Franklin School for the Performing Arts Slates Summer Programs for Children and Teens

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) announces a summer session of theater programs, ballet intensives and one-week creative camps, along with voice, instrumental and dance classes. The summer session runs from June 26 to August 22, with registration beginning March 6.

FSPA Summer Theater provides the opportunity for hands-on immersion in a Broadway Boot Camp, cabaret show, play or musical theater production, with enrollment for one to five weeks. The Cabaret week (July 17-21) focuses on repertoire choices, song interpretation and presentation, and concludes with a cabaret style revue at THE BLACK BOX theater in downtown Franklin. The three-day Broadway Boot Camp (July 24-26) brings Broadway headliners to FSPA for song and dance master classes and coaching on individual performance skills. A weeklong drama program (August 14-18) presents a straight play, while a two-week musical theater program (July 31-August 11) stages a major book musical at THE BLACK BOX.

FSPA

Summer Ballet Intensives feature a final showing at THE BLACK BOX, along with extracurricular classes in Alexander Technique, nutrition and injury prevention. The four-week Intermediate/Advanced Intensive (July 3-28) and three-week Young Intensive (July 10-28) provide training in classical ballet technique, pre-pointe/pointe, modern, dance history and character dance, with partnering, variations and choreography offered at the advanced level.

Among FSPA’s weeklong performing arts camps, Broadway Camp (grades K-5) teaches vocals, choreography and scene work, with a chance to showcase skills in a final ensemble performance. Acting Camp (grades K-4 and 5-7) explores character development and improvisation. Camp ProVoice (ages 7-9 and 10-13) focuses on individual performance skills with music from Broadway, movies and TV musicals, as well as pop and rock hits, culminating in a performance of solos, duets and small ensembles. Jazz and Tap Camp (grades 4-7) combines age- and level-appropriate dance with a creative summer experience. For young beginner dancers, Dance Discovery (ages 5-9) teaches basic dance vocabulary and positions, floor exercises and simple steps, with a focus on musicality and rhythm. Creative Kids Camp engages and entertains campers ages 5-8 with drama games, theater activities, singing, dancing and crafts. The youngest campers, ages 3-5, are invited to the summer Little Music School Experience with FSPA’s Little Music School Director, Kim Rezendes.

For summer registration, call FSPA at (508) 528-8668. For further information, including a summer session brochure with full program descriptions, dates, faculty, and tuition, call or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for "SHREK THE MUSICAL"

The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of SHREK THE MUSICAL to be held at the Horace Mann Middle School located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Performances will be held on Friday, March 3rd from 7–9:30 PM and Saturday, March 4th from 2–4:30 PM. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show! Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $13 senior citizens and children under ten. Tickets will be sold at the door or an order form will be available for download at www.bfccps.org.

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek...." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek. SHREK THE MUSICAL is based on the hit Dreamworks movie and promises fun for the whole family. 

Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter
Public School  for "SHREK THE MUSICAL"

The production is under the co-direction of BFCCPS’s Fine and Performing Arts Director Mr. Christopher Heater and vocal teacher Mr. Scott Bryant, with a cast comprised of 31 students in grades Six through Eight. The cast is supported by a live orchestra and a dedicated 20 member backstage student crew.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child. BFCCPS’s educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education, integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has led to local, state and national recognition.

If you’d like learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school’s Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, March 1st

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, March 1st ! 

Let's Laugh Today in Franklin is on Wednesday, March 1st (and every first Wednesday of the month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Laughter Yoga is a fun and healthy combination of laughter exercises, yoga breathing and gentle stretching. It's a great stress buster with real health benefits. Join them for an hour of laughs, fun and finish with a restful cool down meditation. 

a great stress buster with real health benefits

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family.  Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating.  

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. Want to learn how to bring more laughter into your personal and professional life? Looking for a second income? Attend a weekend on March 11th and 12th in Walpole for this lifetime certification in laughter yoga. E-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating

Let's Laugh Today because Seven Days Without Laughing Makes One WEAK!

The vision of Laughter Yoga is to achieve Health, Joy and World Peace through Laughter!

BLACK BOX JAZZ Presents "The Kenny Hadley Big Band"

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band on Sunday, March 5. The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. The band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Hadley was 14 when he first heard Buddy Rich’s band play live. He caught Duke Ellington at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival and saw Basie, Kenton and Ferguson, among the greats, at the tail end of that era. Forming his own band at 23, Hadley has grown that ensemble to showcase a distinguished rotation of some 45 or 50 players. Now more than 30 years later, the Kenny Hadley Big Band continues to wow audiences and keep the big band tradition alive.

