Franklin Players is a community theatre group based in Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg. Founded in 1962 by Harry Falkov and Iris Schuck, Franklin Players Community Theatre has been a cornerstone of the local cultural landscape, providing a platform for creative expression and community development through the arts.
Our theatre group celebrates the essential power of theatre to bring communities together and cultivate the spirit of togetherness through volunteer-based collaboration. We believe in the power of inclusivity, aiming to offer programs and productions that highlight the rich diversity of South Africa. Our commitment extends beyond the stage, with a focus on meaningful community impact and Youth Development through our support of various charities and our facilitation of training workshops. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for both children and adults to cultivate their talents in all aspects of theatre arts.
We put on at least three productions a year – from our annual One-Act Play Festival to our Mid-year show and big bang year-end Pantomime, with workshops and showcases in between.
To build an inclusive theatre community that nurtures creativity, develops young artists, and enriches society through meaningful theatrical experiences.
Our vision is rooted in our belief that future of South African storytelling lies in the youth of our communities. We are dedicated to providing an outlet for creative community involvement while maintaining our commitment to producing quality entertainment. Through our educational initiatives, we aim to empower individuals of all ages with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the world of theatre. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, we believe in the transformative power of theatre to enrich lives, foster empathy, and inspire positive change in our community and beyond. Our vision at the Franklin Players is rooted in a set of core values that guide our commitment to excellence, community engagement and skills development.
To produce accessible, high-quality theatre while developing skills, supporting youth, and strengthening community engagement through education, collaboration, and mentorship. We aim to engage, inspire, and entertain through a diverse range of theatrical productions, spanning from timeless classics to groundbreaking new works. After registering as an NPC focused on Youth Development in 2024, we believe in investing in the future of South African storytelling through the training and upliftment of the next generation of theatre artists.
Through collaborations with industry experts, recent graduates and professional practitioners, we foster a nurturing environment where individuals can explore, learn, and grow in their craft, bridging the gap between entry-level theatre and professional stages.
All cast and crew members need to be paid-up Franklin members in order to participate in productions, paying a nominal membership fee either for the year or per production. Rehearsals take place at the Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre on Sunday afternoons, Monday and Wednesday evenings for every production cycle.
We welcome and encourage you to join for reduced ticket prices, free workshops and a wonderful community of thespians! The fees are extremely nominal and basically help us pay the rent. It’s easy to become a member – simply send an email to membership@franklin.org.za
We email news once a month to our mailing list subscribers, so be sure to sign up to our mailing list and keep abreast of upcoming auditions and productions.
We invite you to contact us and join the Franklin family!