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ATTLEBORO

The area's youngest actors will take center stage soon - and plenty of them - when Triboro Youth Theatre presents its annual fall production for its youngest members.

The production is "Treasure Island," and there are so many young actors, it will be presented by two different casts in two different performances, all of which will be presented at Thacher Elementary School.

There are 70 young actors in all, from pre-kindergarten to grade 6, with 33 actors to perform in the first production and 37 actors to perform in the second production.

The first production will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7. The second production will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8.

Challenging schedule

While this schedule is a bit challenging, particularly with a production for TYT's older actors to be performed two weeks after "Treasure Island," it's what Triboro Youth Theatre, now in its 14 season, does every fall.

So, how do they do it? Teamwork, according to Director Vivian Humphrey.

"Every Fall TYT does two or three productions this close together," Humphrey said.

"Participants join in September, and we rehearse each production for approximately eight weeks. The way we can do this successfully every year is by understanding how much needs to be accomplished each week and that every staff member has to be prepared to do more if the kids are ready to move on.

"I am so proud of the staff at TYT - they are an amazing group of talented and motivated individuals, and since we have worked together so long, we have a shorthand with one another and know how to help each other and what needs to happen next to get the most out of the students' performances."

As for this production of "Treasure Island" in particular, Humphrey says it's going to be a lot of fun to watch.

"The students have loved playing pirates and pigaloos, and using all the fun props such as swords and sticks, treasure chests, gold and skeletons. They have been really excited to get to the next part each week."

She also notes that "Treasure Island" is a big play for this age group with many lines and songs to memorize, but says the young actors have stepped up to the challenge and surpassed her expectations. Janette Boulay can be reached by phone or fax at 508-222-0993 or by e-mail at janette.boulay@gmail.com.