News

Raleigh Little Theatre is seeking performers for its upcoming production of The Hobbit, adapted by Edward Mast, based on The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. This show will be presented in the Louise “Scottie” Stephenson Amphitheatre.

About the show

Bilbo Baggins, one of the most reserved of all Hobbits, is asked to leave his large, roomy and very dry home in the ground in order to set off as chief robber in an attempt to recover an important treasure. It’s the last thing that any sensitive Hobbit would want to do, but a great treasure lies in store – not only for Bilbo, but for all of the Hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth. This 60-minute adaptation of the beloved tale will be a delight to those children and adults who continue to enjoy the magic of Tolkien.

Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Directed by Flora Bare

Important dates

Audition Information Session: February 23 (Monday) 7-8pm [Watch the recording here!]

• This information session will include an overview of the audition process, forms, and guidance on how to prepare. This is a great session to attend if you have never auditioned for a show before, never volunteered at RLT, or if you would like to hear more from the creative team about the process and show.

General Auditions: March 2, 2026 (Monday) and March 3, 2026 (Tuesday) 7pm-10pm

Callback List: posted on RLT’s website by March 5, 2026 (Thursday) 12pm

Callbacks: March 5, 2026 (Thursday) 7-10pm

Cast List: March 9, 2026 (Monday) by 5pm

Rehearsals: March 30 – April 23; Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Fridays 7-10pm, with some flexibility on Wednesdays and weekends.

Tech rehearsals: April 25, 2026 (Saturday) and April 26, 2026 (Sunday), typically 10:00am-6:00pm, exact times TBD

Tech dress rehearsals: April 23-30, 2026 (Monday through Thursday)

Preview: May 1, 2026 (Friday) 7:30pm

Performances: May 2-10 at 1:00pm and 3:00pm Saturdays and Sundays

Student Matinees: 10:00am and 12:15pm, May 6, 2026 (Wednesday) and May 7, 2026 (Thursday)

Rain Hold Dates: May 16, 2026 (Saturday) and May 17, 2026 (Sunday)

Strike: Immediately following the last performance. All cast members are expected to stay for strike.

About the roles

Raleigh Little Theatre encourages actors of all ethnicities, identities, and abilities to audition for any role. If the script requires strict adherence to any characteristic(s), those will be listed in the descriptions below. These descriptions are the character descriptions for the actors in the play. Many roles require physical storytelling, ensemble collaboration, and strong character work. For this production, all performers must be 14+.

#1 – Hobbit (Bilbo Baggins)
A comfort-loving, polite homebody who discovers hidden bravery. Warm, relatable, and thoughtful with strong storytelling ability. Grows from timid to courageous.

#2 – Gandalf/Tall Goblin
A wise and commanding wizard with wit and heart. Ability to balance authority, humor, and mystery. May be asked to walk on block shoes or short stilts.

#3 – Thorin Oakenshield
Proud and determined dwarf leader driven by honor and reclaiming his homeland. Charismatic and intense with emotional depth.

#4 – Smaug/Balin/Dori/Other Men

• Smaug: The powerful dragon. Confident, menacing, and vocally expressive. May need puppeteering skills.
• Balin: Dwarf. Gentle, steady elder; kind and perceptive.
• Dori: Dwarf. Protective and slightly fussy; loyal with light comedic moments.

#5 – Gollum/Dwalin/Doof

• Gollum: Nocturnal Creature. Physically expressive and vocally unique; obsessive and unpredictable.
• Dwalin: Dwarf. Fierce, blunt warrior with strong physical presence.
• Doof: Goblin. Physical Comedy skills.

#6 – Ori/Fili/Goblin King/Other Goblins

• Ori: Youngest dwarf. Sweet, eager, and earnest.
• Fili: Dwarf. Confident, young and brave.
• Goblin King: Theatrical villain with bold character energy.

#7 – Gloin/Nori/Captain/Other Men

• Gloin: Dwarf. Proud, loud, and traditional with warmth and humor.
• Nori: Dwarf. Clever, mischievous, and resourceful.
• Captain: Authority figure; adaptable to serious or comedic tone.

#8 – Bifur/Kili/Dork

• Bifur: Dwarf. Quirky and physically playful.
• Kili: Dwarf. Charming, courageous, with a romantic streak.
• Dork: Goblin. Physical comedy skills.

#9 – Bofur/Oin/Maxwell/Warrior #3/Other Goblin

• Bofur: Dwarf. Friendly, humorous, and big-hearted.
• Oin: Dwarf. Practical and grounded.
• Maxwell: A human. Selfish and greedy.

#10 – Bombur/Bard/Man/Other Men

• Bombur: Dwarf. Physical comedy role with heart.
• Bard: Human. Strong, brooding hero with noble presence.
• Man: Ensemble role requiring versatility.

About the auditions

Please prepare a memorized, one-minute monologue of any style. 

Please fill out the following paperwork to bring with you to the auditions:

• Audition Form
• Conflict Calendar

Auditionees should arrive ten minutes before their assigned time for check-in. If you need to fill out the paperwork onsite, please arrive a bit earlier. There are TWO general audition days. You need only attend ONE.

Click here to sign up for an audition slot!

A callback list will be posted by 12pm on March 5. Auditionees who are called back will be asked to read from provided selections of the script.

Questions about auditions? Contact Info@nullRaleighLittleTheatre.org

If you need any specific accommodations to audition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Info@nullRaleighLittleTheatre.org to make your request. Examples of accommodations made in the past are: wheelchair accessible audition space, large print materials, prompters in the audition room, and volunteers to help fill out forms.

Volunteer Access Fund

If you face financial barriers related to transportation to the theatre, please check out our Volunteer Access Fund program!