Novi Students Prepare to Bring ‘The Hobbit’ to Life
In the vibrant city of Novi, excitement is in the air as students from the Novi Middle School theater department gear up for their much-anticipated presentation of ‘The Hobbit’ on October 18th. This classic tale, adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved novel, will transport audiences into a fantasy world filled with adventure, humor, and the camaraderie of unlikely heroes.
A Journey into Fantasy
The driving force behind this enchanting production is Joseph Green, the enthusiastic theater director of Novi Middle School. Green explains his choice of material: “I chose to do ‘The Hobbit’ because it is a classic story from many years ago, but with the film adaptations a few years back, I thought it would be a great way to introduce the kids to this sprawling world and give them a book to fall back on if they had any questions.”
At the heart of the story is Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a thrilling journey alongside the wise wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Together, they set out to reclaim their treasure and homeland from the fearsome dragon, Smaug. This production promises to deliver a mix of laughter, excitement, and lessons about bravery and friendship.
Your Ticket to Adventure
As the curtain rises, audiences will be treated to the talents of 29 young artists, comprising 18 actors and 11 dedicated stage and tech crew members. These students range from seasoned performers to newcomers, each bringing their unique flair to the stage.
12-year-old Sakeena Ehtesham, who plays the character of Balin, spills her excitement about the performance: “It has a lot of entertaining things about it. It has some funny moments. It has some serious moments and it’s really a good, well-written play.” For her, the thrill of acting is palpable, “It’s kind of scary being on stage, but that’s kind of what I’m here for.”
A Diverse Range of Roles
Another standout in the cast is Aarav Chakravartti, age 13, who takes on the role of Thorin. “It’s awesome to see everything come together,” Aarav shares, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that defines their rehearsals. Each student has the opportunity to not just act but also express their creativity in crafting their characters and props.
Ehtesham, excited about stepping into a male character’s shoes, reflects positively on the experience. “I think it is really cool that they let us do that here,” she says. The art of embodying a character stretches beyond simply reciting lines; it involves understanding nuances in expression, language, and interaction.
The Crew Behind the Curtain
Behind the scenes, students are also thriving. Landon Stevenson, another 12-year-old, is diving into the world of technical theater. Despite being more familiar with acting, Landon is keen on the role of operating the soundboard. “I get to be helpful backstage and I kind of like being with the audience instead of being in front of the audience,” he explains, showcasing the diverse skill set being cultivated among the students.
Shivani Thurman, 13, serves as stage manager and describes the challenges of managing sound cues throughout the show. She admires how technical roles can be a safer and more creatively rewarding way for students who might feel timid about performing in front of an audience.
A Play Filled with Humor
There’s laughter and fun sprinkled throughout the production. Both the actors and tech crew are ready to embrace the improvisational moments that arise during performances, promising a genuinely entertaining experience for their audience.
An Unforgettable Experience
According to Green, the journey doesn’t only serve as a means to put on a show, but also as a platform for personal growth. “Theater is such a unique experience,” he explains, highlighting the creative problem-solving and teamwork that theater fosters. “Most importantly, these students develop a sense of confidence in themselves and their team, and ownership of their work.”
As the play draws closer, anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying hour of theater. Tickets are priced at $10 and can be purchased at the door, making it easy for community members to support these talented young performers.
So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Middle-earth, right in the heart of Novi!
