Announcing OCEAN's 2025 Theater Production
"The Hobbit"
Adapted by Patricia Gray
Directed by Marc Weinblatt
Performed by OCEAN K-12 Students
In partnership with Port Townsend Youth Theater Company.
The K-12 OCEAN School is excited to announce that it will be doing a full production of “The Hobbit,” based on the beloved book by J.R.R. Tolkien, in March 2025. Tolkien is considered the “father” of modern fantasy literature and has influenced generations of writers since “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” trilogy was written.
This ambitious production will feature giant puppets and shadow puppetry under the guidance of Puppet Masters, Thaddeus Jurczynski and Celia Fulton-Walden and original music by Aimee Ringle. Fans of the book and movie can expect some familiar characters including Bilbo the Hobbit and Gandalf, plus dwarves, elves, goblins, a dragon, and of course, Gollum! Preparations are already underway and will involve many K-12 grade students, parents, as well as local community professionals. Students can be involved in a variety of aspects of this production - from acting to puppetry, costumes, sets, poster design, and more.
“The Hobbit” will be directed by Marc Weinblatt, a professional theatre director, educator, activist, and long-time OCEAN parent. Marc recently directed this spring’s OCEAN production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Previously he directed (with Rowen DeLuna) 5 OCEAN student productions from 2011-2015. Marc has also directed multiple adult plays locally for Key City Public Theatre, including acclaimed Shakespeare-in-the-Park productions of “The Tempest” and “Hamlet.”
This exciting school/community project provides the opportunity to make theatre not only fun and entertaining, but also a powerful multi-generational educational experience. Come join us as we bring the fantastical world of Middle Earth to life!
Auditions first week in December
PERFORMANCES MARCH 2025
For audition and student involvement questions contact Marc Weinblatt at
[email protected]
Fundraising:
A special thank you to David Schroeder & Margaret McGee for starting with a matching pledge of $1500!
Port Townsend Youth Theater Company will be working to raise a significant amount of funds through sponsorships, advertising, grants, and individual donations to support this OCEAN production. If you'd like to help with fundraising, make a pledge, or match the $1500 pledge, please contact Danny McEnerney at [email protected].
Online donations can be made here: DONATE
In person donations can be made at the OCEAN office.
Rehearsal & Performance Location
There will be 3 standing rehearsals each week at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. During February and March, we will begin “all cast” rehearsals on Saturday afternoons 12-6pm. For mid-week rehearsals, particular actors will be called to work on their scenes at specific times between 2-6pm, Mon/Thurs/Fri. As performances get closer, the rehearsal commitment will be greater. Flexibility with scheduling will be important for any family wishing to participate, and we are happy to help problem solve transportation and timing issues. We encourage you to reach out to us about rehearsal questions as it can be confusing for “new to theater” families.
Volunteer to Help!
Contact Danny McEnerney if you are interested in being "a part of."
[email protected]
If you haven't completed a background check, click here.
We need help with:
- Fundraising
- Tech Director
- Music Director
- Lighting
- General Helpers
- Costume Assistant
- Set Assistant
- Concessions
- Props
Production Parents & Staff
“The Hobbit” will be directed by Marc Weinblatt, a professional theatre director, educator, activist, and long-time OCEAN parent. Marc previously directed 2024's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and other OCEAN student productions from 2011-2015. Marc has also directed multiple plays locally for Key City Public Theatre, including acclaimed Shakespeare-in-the-Park productions of “The Tempest” and “Hamlet.”
Director / Project Coordinator: Marc Weinblatt
Teacher Lead: TBD
Producer: Danny McEnerney
Stage Manager: Tobi McEnerney
Tech Director: TBD
Costume Designer: TBD
Musical Composer: Amiee Ringle
Puppet Masters: Thaddeus Jurczynski and Celia Fulton-Walden