The Hobbit by Patricia Gray based on the classic by J.R.R. Tolkien
Join us “there and back again” by auditioning for Patrica Gray’s stage adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s beloved epic tale of magic, treasure, and dragons. The Hobbit transports us from Bag-End through the goblin-riddled Misty Mountains and the dark forest of Mirkwood, up the Lonely Mountain where Smaug sits atop his treasures. A motley band of dwarves and a mysterious wizard are joined by a reluctant burglar; along the way we find something Precious.
Purple Door Youth Theater is an educational theater company for students in grades 2-12. Acting roles for The Hobbit are available by audition only for students in grades 2-12. Technician roles are available by interview only for students in grades 5-12. Students register after the roles are set. Tuition for The Hobbit is $185. Scholarships are available through the Community Action Center of Northfield. Contact info: 507-664-3550
ACTOR AUDITIONS & TECH INTERVIEWS – Monday, Dec 11 & Tuesday Dec 12 at Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third St. W. (Each student must schedule a 30 minute time slot between 4-6pm by signing up HERE.)
REHEARSALS begin January 8
PERFORMANCES – February 23-25, March 1-3, 2024
ARTISTIC TEAM:
Director: Rachel Haider, Technical Director: Joe Udelhofen, Costumer: Kate Stuart
ABOUT PURPLE DOOR YOUTH THEATER
Purple Door Youth Theater is an immersive educational theater experience. Elementary, middle and high school students are involved with every aspect of producing a show like performing, designing, building, marketing and ushering in a safe and supportive environment.
Project Purple Door is an extension of PDYT and focuses on ensemble-based storytelling, building productions through imaginative theatricality and minimal stagecraft.
Who works with the students? Founder and Director Rachel Haider manages PDYT and teaches acting, character, and production skills. Kate Stuart is our costumer/educator. Dependent on the show, other prime teaching artists join our production team.
TUITION
PDYT is a tuition and audition/interview based educational theater program. Registration is available to those in the cast or crew following auditions/tech interviews. Scholarships may be available.
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
“(Our daughter) learned so much and had a blast!!!”
“Thanks for a great experience and a hilarious show!”
“(My daughter) had an absolutely fabulous time, and it’s been great to see her so happy and learning so much!”
“The Purple Door Theater is a real treasure.”
“As a parent, I was beyond impressed and look forward to future experiences.”
“My daughter learned so much and made great friends! It is a safe and nurturing environment for her to take risks and try new things!”
“Seeing the friendships and cooperative spirit among the cast and crew was so inspiring!”
“The tour was a neat experience for the kids. The close friendships made/relationships built were a highlight. Wearing such elaborate costumes was fun. Leading audience members in activities after the shows gave the kids another chance to show their confidence.”
“For my child, performing in the theater was a big highlight as were costumes. She also enjoyed making new friends. For me, I was thrilled to see her confidence increase and for her to have the opportunity to perform in multiple settings for a range of audiences.”
“The children came together as a ‘family’. They learned from each other and had a great time making new friends, having fun, learning new things.”
“I volunteered several days “wrangling” the kids, and they listened well and knew what was expected of them.”
“These kids are so fortunate to have this opportunity! You do wonderful things! These kids lives are molded by your belief in their abilities and gifts.”
“Thank you so much for providing such exceptional opportunities for kids. Northfield is blessed by having the Arts Guild in our town. Our kids are so lucky to be able to learn and grow from your classes and the community you provide is supportive and fun! Excellent work!”
“Thank you so much for this program – it was a very positive experience for my child and for our family. I was SO proud on opening night!”
“I think the PDYT is a really great organization that fits in so well with Northfield and the arts that this town provides. It’s a bonus that children who are elementary age can participate and that they learn so much about theater as opposed to just performing in a play. We also really liked the fact that professionals were teaching the children. This just adds to the experience. PDYT is fantastic!”
QUESTIONS?
Contact PDYT Director Rachel Haider at rachel.purpledooryouththeater@gmail.com or Guild Performing Arts Manager Pauline Jennings at pauline@northfieldartsguild.org.
GENERAL TIPS for both ACTORS and TECHIES
The audition/interview process is fun and low-pressure. However, the decision-making process begins the moment you walk through the door.
Be prepared, be nice, (never smug) and enjoy the opportunity to show your stuff. It’s okay… everyone is nervous. Try to stay positive, have a good attitude and enjoy the experience.
Previous acting or technical experience is not required.
We expect all artists with PDYT productions to be committed to doing and behaving their best – on and off stage.
It’s important that we’re able to assess each student’s independent abilities. Unless a special circumstance or need demands a parent’s assistance, this is your young artist’s time to shine. Parents will be asked to stay in another area.
ACTOR AUDITION TIPS
Learn the song or lines given to you. Memorize it and show us the appropriate emotion for the character. That face of yours is great for that. But keep it real. Crazy isn’t acting.
Move and speak or sing simply, clearly and with confidence. Practice introducing yourself by name.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes in which you can freely move.
No need to use any props; just use your imagination.
Show us your best self, forget your nerves and have fun.
DEDICATED TECHNICIAN INTERVIEW TIPS
The interview won’t be scary; it’s more like a discussion. The tech director will chat with you about some of your strengths and about things you like to do. She might ask you about your ideas for things you imagine in the show. She might ask you why you want to be a technician. There’s not really anything to prepare in advance. Just relax and be yourself; that’s the best assessment as to if this will be a good fit.
Past Purple Door Youth Theater Productions
Disney’s Newsies Jr. – 2023
It’s a Wonderful Life – 2022
Peter Pan (an online Project Purple Door show) – 2021
The Importance of Being Earnest (an online Project Purple Door show) – 2021
The Prince and the Pauper (touring Project Purple Door show) – 2020
Matilda, the Musical – 2019
The Wizard of Oz – 2019
The King’s New Clothes (touring Project Purple Door show) – 2018
Les Misérables School Edition – 2018
A Christmas Carol – 2016
You Can’t Take It With You, a radio play (touring Project Purple Door show) – 2016
Robin Hood – 2016
Alice@Wonderland – 2015
The PDYT logo was designed by Louisa Lawler. Check out her work at https://society6.com/louisalawler.
More educational theater is available all year-round. Check out our ongoing Education Programming and summer Young People’s Theater Workshop.
2024 Purple Door Youth Theater sponsored by
