Genesius Theatre / 2027 Season Auditions
The Hobbit
An unexpected journey.
A company of extraordinary storytellers.
By J.R.R. Tolkien · Adapted by Patricia Gray
Directed by James Haggerty, Artistic Director
- The company
- 15 versatile actors
- Who can audition
- Ages 16 & older
- Audition location
- Genesius Theatre
153 N. 10th Street
Reading, PA 19601
Find your next adventure.
Step into a world of magic and fantasy. Genesius Theatre opens its 2027 season, Finding Home, with J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit: a journey filled with dwarves, elves, goblins, trolls, a wizard, a dragon, and imaginative stage magic and puppetry.
We’re seeking 15 versatile actors, ages 16 and older, of any gender, race, background, or identity. Join an adventurous company on a quest to reclaim a home from the dragon Smaug.
When & where
All audition sessions are 15 minutes in length and take place at Genesius Theatre.
Prepare for your audition
- Review the audition sides (PDF, opens in a new tab) before you arrive.
- Be ready to explore British, Irish, Scottish, or Germanic dialects if asked.
- Expect character doubling for all roles except Bilbo, Gandalf, and Thorin.
- Have a photo ready to upload with your registration: JPG, JPEG, or PNG.
An accompanist will be available.
The Peter Jackson films have shaped how many of us imagine Middle-earth. We encourage you to bring your own interpretation to these characters, even if it honors a performance you love.
Meet the characters
Explore the roles below. Most company members will bring more than one character to life.
Bilbo & Gandalf
- Bilbo Baggins
- A contented hobbit, reluctant to leave the comforts of home, who discovers his courage as his adventures unfold.
- Gandalf
- A wandering wizard with a glint of mischief and eternal hope in his eyes. He may not always be there when wanted, but appears when needed most, inspiring courage in others.
Thorin & the company of dwarves
- Thorin Oakenshield
- A displaced dwarven king, distrustful of strangers, on a quest to reclaim his throne and title as King Under the Mountain.
- Dwalin
- A gruff, brawny dwarf and brother of Balin.
- Balin
- Kind, wise, and the oldest of the dwarves. Brother of Dwalin.
- Kili & Fili
- Young, adventurous, mischievous brothers and nephews of Thorin. Both are musically inclined.
- Dori
- As strong-headed as he is strong-armed. A loyal subject of Thorin.
- Nori
- Industrious and quick-witted; a tinkerer of sorts.
- Ori
- A dwarf of simple pleasures, with a penchant for history and recordkeeping.
- Oin
- A skilled outdoorsman and brother of Gloin.
- Gloin
- A skilled outdoorsman and bookkeeper, brother of Oin, and father of Gimli.
- Bifur
- A friendly jokester.
- Bofur
- Rough around the edges, with a heart of gold.
- Bombur
- The most hobbit-like of the dwarves, motivated by food and comfort, with a big appetite and an even bigger laugh.
Stone trolls
- Three Cockney trolls
- Plotting to eat the dwarves. These roles call for comfort with puppetry and a strong comedic presence.
Elves
- Rivendell Elves
- Jovial, singing elves.
- Thranduil
- Elven leader of Mirkwood, wilder and more suspicious of others than the Rivendell Elves.
- Elven Guards
- Stoic and hostile toward dwarves.
Goblins
- The Great Goblin
- Self-important and snobbish, a cruel leader of goblins who fear only one weapon.
- Goblin Attendant
- A sniveling, groveling loyalist to the Great Goblin.
- Goblin Guards
- Wild, berserker-like creatures.
Villains
- Gollum
- A slimy creature, fond of riddles and tricks, who unknowingly gives Bilbo an advantage on his quest.
- Smaug
- The magnificent, chiefest of all calamities. Since taking Erebor from the dwarves many years ago, this dragon has fiercely guarded his stolen hoard of gold.
Your adventure starts here
Join us at auditions.
Sign up using this form. Complete all required fields. We look forward to seeing you in the theatre!
Questions or a change of plans?
Email auditions@genesiustheatre.org for audition questions or changes to your time slot. The office phone is unmonitored during auditions.