Kenny Hadley Big Band

Combination tickets for brunch and music are $45; tickets for the concert alone are $20. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Dean Bank sponsors this BLACK BOX Jazz series presentation.

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series - “World on a String” - Feb 26

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents violinists Irina Fainkichen and Tara Novak in “World on a String” on Sunday, February 26, at 4 p.m. Fainkichen and Novak will be joined by bassist Mark Poniatowski, drummer Kenny Hadley and pianist Ben Cook. The program will feature music from around the world, including Irish, Hungarian, Romanian, American and gypsy tunes. Tea service will be available in the lobby.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina Fainkichen holds degrees from Rachmaninoff Music College (Novgorod, Russia), St. Petersburg State Conservatory, and Rubin Academy of Music (Jerusalem, Israel). She was concertmaster of San Francisco’s Russian Chamber Orchestra for many years. Currently she is a member of the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, assistant concertmaster of the Brockton Symphony Orchestra, and co-founder of “Flying Hearts” duo, which performs in a number of musical genres including jazz, Klezmer, and classic American tunes.

Tara Novak is a multi-genre acoustic and electric violinist and vocalist trained in classical, Irish fiddle, and jazz. She is also an active composer, arranger and orchestrator. Her newest album, Ciaran and Tara – Live from Boston and Ireland, is a collection of live and studio recordings with Irish Tenor Ciaran Nagle.

Tickets are $20 (adults) and $18 (students/seniors), with tea service available for $5. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series -  “World on a String”

Dean College performs "A Midsummer Night's Dream" February 22 - 26, 2017

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream, beginning Wednesday, February 22, 2017 through Sunday, February 26, 2017.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is perhaps the best loved of Shakespeare's plays. It brings together the realms of the mortal and immortal, colliding in a wood outside Athens, and from there the enchantment begins. Simple and engaging on the surface, it is none the less a highly original and sophisticated work, where love is capricious as the wind, and where a mischievous imp named Puck plays with fate as merrily as a baby with a toy.

You won't want to miss our talented students perform in this well-loved play!

The Dean College production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

Dean College, Main St Franklin

Franklin Library Genealogical Club - meeting March 30

The Franklin Library Genealogical Club will host their March meeting on Thursday 3/30 at the Franklin Historical Museum at 6:30PM. The topic will be Italian genealogy research with guest speaker Mary Tedesco.

Future meeting dates:

• Mapping your genealogy with Evan Thornberry Thursday April 27

• Photo Detecting 101 with Maureen Taylor Thursday June 29

If you’ve been working on your family history for many years or are just starting out, you’ll get useful information, tips and hints to further your research.

All meetings start at 6:30PM.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street and is wheelchair accessible.

Franklin Library Genealogical Club - meeting March 30

Visit the Historical Museum online  http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/
 

Franklin Cultural Council Grantee Reception - March 23

The Franklin Historical Museum is pleased to be hosting the Franklin Cultural Council Grantee Reception honoring their 2017 Grant Recipients on Thursday, March 23rd at 7:00PM. All grant recipients and a guest are invited to enjoy entertainment and light refreshments as part of the evening’s schedule. Franklin Town Council Members, Senator Richard Ross, Senator Karen Spilka, Representative Jeffrey Roy and representatives from the Massachusetts Cultural Council are all invited to the evening reception.

The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee is pleased to announce that it was one of the 2017 Grant Recipients. The grant will be applied to the upcoming 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival.

 

Franklin Cultural Council    Massachusetts Cultural Council

"This program is supported in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency."

The Most Famous Irishman Who Never Was - Franklin Historical Museum - March 11

Local historian Alan Earls will deliver a unique two part program on Saturday March 11 that the Franklin Historical Museum. Earls will first discuss the arrival of the Irish in Franklin in the 19th Century– why they came, how they made Franklin home and the challenges they faced. 

He will then introduce Mr. Dooley – an “Irishman” who became the public face of the Irish in America. It was Dooley and his popularity as a political commentator that had much to do with the growing acceptance and appreciation of the Irish across the United States.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day the Franklin Historical Museum takes a look at the arrival of the first Irish residents to the town in the mid 1800s. With the help of former Franklin School Teacher Mrs. Nina Santoro we have determined that the first Irish residents arrived as early as the late 1840s. The first children born to Irish immigrants in Franklin had the surnames Mee, Robinson and Murray. The first Irish marriage recorded was that of George B. and Jane Robinson in 1853. And the first death, by a resident born in Ireland was that of 28 year old Mary Rourke, who died of consumption in 1851. 

