Franklin School for Performing Arts Hosts Open House Today

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts will hold an Open House for prospective students and families today, September 7 at 38 Main Street in Franklin from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and at FSPA's satellite facility in downtown Hudson, located at 14 Main Street in the historic Odd Fellows Building, from 1-4 p.m. The community is invited to tour the studios and classrooms, speak with faculty and staff and learn more about FSPA programs for all ages and abilities in music, dance and drama, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class.

The Fall Open House will feature demonstrations along with unplugged performances by Electric Youth (EY), an ensemble of young singer-dancers trained at FSPA, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in Franklin and at 3 p.m. in Hudson. Fresh off their exciting summer concert tour of England and France, the nine EY singer-dancers will entertain with repertoire from the 10th European tour, which featured shows at Disneyland Paris, Barfleur on the coast of Normandy, the Arundel Festival and theaters in Bristol, London, Wimborne and Windsor, England.

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. Students expand their creativity, imagination and improvisatory skills and enhance their ability to communicate effectively, whether in the secondary school classroom or other public speaking opportunities.

"So much of who I was and who I am was built at FSPA, notes Kim Rezendes, who was among the school's very first students. "Beyond performing arts skills, the programs offer so much to children and their families socially, intellectually and emotionally. That knowledge informs the choices I now make as a program director and teacher."

Rezendes is now director of the Little Music School at FSPA. An innovative program introduced by Rezendes and Mercer in 2005, the Little Music School teaches children as young as eighteen months to play the piano and exposes kids to music in a way they understand, through imagination, movement, play and peer interaction.

The Little Music School is one of many dynamic arts experiences offered at FSPA. Children's programming includes Creative Dance, Rhythm & Movement and Pre-Ballet, as well as introductory classes in Ballet, Jazz and Tap. Young dancers discover the joy of movement and expand coordination, musicality and rhythm. Musical Theater is offered to children beginning in kindergarten, providing hands-on experiences that encourage students to stretch their imagination, tell stories and find their voice. Music instruction at the school includes children's classes Rattles and Rhythms, Wee Play and Do-Re-ME!, establishing a foundation in basic music concepts in a fun and energetic way.

As students grow, the curriculum and level of involvement and opportunity expands with them. FSPA offers wide ranging and multi-level classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice and instrumental instruction. Students learn from a faculty of accomplished artists and dedicated teachers who share a passion and love for the arts. An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features studio voice recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, Glee Club, musical theater troupes, Obstreperous Rep theatrical ensemble, dance companies, Project Dance, Ballet Conservatory Repertoire Series, chamber music, jazz and percussion ensembles. Many FSPA students are also cast in Franklin Performing Arts Company's annual season of shows.

Registration for all programs is ongoing. Additional open houses will be held in Franklin on September 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and in Hudson on September 10 and 12 from 4-7 p.m. For more information or to request a course catalogue, call (508) 528-8668. Visit online at www.fspaonline.com.

In the picture shown, Catherine Oliviere, 10, is pictured in FSPA's SummerStage 2013 production of Shrek the Musical at Showcase Live. Learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama, including year-round performance opportunities, at a Fall Open House on September 7.

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