There and Back Again
Theatre on the Blue returns to Edinburgh Fringe Fest 2026
With special rights from Middle-earth Publishing to perform The Hobbit in the U.K. with our Teen Program. Along with AHSTF/WorldStrides and 32 other teen groups. The students will travel to London, have a workshop at the Globe Theatre, and perform The Hobbit four times off the Royal Mile.
Help Support Our Teens
-
Nicola "Koko"
Senior at MVPCS | Actor | Director | Writer | Puppeteer | Sound Tech | Production Manager | Choreographer
Koko has chosen to step back from acting to focus on her work in the booth in Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. This shift provides her with the chance to explore behind-the-scenes operations and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to produce a complete show. She has previously rewrote the play Little Women and portrayed Jo, as well as roles in Princess Wars and as Peter in Quest to Neverland at Fringe 2023. Koko will soon return to the stage in “The Hobbit”
-
Kali
Senior at MVPCS | Actor | Puppeteer
Kali has participated in numerous plays, with a standout performance in her favorite, Almost, Maine. She truly shines on stage and showcased her talent at Fringe in 2023. Currently, she is set to perform in The Hobbit in Scotland summer of 2026.
-
Jack
Senior at MVPCS | Actor | Puppeteer
Jack was performed first with a light saver in the Witch’s Princess, his highlight was Fringe in Quest to Neverland in 2023. He is a talented artist and excited to be back at Fringe 2026.
-
Emery
9th grader at MVRHS | Actor
Emery has participated in several plays, including her favorites, Witch’s Princess and Little Women, where she portrayed Meg. With a deep passion for acting, she is set to perform in The Hobbit in Scotland.
-
Isla
7th grader at MVPCS | Actor
Isla sought to expand her knowledge by working as part of the crew for this production. She has played a vital role backstage and previously portrayed Amy in Little Women. Isla is set to return to the stage in The Hobbit.
-
Rose
7th grader at MVPCS | Actor
Rose began her acting journey in 2019 as an extra in The Hobbit. Since then, she has participated in numerous productions, with standout performances in Puffs and as Beth in Little Women. She is thrilled to be performing in The Hobbit in Scotland all these years later.
-
Christian
11th grader at MVPCS | Crew
A video editor who has been commissioned to create motion graphics and promotional pieces for local organizations as well as renowned filmmakers and industry professionals, Christian has been excited to expand his skills in sound, lighting and production in the booth. He was crew for Little Women, Narnia, and MVPCS productions. He is looking forward continuing his work as crew on The Hobbit in Scotland.
-
Production cast
Your donation helps bring The Hobbit to life on our island and on an international stage in Scotland. Contributions directly support production costs including sets, costumes, props, technical equipment, theater rentals, and performance rights.
With your support, our teens gain hands-on experience in every part of the creative process while sharing this powerful story with our local community and global audiences. Every gift helps make these performances possible and ensures meaningful theatrical opportunities for our young artists at home and abroad.
-
Heather + Staff will take our teens to perform
Three to four dedicated adult staff members will travel with our teens to Scotland and stay with them throughout the entire experience. They support every aspect of the production including tech, costumes, hair and makeup, ticket sales, photos, and logistics while attending every rehearsal, performance, and event.
Most importantly, they encourage, guide, and care for our students, helping them feel safe, confident, and celebrated. Your donation helps make this level of support possible, allowing our teens to focus on performing, growing, and shining on an international stage.
A Little Background
In 2022, I was accepted into AHSTF/WorldStrides as a director, bringing teens to perform at the Fringe Festival along with 24 other teen programs across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. We brought students to Scotland to perform in the Fringe Festival, which was an incredible experience.
Spring of 2025, one of my goals was to have teens take on the roles of producing a show. Nicola rewrote a new version of Little Women, helped direct, and we created her vision for the set, lighting, and shadows. The other teens took on crew roles, learning every part of the production process.
Fall of 2025, I received a grant to produce and direct a community show highlighting adult professionals working alongside teens and younger actors. It was beautiful to see our talented islanders collaborate to bring Narnia to life.
Next, we received exclusive rights from Middle-Earth Enterprise in the UK to perform The Hobbit in the U.K. at the Fringe Festival with our Teen Program. We will be going again with AHSTF/WorldStrides, along with 32 other teen groups. The students will travel to London, have a workshop at the Globe Theatre, and perform The Hobbit four times off the Royal Mile. We are truly honored to bring Tolkien’s adventure to Scotland.
This year, we started The Theatre on the Blue “Shine Bright” Scholarship, in honor of Riley I. Cameron, celebrates a student whose light continues to inspire our community. Riley was a dedicated member of the MVPCS theater department, where he shared his creativity, talent, and adventurous spirit. He brought energy, kindness, and collaboration to every production, leaving a lasting impact on those around him. This scholarship honors Riley’s legacy by supporting a graduating student who plans to pursue studies in theatre arts. The selected recipient will reflect the values that Riley embodied, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to uplift and inspire others.
At Theatre on the Blue, we believe theater is more than performance, it is connection, teamwork, and the shared courage to support one another and shine together.
Future Goals:
– An adult show with guest directors
– An adult-and-teen show with younger actors featured
– Teen productions lead by teens
– Workshops and events as island writers new scripts
– And so much more—there is so much possibility; we just need donors and grants to help make it happen.
Thank your believing in my vision and the arts. - Heather
AHSTF Trip Highlights with WorldStrides
Four performances on the Royal Mile, sharing our show with international Fringe audiences
Attend other teen productions from across the globe at the Edinburgh Fringe
Professional theater workshops, including tech, performance, and ensemble-building sessions
See professional shows at the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Celtic dance lesson and cultural experience in Edinburgh
Full travel and housing included, with students staying at the University of Edinburgh
Sightseeing tours, including a full-day trip through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands
Attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a once-in-a-lifetime global performance spectacle
Globe Theatre workshop in London, plus attending a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe
The Hunger Games West End production & Globe Theater show in London
One technical theater showcase, giving students firsthand experience behind the scenes
Additional cultural stops, guided tours, and time to explore both Edinburgh and London