Franklin School for the Performing Arts Sets New Summer Theater Programs

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) introduces a new series of summer theater programs, ballet intensives, three-day workshops and weeklong camps, along with an eight-week session of voice, instrumental and dance classes. The summer session runs from June 29 to August 21, with registration now underway for all programs.

FSPA Summer Theater provides the opportunity for hands-on immersion in a cabaret show, concert musical, behind-the-scenes theater design, straight play or musical theater production, with enrollment for one to five weeks. The Cabaret week focuses on performance skills and presentation, including repertoire choices, song interpretation and audition technique, and concludes with a cabaret style revue at THE BLACK BOX. Students enrolled in the Concert Musical week will rehearse and present the iconic Schoolhouse Rock! With timeless hits such as "Conjunction Junction," "I'm Just a Bill" and "Three Is a Magic Number," the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning cartoon series taught an entire generation lessons about grammar, science, math, money and American history in a most animated and catchy way. A behind-the-scenes exploration of theater design and production will include staging, lighting, costuming, sets and sound. A two-week musical theater program will present the Disney mega-hit, High School Musical. FSPA will stage the record-breaking, chart-topping pop culture phenomenon, along with a junior version, Middle School Musical, for younger performers, at THE BLACK BOX.

FSPA also launches two new Ballet Intensives this summer, featuring guest artist Brian McSween from the Joffrey Ballet, a field trip to Jacob's Pillow, and a performance at THE BLACK BOX. The four-week Advanced Intensive (July 20-August 14) and three-week Young Intensive (July 27-August 14) 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 for musical theater enthusiasts in Grades 3-7 teaches vocals, choreography and scene work, with a chance to showcase skills in a final ensemble performance. Acting Camp (grades 3-6) teaches character development and improvisation and culminates in a one-of-a-kind presentation. Camp ProVoice 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, Little Gems Ballet Camp (ages 5-8) teaches basic ballet positions, vocabulary, floor exercises and simple steps with exploration of an enchanting story ballet. Creative Kids Camp will engage and entertain campers ages 5-7 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.

FSPA will also offer a series of 3-day workshops, including Rock Out, providing students with the opportunity to jam with talented area musicians and learn from well-known Boston professionals. Stepping Up will help dancers prepare for dance auditions, with work on technique, learning choreography, audition etiquette and presentation. Piano, Four Hands will pair students to work collaboratively on repertoire written for two people to play on one piano. Crash Course in Social Partner Dance will explore three American Smooth dances (Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango) and four Latin Rhythm dances (Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing and Salsa).

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