Raye Lynn Mercer News

The Franklin Performing Arts Company has announced the cast and creative team for their production of The Sound of Music running at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA October 14-23. Broadway’s Sara Jean Ford stars as Maria Rainer.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company, Franklin's own professional theater company, will present The Drowsy Chaperone starring Ben Cameron and Emily Koch March 12-20 at THE BLACK BOX.   

The Green Room 42 has announced their February line-up for in-person performances. Additionally, The Green Room 42 is excited to launch 5/5/5 Tickets – in celebration of their 5th Anniversary, five $5 tickets will be available for every show from February 15, 2022, through February 14, 2023.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will present Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins. The production, choreographed by and starring Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson, will run October 15-17 and 22-24 at THE BLACK BOX.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company has announced the cast for their production of Legally Blonde the Musical. The production, originally scheduled for March 2020, marks the return of live theater for FPAC at THE BLACK BOX.

Spring Arts Awakening features nine weeks of entertainment, outdoors under a tent in the venue's parking lot.

With socially distanced staging, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life's great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. The charming music and humorous vignettes brought to life by the beloved Peanuts characters, offer the laughs and entertainment we need right about now.

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) has announced a new roster of FSPA Broadway Faculty. The nine Broadway professionals are available to enrolled students for private coaching via Zoom. Coachings are available for singing, acting, dance, and self-marketing in the theater industry.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) launched 'Great Performances...At Home,' a nightly Facebook Live performance series on Facebook last week. Every night at 7:30 pm EST, a special guest goes live on the Franklin Performing Arts Company Facebook page for a mini-performance.

In 1985, lifetime Franklin resident Raye Lynn Mercer, director, pianist, and educator, departed from her private studio of 35 piano students with a vision, and opened the doors of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) at 38 Main Street in Franklin. Offering the region a one-of-a-kind performing arts education program that includes music, dance, and drama under one roof, FSPA Celebrates its 35th Anniversary Season this year.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Director Raye Lynn Mercer will present a 'How To Audition' Workshop on Saturday, September 21 from 1:00-2:30 pm in the school's Recital Hall at 38 Main Street. Students and parents are invited to learn about the audition process in an entertaining, interactive format with demonstrations and time for questions from attendees. Included in the workshop are what to expect, how to prepare, and how to conduct oneself at any audition.

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold an Open House for prospective students and families at 38 Main Street. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin's premier theater, music, and event venue, will present The 50s: A Musical Tribute on Friday, May 3 with two seatings at 7:00 and 8:45 pm. Hosted by Raye Lynn Mercer and featuring popular local singers and a Boston-based band, the concert will pay tribute to the music of the Fifties. The audience is encouraged to enjoy trivia and games, sing along, and dress for the decade.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts Director Raye Lynn Mercer will lead an 'Up Your Game' workshop today, Nov. 10 from 10 am-12 pm. The class will focus on audition techniques, preparing your audition binder, and wardrobe. Students will receive individualized instruction and feedback with the chance to focus on personal development. Parents are invited to observe, listen and ask questions. The class is open to Grades 5-12, however enrollment is limited. Please call (508) 528-8668 to register.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts Director Raye Lynn Mercer will lead an 'Up Your Game' workshop on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 am-12 pm. The class will focus on audition techniques, preparing your audition binder, and wardrobe. Students will receive individualized instruction and feedback with the chance to focus on personal development. Parents are invited to observe, listen and ask questions. The class is open to Grades 5-12, however enrollment is limited. Please call (508) 528-8668 to register.

September 21-23, the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at THE BLACK BOX. The classic play examines the complexities of the marriage of a middle-aged couple, Martha and George. Late one evening, after a university faculty party, they receive an unwitting younger couple, Nick and Honey, as guests, and draw them into their bitter and frustrated relationship.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will host a series of Open Houses at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin on Monday, August 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Tuesday, August 14 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, August 23 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Wednesday, August 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, September 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama for all ages and levels. Prosepctive students are also encouraged to schedule a complimentary trial class. The FSPA summer session runs through August 24, and fall classes begin on September 10. Registration is ongoing for all programs.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will host summer Open Houses on Wednesday, July 18 and Tuesday, July 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama. Prosepctive students are also encouraged to schedule a complimentary trial class.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will host an Open House on Thursday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama. An information session, led by FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer, will be held at 7:00 that evening and will highlight the school's programming and performing opportunities.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is pleased to provide prospective students with complimentary tickets to FSPA Spring Concert performances as part of the school's All Access Pass program. Families are invited to learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama. The Spring Concert shows provide a dynamic way to experience what the school has to offer across many dance disciplines, voice, acting, instrumental music, and musical theater programming. Spring Concert performances will be presented on Saturday, May 19 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 20 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. at the Franklin High School Auditorium, located at 218 Oak Street. Featuring FSPA students of many ages and levels, Spring Concert is presented in an audience-friendly, 90-minute format.