A very special asset for the Franklin, MA community, the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPS) and its associated Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is a prestigious non-profit performing arts organization. The FSPS and FPAC together serve approximately 1000 artists and students from more 45 communities in the Franklin region and are well-known throughout New England up and down eastern seaboard of the US.
The FSPS was founded in 1985 by Raye Lynn Mercer. The FPAC was created in 1991. The combined organization has music, dance and drama departments as well as a touring performance troupe. The FPAC promotes the performing arts and nurtures and develops young talent through private lessons and by a classroom curriculum. The organization serves to develop talent of all levels, offering courses in music, drama and dance.
Many local performances currently are held at the Thomas Mercer Auditorium at the Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak Street, Franklin, MA. Classes are conducted at the 38 Main Street location. The 38 Main Street location has become too small for the school.
The FPAC is planning to build a new arts center to be called the New England Center for the Performing Arts.
The New England Center for the Performing Arts will triple the space currently available at the Main Street location. The new facility will feature studios and class room, a recital hall for solo or small-group performances, a “black box” theater (typically used for teaching and small experimental shows) and a large proscenium theater for elaborate events. Center will be situated on 13 acres in Franklin on the west side of Route 495 near the Forge park commuter rail station.
