It’s Sondheim On The South Fork

On November 5 and November 6, head back “Into The Woods” with the young actors of South Fork Preforming Arts (SFPA) as they perform Stephen Sondheim’s 1987 Broadway musical of the same name. With music and lyrics by Sondheim and a story by James Lapine, “Into The Woods” explores intertwining stories encompassing favorite childhood fairy tale characters.

The production features 22 actors, ages 11 to 18, representing six local schools from Springs to Southampton. SFPA focuses on helping actors grow and learn through the process of creating a show together rather than just performing. During the first week of rehearsals, each student chooses a “major” or specific area of production interest outside their onstage part to work on throughout the weeks of rehearsals. Some of these majors include assistant directing, stage craft, lighting design, sound design, costumes, props, marketing and many other areas of producing.

SFPA is known for its Black Box Performance Project, where the focus is on the actors and the story their characters are telling rather than intricate staging details. A minimal set of literal black boxes gives the actors a change to showcase their talents.

Performances of “Into The Woods” will take place on Friday, November 5, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 6, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Frances Ann Dougherty Studio at LTV in Wainscott, 75 Industrial Road. Tickets are $20 at southforkperformingarts.com. More information, including COVID-19 safety protocols can also be found on the website. Auditions for SFPA’s next production “Annie Jr.,” will be held on December 18 and are open to students in first through seventh grades. Register on the website.