July News

The most fun an audience can have!

The opening weekend of the Franklin Variety show had audience members in stitches, and some literally crying with laughter! Hilarity ensued as the Cluesby Agents, with the assistance of the audience, got to the bottom of the Case of the Frightening French Friar.

The various comedy skits, monologues and songs elicited much applause and whistling from the audience. Overall, a unique and entertaining evening! Here’s a sneak peek:

For a memorable and highly entertaining experience, book your seats for the last two shows happening this weekend. Click on the poster below for the booking details.

Franklin Players 2019 mid-year variety show

 


Panto excitement in the air

The title of our funtastic YEAR-END PANTOMIME will be announced very soon so watch this space! 

Information regarding audition preparations will be available shortly, meanwhile be sure to diarise the audition dates and we’ll see you there. Auditions take place at our usual venue, Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre (see address and map on our auditions page). All ages are welcome. 

AUDITION DATES 
Sunday 18 August – 2.30pm
Monday 19 August – 7.30pm
Wednesday 21 August – 7.30pm

SHOW DATES
Please make sure you are available to perform on:
22, 23, 29, 30 November 2019

 


Drama Skills Workshop

Please diarise SUNDAY 25 AUGUST for our next workshop which will cover skills such as writing, directing and characterisation, over and above general acting skills. This workshop is free for Franklin members. Non-members may also attend at a cost of R50.

Be sure to join the Franklin community on WhatsApp (details above) and stay informed about upcoming events, auditions and shows.

 


A Great Loss

Andy Bowman, a greatly revered, multi-talented and highly respected member of the Gauteng community theatre family, passed away on 10th July, exactly one month shy of his 88th birthday. Not only a stalwart of RLT (and one of a very select few to be awarded honorary life membership), he was also a decades-long member of the Franklin Players and closely associated with of the Good Companions, amongst others. Whatever aspect of theatre craft he turned his hand to, be it acting, directing, set designing and building, adjudicating or play festival convening, he was always the consummate, tireless professional. Declining health over the last few years greatly curtailed his active involvement in things theatrical, but never dimmed his passion and support for the performing arts. Our deepest sympathies go to his son, Alfred, and to all who were touched and inspired by his friendship, selfless mentoring and extraordinary knowledge and love of showbiz. The memorial service was held on 18th July.

Thanks to Graham Shirley of RLT for the above notice.

 


Events Calendar

Here is a preview of upcoming events and you can find more details on our website calendar – just look for this icon:

  • 26, 27 July, 2, 3 August
    Mid-year show
     
  • 18, 19, 21 August
    Auditions for our year-end production
     
  • 25 August
    Drama skills workshop
     
  • 22, 23, 29, 30 November
    Year-end show
     
  • 1 December
    AGM

 


Protea Stage Productions

Don’t miss Protea’s HANG:10 short play festival on the 4th and 5th of October. Watch this space for more details. Follow Protea on Facebook.

 


Join the Franklin Family

Being a Franklin member means you are eligible to perform in any of our productions and gives you free access to various workshops we may hold throughout the year. We are a close-knit family that often meets for socials and many longstanding friendships have been borne out of our mutual love of theatre.

It’s easy to become a member of the Franklin Players. Simply complete the membership form and email it to committee@franklin.org.za together with proof of payment. The fees are extremely nominal and help us to pay the rent. For more information and background about our society, read more about us on our website.

Both members and non-members can join the Franklin WhatsApp group to stay informed about future auditions, events and upcoming shows. Send us a message on 082 366 9987 to join the community. And don’t worry, commenting is disabled (admin only) so you won’t be spammed with a barrage of messages!

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *