By LINDA LONG/For the Reporter

South City Theatre’s next production, “Onesies,” will introduce the community to a new group of directors.

“One of the things South City Theatre likes to do is to encourage new things,” Artistic Director Sue Ellen Gerrells said. “This workshop gives people who have never directed before, and those with just minimal experience, an opportunity to come in and try their hand at something that doesn’t require the intense commitment of a full production.”

“Onesies” will be an annual event, but the plays will rotate each year. This year’s event presents the work of American playwright David Ives.

The evening includes five “almost one act plays,” said Gerrells, explaining that the plays run only 15 to 20 minutes each, shorter than true one-acts.

Gerrells said Ives’ work has won many awards.

“I’d say he combines wit with satire, and intellect and mostly, just plain fun,” she said.

Descriptions of the plays seem to echo that assessment. For example, “Universal Language” is called an exercise in “verbal pyrotechnics.” Then there’s “Words Words, Words”, which explores the philosophical adage that three monkeys typing into infinity will sooner or later produce “Hamlet.”

Performances will be April 18-20 and 25-27 at 8 p.m. and Sunday April 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.

Call 621-2128 for reservations, or visit Southcitytheatre.com. South City Theatre is located at 3612 Hwy 26, Columbiana.