Jefferson City Home Educator's Teen Club is performing the adventure tale "The Hobbit" using a script authorized by author J.R.R. Tolkien.
According to director Stephanie Smith the special effects were challenging, including a full-body moving dragon, trolls, elves and goblins.
Jack Brix is the voice of the dragon and the trolls are Joshua Dowd and Andrew Hawcroft.
A crew of 16 students have worked to create and build almost every set and prop item used. Most of these students will also serve as stagehands running lights, sound, curtains, set changes and special effects.
Several adults have also given time and talent. Rick Bennett constructed several "glowing" items and Garry Brix lent his artistic expertise to set design and painting.
The Teen Club has performed an annual play for the past decade, but "The Hobbit" is one of their most challenging.
"We operate on a very tight schedule and have been working since auditions in January. We rehearse once a week for about three hours until the week of the play," Smith said.
This year the play will be performed in Pawley Theater on the Lincoln campus.
Smith said this gives the students exposure to the Lincoln campus and to perform in a "real theater."
He has directed five plays for the group and feels the audiences will long remember this particular show.
JC Home Educators also partnered with Parks and Recreation for this production and Smith said Mike Bollinger has worked diligently with the group.
"It is a challenge to direct a stage production of a story people are emotionally invested in or have preconceived ideas about because of the book and the movies, yet it also creates an atmosphere of engagement because everyone wants to do the story justice. I think we'll meet or exceed audience expectations," Smith said.
At a glance
What: Jefferson City Home Educators Teen Club presents "The Hobbit."
When: Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Pawley Theater on the Lincoln University campus in Jefferson City
Tickets: $6 and available at [email protected] or by calling 573-301-4908.