Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) completes its expansion this November to assume the entire building of the Felix Cataldo Block in downtown Franklin. The renovation connects all areas of the existing FSPA facility, including studios and classrooms, staff offices and The Spotlight Shop. The expansion also creates spacious new dance and music studios, a first floor waiting area for students and families, and Intermission, a new downtown cafe available to the FSPA community and open to the public.
The Intermission café, opening this month, will feature healthy menu selections from flatbreads, soups and sandwiches to coffees, teas and smoothies. The café will also offer a variety of baked goods from area favorites Elizabeth’s Bagels and Medway Muffin House.
“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,” noted FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer. “I am happy that our expansion has helped us create the feeling of a performing arts campus with education, performance and community space in downtown Franklin.”
The expansion supports a full-service experience for students and families alike. The added space at 38 Main allows FSPA to offer more classes at optimum times during the week and to build upon the school’s broad-based, quality arts curriculum, including FSPA Academy and FSPA AfterSchool, innovative programs launched over the past two years.
Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA serves more than 500 students annually from some 40 communities in the region. The school is dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. FSPA 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 FSPA 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. THE BLACK BOX, Franklin Performing Arts Company’s home and performance venue, is located just behind FSPA, providing a professional space for FSPA student productions. FSPA TALENT offers management services for young performers who elect to pursue professional opportunities.
Registration is ongoing for all FSPA classes, with tuition pro-rated. To learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama, prospective students are invited to tour the facilties and try a complimentary class. Call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information, including a catalogue and class schedule.
Issue Date:
November, 2017
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