“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.
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| Franklin School For The Performing Arts Celebrates Fall Expansion |
