The FOSSE (Figures of Speech Student Ensemble) provides the teenage participants with the opportunity to experience student-driven ensemble theater that employs Figures of Speech's signature wide spectrum of stage media.

The FOSSE premiered its first original production, entitled Perseus the Gorgon Slayer, in January of 2008 at the Freeport Performing Arts Center. The audience response was incredibly positive, and extra performances were added, including a matinee for all the Mast Landing School students.

In 2009 The FOSSE dove headlong into the topsy turvy worlds of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass in early January. The program was open to all students who were willing to commit to the work. Director Ian Bannon and Figures of Speech's Artistic Directors John and Carol Farrell have worked with 20 students on ensemble building, theme exploration, mask and puppet making, character development, and developing a musical score. Kate Breau, a second year ensemble member, reflected on the process. "The best part of (The FOSSE) is that there are NO guidelines—we create whatever we want and always end up with something totally unexpected and original."

The program also features guest artists of national renown to guide the students in specialized areas of expertise such as vocal improvisation, musical composition, masked performance, and lighting design. Ian views this as an essential component of the project. "It's amazing to watch the students' synapses fire and their faces glow when one of our guest artists demonstrates their craft. To then be able to work with the artist to learn their craft and devise new and exciting ways to put it to use in a larger context is an incredible, horizon expanding opportunity for our students."

'Alice in Wonderland' was made possible in part by funding from the Maine Arts Commission and the Freeport Performing Arts Boosters.