Franklin Phonetic Primary School students in grades third through sixth are creating an original opera that will be performed at the school on Tuesday, May 12. Two performances are scheduled: at 1 and 6 p.m.
The school’s founders, Dr. Cindy Franklin and her husband, Tom Franklin, have a passion for performing arts, the school said. This small charter school engages children in choir, band and drama throughout the year.
The Franklins participated in the Education at the Met Program, offered by the Metropolitan Opera Guild in New York City. They brought the program to their schools in Prescott Valley and in Sunnyslope. The goal is not just about the final product but focuses on the journey the students take – one of learning to work together, sharing ideas, learning new skills in writing, music, acting and even carpentry. Students take charge in all areas of the production including set design and construction, lighting, costumes, makeup, and production and stage management.
Sunnyslope students wrote this year’s opera around a theme of “sneaking out” and its consequences. Students named their company Sneakers Opera Company and they call their opera “Sneaking Out.”
The May 12 performances are free to the public and will be held in the school’s auditorium, located at 9317 N. 2nd St. Learn more about the school at www.franklinphoneticschool.com.
