Based on the smash hit 1991 Disney animated feature and dating back to a late 18th-century classic French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster, who was long ago trapped in his gruesome form by an enchantress. The only way for the Beast to become human once again is if he learns to love and be loved in return. There is a time limit, too: once a magical rose loses all of its petals, all hope will be lost and he will stay a Beast forever. The Beast’s enchanted household--populated by such beloved characters as Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Chip--watch anxiously as Belle and the Beast grow to understand and befriend one another. Their feelings grow ever deeper as the clock ticks and petals continue to fall off the enchanted rose--will they confess their love for one another before it is too late?

Franklinton Area Community Theater (FACT) is a nonprofit children’s theater group that is located in Franklinton, North Carolina and meets at Franklinton High School. Founded in August of 2004, FACT has grown to include over sixty active members. Youth interested in theater, including performing on stage, directing, stage management, technical support and set design can find wonderful opportunities through FACT.

FACT is open to anyone that would like to participate and currently includes youth from Franklin County Public Schools, local private schools, and home schools. Actors presently range from five-years-old to eighteen-years-old.

Parents are also encouraged to get involved by helping manage different aspects of the plays including supervision, costumes, and publicity.  The group works to make theatre an enjoyable method of self-expression for each child. Students grow in self-confidence, verbal skills, and artist expression.

FACT has presented a wide variety of plays over the past ten years including Mary Poppins, Godspell, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Into the Woods, Seussical, The Pied Piper, Willy Wonka, Little Mermaid Jr, Dr Dolittle, Schoolhouse Rock and The Sound of Music.

All individuals must audition for upcoming shows. FACT’s Spring productions usually showcase the younger children in our group, and shows are expanded to include as many individuals as possible. Fall productions are a more elite group and interested individuals should be prepared for cuts at auditions.