Into the Woods Jr. at White Plains Performing Arts Center
By Allison Jasne: When you think of summer camp, you probably picture a bunch of kids: kicking a soccer ball or tossing a Frisbee, doing arts and crafts, and eating ice cream after a long day of playing in the sun or splashing in the pool. At the Summer Theater Academy, located at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, 25 students between the ages of 9 and 16 are rehearsing for a production of Into the Woods Jr.
Each day starts with a different workshop on various aspects of theater – everything from choreography to character development to sight-singing – with a member of the production staff. In the afternoon, the students apply the skills they’ve learned in the morning by putting them into practice in rehearsal. The program concludes with two performances; not just for family and friends, but open to the public as a whole. These performances aren’t cutesy or campy; they are full-blown mainstage-style productions with lights, sound, costumes, and props, all designed by industry professionals.
Education Director Ariana Moses, the woman behind the program, said of the Into the Woods cast: “Our students have worked incredibly hard in the last four weeks on this difficult material. We have seen growth in each performer. Each one is highlighted in a great way!”
The production is directed by Karen Loftus. Paul Loman is the music director and Jmes Oblak choreographer.
So, make your way “Into the Woods” on Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. to see this amazing show. Tickets are $10 for students high school and younger and $15 for adults. For more information, visit www.wppac.com or call 914-328-1600.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
