One of a kind community theater for a one of a kind community
The Franklin-Simpson Community Arts Council produces and promotes visual and performing arts for the entertainment, enrichment and education of the residents of Franklin and Simpson County. We strive to provide and encourage the cultivation of personal artistic endeavors in the citizens of our area. For 40 years, the Arts Council has had a history of service to our community through the many fields of the arts and frequently we work with other groups when we have a common goal that will benefit our community. The Arts Council produces plays, musicals, concerts and supports the arts in many ways in Franklin. However, we are probably best known as the organization who produces the summer musicals and the Youth Theatre productions. However, those events are only a part of our year round programming. We also produce plays (two to three a year, either comedies or dramas) on the main stage in the Goodnight Auditorium or as a dinner theatre presentation at the local Roxy Theatre. In addition, we usually produce a couple of concerts each year. In the past we have presented Ricky Skaggs, Kathy Mattea, Riders In The Sky, Asleep At The Wheel, The Nashville Symphony, The Rewinders, Ronnie McDowell and Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers. Cooperation with other local groups and organizations to provide quality programming is important to the Arts Council. We work with the _Chamber of Commerce, F-S Renaissance, the Goodnight Library and other service organizations each year for the promotion and development of the arts in our area. The Arts Council works closely with the Goodnight Library to continue to make the historic Goodnight Library Auditorium a good facility for community events. Over the years, we have purchased or procured through in-kind donations much of the sound and lighting equipment. We also started a Goodnight Renovation Fund that will help to make much needed renovations to the auditorium in the future. We are also a major supporter of The Gallery on the Square which is operated by the Simpson County Guild of Artists and Craftsmen which provide arts education and promotes the visual arts for all ages in Franklin and Simpson County.
The Arts Council feels education in the arts is very important and it has been proven to improve academic performance in students. Being supportive of our local High School remains a top priority. We are a major sponsor of their drama/comedy in the fall and their musical in the spring. In addition to monetary support, we help them with costumes, lighting and sound equipment. We also support students competing in the areas of art, chorus and band. We have Youth Theatre Workshops to introduce and enhance student’s knowledge and experience in the arts. The Arts Council sponsors performances by touring companies, artists in residence and have sponsored trips to TPAC for youth performances by the Nashville Symphony, the Nashville Ballet and performances by the Western Symphony Orchestra in Bowling Green.