Auditions set for ‘The Hobbit’

KNOXVILLE – Jenny Ballard, Artistic Director for Children’s Theatre of Knoxville (CTK), announced auditions for “The Hobbit” on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010 at their location on 800 Tyson Street, Knoxville, from 4-7:45 p.m.

CTK will be casting up to 16 children, ages 10 to 18.  Auditions are by appointment only, and auditioners may choose from the following appointment times: 4:00, 4:45, 5:30, 6:15, 7:00, and 7:45 p.m.

All auditioners are required to have a 1-2 minute monologue, poem or other work of literature prepared and memorized for the audition.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic, “The Hobbit” tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a simple hobbit that is sent on a big adventure.  Gandalf the wizard and Thorin, leader of the dwarves, send Bilbo on a long journey to reclaim the dwarves’ treasure from the dragon Smaug.  Along the way, Bilbo encounters trolls, goblins, the creature Gollum and his ring of invisibility, wood elves and finally, the dragon Smaug.  Along the way he learns the meaning of courage, friendship and loyalty.

Auditioners should arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the appointment time.  Appointments will be taken on a first-reserved, first-scheduled basis.  Eight auditioners will be scheduled for each time period.  Therefore, a maximum of 48 auditioners will be seen.  Audition appointments may be made by e-mailing Jenny Ballard at
jenny@childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

The play will begin rehearsing Monday, Jan. 11th and will rehearse Sunday afternoons and Monday through Thursday evenings.  The play will open on Friday, Feb. 12th and play for 13 performances on weekends through Feb. 27th.

“The Hobbit” will be directed by Ashlee Latimer.

Children’s Theatre of Knoxville on the web:  www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com.