Novi Middle School Students Set to Premiere Enthralling Production of “The Hobbit” this October

Novi Students Ready to Bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s World to Life in “The Hobbit”

In the bustling city of Novi, excitement is in the air as the local middle school theater department prepares for their much-anticipated production of “The Hobbit”. Scheduled to take the stage on October 18, this beloved classic will be brought to life by a talented group of students eager to showcase their hard work and creativity.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting Adventure and Adventure

Guided by the enthusiastic theater director, Joseph Green, these young actors are diving deep into the enchanting world created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Green shared his motivation for choosing this particular story, emphasizing that it is a timeless tale that has been revitalized through recent film adaptations. “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,” he said, highlighting the opportunity for the students to connect with classic literature.

The play tells the adventurous story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a perilous journey alongside the wise wizard Gandalf and a group of 13 dwarves. Their mission? To reclaim their homeland and treasure from a fearsome dragon. “It’s a lot of fun,” expressed Sakeena Ehtesham, who enjoys the blend of humor and serious themes, describing it as “really well-written.”

The Actors’ Journey

As rehearsals unfold, we meet Aarav Chakravartti, who has taken on the role of Thorin. For Aarav, his love for fantasy novels inspired his decision to join the play. “It’s awesome to see everything come together,” he commented, reflecting on the joy of collaboration among his peers. The production comprises 29 students, including 18 actors and 11 members working diligently behind the scenes.

Sakeena, who portrays Balin, shared her enthusiasm about participating in theater. “I’ve recently been interested in theater and wanted to try it out,” she said, revealing her background of attending a theater camp during the summer. The thrill of acting on stage is what drives her forward, even when it feels a bit scary: “It’s just a really overwhelming feeling and I enjoy that.” Interestingly, Sakeena is playing a male character, which she finds liberating. “I think it is really cool that they let us do that here,” she remarked.

Learning and Growth Through Theater

Green’s vision extends beyond performance alone. He hopes this experience will encourage students to think creatively and express themselves. “My goal was to provide the students with all the tools and guidance necessary and let them tackle each project how they saw fit,” he explained. The students also got the chance to design and create their character’s weapons, allowing for personal expression in their craft.

Meanwhile, Landon Stevenson, who operates the soundboard, is experiencing both sides of the theater after many years of acting. He enjoys being part of the tech crew, preferring to support the performance from behind the scenes. “I kind of like being with the audience instead of being in front of the audience,” he mentioned, conveying his sense of teamwork and community.

The Thrill of the Show

As stage manager, Shivani Thurman faces challenges ensuring the tech crew is ready to execute sound cues perfectly. “It’s always been one of my dreams to have, like, a big tech role,” she shared. The technical aspects of theater provide a safe space for students who may get stage fright, allowing them to thrive creatively.

The prop-making process has proven to be a labor of love for the tech crew, particularly when they crafted an impressive dragon tail stretching nearly the length of the stage, handcrafted from painted cardboard and detailed wood pieces. The joy of the entire production emanates from both actors and tech crew, as they delight in the improvisational moments that fill the play with laughter.

A Unique Experience for All

As the opening night approaches, Green reflects on the benefits theater offers the students. “Theater is such a unique experience,” he stated. “Our students learn to think and problem-solve creatively, express themselves both as performers but also as young adults.” He emphasized the confidence and ownership these students cultivate throughout their journey.

With just a one-hour runtime, “The Hobbit” promises to captivate the audience. Tickets are priced at just $10, available at the door or the school’s Welcome Center. If you’re in the area, come support these talented young performers as they embark on this magical journey!