top_image_slider_1 top_image_slider_2 top_image_slider_3 top_image_slider_4 top_image_slider_5

News

FSPA Update May 18, 2020

Dear FSPA Families,

I am writing to update you on our plans at FSPA to finish the 2019-2020 school year and move into summer. I waited to receive the information provided yesterday by Governor Baker as we look forward to the long-awaited opening at 38 Main Street! Here are our plans:

FINISHING THE SCHOOL YEAR

We will proceed with VirtualFSPA to close out Trimester 3. I am grateful for your support of this format and I am impressed by the wonderful work done by the faculty and our students under challenging and unprecedented circumstances. Due to the feeling that one day is the same as the next :) , we will “teach” on Memorial Day, providing material on BAND on the holiday with the understanding that it can be accessed at your convenience. With a few exceptions and make up lessons, Trimester 3 will conclude on Saturday, June 20th.

SPRING CONCERT

We are pleased to announce VIRTUAL SPRING CONCERT 2020! All group classes will receive directions from the faculty for each student to record a favorite section of each Spring Concert piece in costume, at home. The submissions will be edited into a performance video for each class!  A deadline for submission of the student home videos will be provided. June 8 – 13 there will be no regular class time in order to allow the teachers time to edit the videos. During the week of June 15, Zoom calls will be set up with each class to enjoy the finished product together!

SPRING CONCERT DANCE COSTUMES

Spring Concert dance costumes will be distributed in a drive-through format from THE BLACK BOX parking lot. We anticipate the costume pick up day to be the week of June 1st and an alphabetical schedule with times for pick up will be sent soon.

SPRING CONCERT MUSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCES

Because our Musical Theater curriculum for Tri 3 is preparation of pieces for Spring Concert and that material was not fully underway when we needed to go to Virtual classes, we will be sending out one song that will be learned by all Musical Theater classes. Students will be given directions to film a performance of the song at home, dressed as the teachers suggest. Students will wear ear buds or headphones so they are all singing to the same accompaniment, and the recording you make will not include the backup track. Teachers will add the accompaniment back in and edit the submitted videos into a virtual performance! Specific directions will be sent to each class for recording at home. Zoom calls will be arranged for teachers and classes to enjoy the final product together. 

Costume fees for Spring Concert Musical Theater classes will be credited to student accounts for summer or fall.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT RECITALS

Virtual Studio Recitals will celebrate our students’ accomplishments to close out Tri 3. Students will receive directions from each of the voice or instrumental teachers to record a recital performance at home. The videos will be edited into a Virtual Recital for each of our Music Department studios.

LITTLE MUSIC SCHOOL

Little Music School end-of-the-year project information is included in this week’s class posts.

SUMMER!

We are making plans to open for summer classes on June 29 as scheduled, with both in-person and virtual options. There will be adjustments required as we work to follow all guidelines issued for safely bringing our students, faculty, and staff back together.  Please look for SUMMER SCHEDULE UPDATES as we prepare to reopen with weekly classes, summer intensives, and camps in a hybrid live/virtual format.

FSPA REOPENING

The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and families are top priority as we prepare to open at 38 Main Street. I will issue a Four Pillar Plan for Reopening the Franklin School for the Performing Arts detailing Hygiene and Cleaning, Distancing and Masks, Screening and Requirements, Culture and Behaviors.  The plan will include a video orientation, as well as in-class orientations for every group of students, a summer plan for limited access to the building for those not in class, office-by-appointment, enhanced cleaning of the facility, mask and social distancing requirements, and safety-specific protocol for classrooms, hallways, and dressing areas. With the cooperation of students, parents, and staff, we will endeavor to create a safe environment in which to enjoy the summer and the arts activities we love.

INTERMISSION

An opening date for Intermission will be announced soon.  We look forward to welcoming customers for socially distanced indoor and outdoor dining.

CANCELLED FSPA PERFORMANCES

The following performances have been cancelled due to our closure during Trimester 3:

Children’s Play

Teen Play

Participation fees for these productions will be credited to the students’ accounts for summer or fall.

The Spring Ballet performance may be scheduled in conjunction with the Summer Ballet Intensive. Details to follow as more information becomes available to us.

Troupes, Dance Ensembles, and Glee Club will receive a separate email with pertinent information.

GRADUATION

We are working on a plan for FSPA Graduation to celebrate our Class of 2020! 

It is exciting to begin thinking about seeing everyone again!  In the meantime, be well, take your classes, challenge yourselves for the next month, and finish strong!

 

All the best,

Raye Lynn

Franklin School for the Performing Arts
 
 2024 FSPA