To learn more about the arrival and influence of the Irish to the Town of Franklin and ‘Mr. Dooley’, please join us for Alan Earls’ enlightening presentation at 10:30AM, March 11th . Earls is the author of Franklin Then and Now (Arcadia Publishing)

The Most Famous Irishman Who Never Was - Franklin Historical Museum - March 11

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street and is wheelchair accessible.

Visit the Historical Museum online  http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

Franklin's 239th Birthday Party

The Franklin Historical Museum will celebrate our Town’s 239th Birthday on Sunday March 5th in the museum library at 1:00PM. All are invited to visit the museum and share in the celebration.

Franklin’s rich history began with the establishment of the official town charter on March 2, 1778. The original founding fathers, with such names as Pond, Failes, Fisher, Metcalf, Hawes, Whiting, Partridge, Clark and Darling, to name a few, originally intended to name our town Exeter. Upon hearing of the exciting news that was just hitting the shores of our young country, these men scratched out the name Exeter and instead applied to establish the town of Franklin. This gesture was to honor Diplomat Benjamin Franklin who had just successfully negotiated a treaty with France as an ally against Great Britain during the Revolutionary War.

So we celebrate the name, the man and our town each year, reminding ourselves of our place in history. To help celebrate, we invite all residents who share their March 2nd birthday with the town to join us. You will be recognized for your shared birthday and your own place in history. All residents are invited to join us for cake and coffee on Sunday the 5th at 1:00PM.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street and is wheelchair accessible.

 Visit the Historical Museum online  http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

Franklin Historical Museum

Cultural District Planning Meeting, February 16th, 7:00 p.m.

Cultural District Planning Meeting

When: Thursday February 16, 2017, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Room 205

The Town of Franklin's Department of Planning and Community Development invites you to attend a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on February 16, 2017 to continue planning for a state designated Cultural District in Downtown Franklin. Input and ongoing involvement of all Franklin organizations and individuals is desired. Our meeting will focus on the following issues:

Cultural District Boundaries (Map).

Franklin Cultural District Partnership (Development; Requirements).

Prior to submitting an application to the State for Cultural District recognition, Franklin must form a cultural district partnership. Keep in mind the Franklin Cultural District Partnership must be comprised of a diverse mix of organizations that represent the interests of the district. 

The success of the proposed Franklin Cultural District will depend upon development of a strong partnership consisting of cultural organizations, historical and community organizations, non-profits, private businesses, government agencies, educational and faith based institutions, and individual artists.

The majority of organizations in the partnership must be located in the district. Cultural organizations located outside the geographic boundaries of the district may be involved in the partnership but must provide programming on a regular basis within the district's boundaries.

Interested in Partnering with the Town and other organizations and individuals to form a strong partnership? If so, please take the time to complete the attached form (or send an email or letter) and return to the Town's Department of Planning and Community Development. Also attached is a spreadsheet containing contact information of individuals that attended the January 19th planning meeting.

Please let me know if you have questions or need additional information. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. 

Bryan

Bryan W. Taberner, AICP
Director of Planning and Community Development
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038-1352
Phone: 508-520-4907
Fax: 508-520-4906
Email: btaberner@franklin.ma.us

Cultural District Planning Meeting, February 16th, 7:00 p.m.

Partner worksheet
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczX0x3QXhueHpyVlAxemU1amQ3M2V4dXIyQXF3

Partner information
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczTmxEMkhOc2w2b3ZFWFlnemhjMHFrcHJPRkxr
 

