School Theatre Co’s production of The Yellow Boat.

• Virginia Bernstein (Ginny)

• Eden Donovan

• Aiden Sheppard

We had our discussion in person in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 24, 2025. 

 

We do a round of introductions so they can provide some info about themselves then we get into talking about

• Theater and what it means to them

• The impact of the budget cuts and the recovery with “Yellow Boat”

• The production process (auditions, casting, rehearsals, etc.)

• Competition (on the road vs. hosted)

• Learning and sharing key aspects of life with the performance

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1413-fhs-theatre-co-yellowboat-03-24-25/

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Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild (METG) schedule for finals

https://metg.org/high-school-festival/2025-finals.html 

The finals will be announced Saturday, March 29 beginning at 8 PM

Origin Theatrical link to The Yellow Boat

https://origintheatrical.com.au/work/8527 

Follow the FHS Theatre Co on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/fhstc/

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Listen to how the FHSTC performance of the Yellow Boat got to sail to the State Finals (audio)

Pantherbook: "FHS Theatre Company Moves on to the State Finals"

"On Saturday, March 15, at Framingham High School, The Franklin High School Theatre Company performed David Saar’s The Yellow Boat, in The Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild (METG) High School Theatre Festival, a state-wide theatre competition, where they were selected to move on to the state final round! 

This is the first time Franklin High School has been to the State Finals in over a decade. 

Of 15 finalists, 3 will be chosen as winners and 2 will be selected to move on to the New England Drama Festival"

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook -> https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/pantherbook/arts-entertainment/fhs-theatre-company-moves-on-to-the-state-finals-of-the-metg-high-school-th?authuser=0 

Pantherbook: "FHS Theatre Company Moves on to the State Finals"