Education and Outreach

FSC and UCCCA 

In 2005 and 2006, FSC Associate Artists Ed Vassallo and Charlie Kevin collaborated with the Upper Catskill Community Council on the Arts in Oneonta and taught a two week workshop in Improvisation to local children. Vassallo and Kevin have many years of experience teaching theatre arts to young people. Performance-based activities for children can increase confidence, articulation, physical dexterity and interpersonal skills.

Exploring methods and techniques that included scene structure, character creation, dialogue development, and physical comedy, the workshops culminated in a highly successful public performance at Chapel Hall. Our collaboration with UCCCA continues in 2007. For more information, contact Tom Butts.

The 52nd Street Project at Chapel Hall

Since 2003, the Franklin Stage Company has played host to New York’s renowned 52nd Street Project, the not-for-profit organization that matches the kids (aged 9-18) of Hell's Kitchen with professional theater artists to create original theatre. As part of the Playback program, the 52nd Street Project brings kids and their mentors to a retreat over the Columbus Day weekend. The kids write a short play which will later prompt an 'answer play' from the mentor.

The peace and quiet of Franklin in the Fall, the facilities at Chapel Hall, and the goodwill of local 'hosts' who have accommodated the participants, have made the collaboration between FSC and the 52nd Street Project hugely successful and enjoyable.

For more information, visit the 52nd Street Project website.

 

FSC at your School or Organization

In the Spring of 2006, FSC embarked on a program designed to bring master-classes in theatre arts to local high schools and colleges. Taught by professional actors, the classes are designed to include structured improvisations, voice and speech exercises, movement and approaches to text. We believe that the theatre, with its emphasis on interaction and communication, is a vital resource for young people seeking the means and the opportunity to express their points of view. So far FSC has twice accepted invitations to conduct these masterclasses at Unatego High School - both have been a great success.

"The acting workshop was really fun. It was a great bonding and team building experience. Thanks so much!"

"The acting workshop was AWESOME! This was my first time doing improv and I had a great experience."

"In the exercises we learned how to focus. We really had good fun and learned at the same time."

"The workshop was so much fun and I learned so much."

FSC is looking for the chance to bring our theatre workshops to more schools and colleges in the area. Our experienced - and inspiring - instructors can organize workshops around a number of topics, including:

• Shakespeare
• Improvisation
• Comedy
• Voice and Speech

If you would like to discuss an educational opportunity with FSC, please contact David Bridel.