February/March performances at THE BLACK BOX

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	February/March at THE BLACK BX  2017
	This Weekend! Ayla Brown Returns to  THE BLACK BOX! Friday, Feb. 17, 8:00 PM Nashville artist and  American Idol finalist! Tickets: Adults $22;  Students/Seniors $20 THE BLACK BOX New England  Artist Series: World on a StringSunday, Feb. 26, 4:00 PM Irina Fainkichen and Tara Novak present "World on a String." The performance will feature music from around the world, including Irish, Hungarian, Romanian, American, and Gypsy tunes.  Tara Novak is a multi-genre acoustic and electric violinist and vocalist. In addition to being a dynamic solo performer, Tara is also an active composer, arranger, and orchestrator.  Irina Fainkichen is a busy freelance violinist in the Greater Boston area. She was concertmaster of San Francisco's Russian Chamber Orchestra for many years, appearing as soloist numerous times. Currently, she is a member of Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, assistant concertmaster of Brockton Symphony Orchestra, and co-founder of "Flying Hearts" duo, which performs in a number of musical genres including Jazz, Klezmer and classic American tunes. Tea service will be available in the lobby. Tickets: Adults $20;  Students/Seniors $18 BLACK BOX Jazz Big Band Brunch with Kenny Hadley Big Band Sun., March 5, 11:30 AM The critically-acclaimed 16-piece  ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon.  Sponsored by: Tickets: Big Band Only: $20; Big Band and Brunch $12 FPAC Presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast Saturday, March 11, 7:30 PM Sunday, March 12, 2 PM Friday, March 17, 7:30 PM Saturday, March 18, 7:30 PM Sunday, March 19, 2 PM Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over 13 years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This "tale as old as time" is family theatre at its best! Tickets: $34 Electric Youth 2017 Friday, March 24, 7:30 PM Electric Youth 2017 returns to THE BLACK BOX, offering family entertainment with music for all ages! Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop,  classic rock, Broadway and country hits. The EY show at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of The Black Crowes, Michael Bublé, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Colbie Caillat, Carrie Underwood, The Who, Guns N' Roses, and more!            Tickets: $26 THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series The Jennifer Tefft Band Saturday, March 25, 8 PM Catch award winning Alt-Rock singer-songwriter Jennifer Tefft and her band as they celebrate the release of their 5th CD, the first in over 10 years!  A Boston Music Award nominee, and 4 time Local Music Award winner, Tefft is  a fired up, energizing presence who pulls earthy music from its roots and breathes fresh, soulful, rock and roll life into them. Her music combines intense rhythms with melancholy textures and haunting vocals that wind easily from darkly ethereal to outspoken, creating her own brand of Gritty-Lush Alternative Rock.   Together with her band, guitarist John Parrillo, drummer Phil Antoniades and bassist Jeff St. Pierre, Tefft has toured the country playing clubs and opening for national acts like Aerosmith, her music has been heard on several TV shows including CSI, MTV, Stargate Universe, One Life To Live, The Young & The Restless and many others. Celebrate the release of this new, edgy, deeply personal CD in Jenn's hometown! With Special Guest Grand Evolution.              Tickets: $15 The Magic of Broadway in Downtown Franklin! Sunday, March 26, 3 PM The magic of 42nd Street comes to Boston's MetroWest suburbs as stars and students share the stage! Don't miss this Broadway revue of show-stopping numbers from the Great White Way.  Broadway in Franklin features Broadway headliners and appearances by musical theater students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and by Electric Youth.  Coming in April! THE BLACK BOX Presents The Fat City Band Friday, April 7, 8 PM James Montgomery Friday, April 14, 8 PM Franklin Performing Arts Company Presents The Crucible April 28, 29, 30 Franklin School for the Performing Arts Presents All Student Productions Ballet Conservatory Presents Cinderella (all student production) Saturday, April 1, 7:30 PM Sunday April 2, 1 & 4 PM Robin Hood (all children production) Saturday, April 1, 12 & 2 PM Click Here to Purchase Tickets to Any of These Events at THE BLACK BOX!
	15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Tel: (508) 528-3370 www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com

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Franklin Performing Arts Company PO Box 16 Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Celtic band RUNA March 4th

RUNA returns! View this email in your browser Celtic Band RUNA Mar 4th 8PM $20 Celtic band RUNA returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, March 4th, at 8PM.  Quickly gaining recognition as one of Irish music's new "supergroups," RUNA has been enchanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats since their formation in 2008. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music. The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and four Independent Music Awards including Best Live Album, Best World/Traditional Song and Best Bluegrass Song. "Timeless and flawless…" – Jim Allford, PA Music Scene RUNA consists of vocalist and step-dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia, Dublin-born guitarist, Fionán de Barra, Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion, Dave Curley of Galway on mandolin, vocals, bodhrán, and step-dancing, and Maggie White of Kentucky on the fiddle. http://www.runamusic.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this shows are $20.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Mar 18      The Boxcar Lilies Apr 1         Brother Sun Apr 22       Livingston Taylor May 6        Catie Curtis

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA