The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) celebrates the start of its 30th anniversary season with a series of Open Houses for prospective students and families. The community is invited to tour the downtown Franklin facility, observe rehearsal and classes, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama. Students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class.
A Saturday Open House is scheduled on September 6 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., with weekday Open Houses from 4-8 p.m. on September 11, 15, 24 and 30 at 38 Main Street.
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Since 1985, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA provides a nurturing environment where students grow skills for the stage – and for life. Children develop a sense of independence and accomplishment at an early age, while gaining confidence, poise and self-esteem. The performing arts impart life skills, expanding students’ ability to communicate effectively, whether in the secondary school classroom or other public speaking opportunities. The arts also enhance creativity and imagination, developing improvisatory skills to navigate a rapidly changing world.
With a distinguished faculty of Boston-area artists, expansive roster of classes and extensive calendar of wide-ranging performance opportunities, FSPA serves students of all ages and levels of ability, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.
FSPA’s Music Department offers private voice lessons and instruction on all instruments, along with group voice classes, music theory and chamber music, jazz and percussion ensembles. Performing opportunities for singers include the FSPA Glee Club, studio voice recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses and musical theater showcases. FSPA’s innovative Little Music School teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano and offers creative and engaging general music classes for children ages 1-5.
The Dance Department provides programs for all ages and levels in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop and lyrical, and also features classes for boys, adults and beginner teens. Expanded dance offerings include Acro, Character Dance, Dance Conditioning, Horton Technique and Dance for Musical Theater. Performance opportunities include two dance companies, Spring Concert, Ballet Conservatory Repertoire Series and Ballet Conservatory Variations Ensembles. Many dancers are also cast, by audition, in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual holiday production of The Nutcracker, featuring professional orchestra and special guest artists.
For drama students, beginning in kindergarten, FSPA offers an extensive range of acting and musical theater classes that build performance skills and explore theater games, improvisation, character development and scene work. Musical theater troupes for students in grades 5-12 are cast each year, with annual performance trips to Walt Disney World for select ensembles. This fall, FSPA introduces a Musical Theater Conservatory program with a comprehensive curriculum designed to engage dedicated students in grades 8-12. FSPA students also perform, through audition, in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows.
Fall classes begin on September 8 and registration for all programs is ongoing. For more information or to request a course catalogue and class schedule, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.fspaonline.com.
