News Summary
The Knoxville Children’s Theatre will debut its live production of ‘The Hobbit’ this August at its new venue. The play features 23 young actors, with an engaging story about Bilbo Baggins embarking on an epic journey. Tickets are available online for all shows.
Knoxville – The Knoxville Children’s Theatre (KCT) is set to unveil its live production of “The Hobbit,” scheduled to run from August 8 to August 24, 2025. The performances will take place at KCT’s brand-new venue at 747 World’s Fair Park, with showtimes arranged for Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Free onsite parking will be available for all attendees, making it accessible for families and visitors.
Tickets for the play can be purchased on the KCT website, providing a convenient option for audiences to secure their seats for this much-anticipated production. The story of “The Hobbit” spins the tale of Bilbo Baggins, a young hobbit leading a tranquil life until he’s thrust into an epic adventure by the wizard Gandalf the Grey and a band of dwarves, involving encounters with goblins, treasure, and the fearsome dragon Smaug.
The production boasts a talented cast of 23 young actors, ranging in age from 8 to 16 years. Veteran actor Shepherd Shafer will take on the role of Bilbo Baggins, with Quinton Stiffler portraying the illustrious Gandalf. Other cast members include Tessa Arwe as Bomber, Addison Stanley as Smaug, Grace Templeton as the Elven Queen, and Taylor Tucker as Gollum. Additional roles include Balin played by Isabella Summers, Bofur by Barnes Shafer, and Thorin by Rosalie Linnabary. The younger dwarves Dori, Kili, Fili, and Ori will be portrayed by Adlee Moye, Dakota Paxton, Wyatt Stanley, and Emily Rowe respectively. Laila Brown and Mason Cox will take on the roles of trolls Essie and Bert, while Charlie Fritts is set to play a Goblin, with Chloe Harrison portraying the Great Goblin and Clara Stanley as Dwalin.
New faces to KCT will include Savanah Landfather, Luke Lowery, Makenna Reilly, Eli Roach, and Samuel Wilson, expanding the diversity of talent represented in the cast. Director Delaney Rickman will oversee the production, ensuring that the adaptation remains true to the essence of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic story.
The scenic design for the production is spearheaded by Patrick Harrison, supported by Eliza Huang, Kea Mitchell, and Tabi Mannuam. Costume design will be orchestrated by Persie Cunningham, with assistance from Quinn Johnson, Waverly Ostermayr, and Scarlett Cooper, ensuring that visual storytelling plays an integral role in enhancing the overall experience for the audience. Additionally, Gabriel Herrera will design the props, assisted by team members James Carpenter, Abigail Schwinn, and Grayson Wright, while Anthony Canales takes charge of lighting design. Eiley Rickman and Natalie Graves will serve as stage managers, facilitating the smooth execution of the production.
Founded as East Tennessee’s premier theatre for children and families, KCT is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all children, with an emphasis on eliminating financial barriers for participation. This commitment to inclusivity has positioned KCT as a leader in theater education and family-friendly productions in the area, fostering a love for the arts among young audiences and providing them with valuable performance opportunities.
The premiere of “The Hobbit” at KCT’s new location not only represents a significant milestone for the organization but also a chance for families and theater enthusiasts in Knoxville to engage with a beloved story in a vibrant, community-focused setting. With its rich storyline and an eager cast, KCT is poised to deliver a memorable theatrical experience this upcoming August.
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Additional Resources
- The Mountain Press: Knoxville Children’s Theatre Presents “The Hobbit”
- Knox News: Knoxville Children’s Theatre Buys Foundry
- Inside of Knoxville: KCT Purchases The Foundry
- Wikipedia: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
