About
the Franklin Opera House
The
Franklin Opera House is in its fifth year of programming.
During this time we have been able to develop a business
plan and accomplish many of the Phase I, & II tasks that
were outlined. (See attached Phase I & II outline of FOH
Business Plan). The main item identified was the restoration
of the balcony. The balcony has been completed. Over the
past two and a half years the Opera House has raised over
$80,000 toward this restoration project in funds and in-kind
donations. 160 balcony seats have been added to the 200
seat facility. An egress for the balcony has been completed
and fire safety equipment has been installed. All the
necessary repairs on the stairs, floors, ceilings and chairs
is complete. The Grand Opening of the balcony was celebrated
during Franklin Footlight Theater performance of “Beauty and
the Beast” in July 2005.
The
Franklin Opera House continues to reach out to patrons with
a greater variety of programs. During the last 3 years of
programming the Franklin Opera House has been able to offer
free or reduced rate programming to the area schools and
also the senior centers. It is our mission to be an arts
organization that supports our community by continuing to
make the “best available” and most affordable performance
events to our region. In August 2005 we hosted the
elementary summer school children and children that
attend the Franklin Recreation programs. We have programs
for our Junior and Senor High students scheduled as well.
Teachers throughout the area are able to plan curriculums
around our scheduled school programs.
The Franklin Opera House serves
these areas of New Hampshire
Geographic area served: Franklin, Tilton, Sanbornton, Hill,
Andover, Boscawen and Northfield as well as other
communities in Merrimack and Belknap counties. The Franklin
Opera House service area increased regionally as well as
statewide in the first three years of hosting performances.
Current
Activities
The FOH
Board of Directors are currently focused on:
Phase II
of the Business plan
Finishing
lighting coves with permanent wiring in the Opera House
ceiling and adding
more dimmers
Developing
a physical facility plan with Brian Sullivan, Franklin
Municipal Services Director, to upgrade wiring and plumbing,
add to a wing of the stage and relocate the city offices to
open up the rest of the theater
Restoration of the original box office and the lobby.
Partnering
with the city to add a sprinkler system to the balcony and
add a new fire alarm system.
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