High school thespians in Belton ISD hope to transport audiences to new worlds when their fall productions open next month.

Belton High School is presenting Peter and the Starcatcher, which runs Oct. 14-15 at 7 p.m. and on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.

“This show has been on my dream list for a long time,” said Melissa Stuhff, director of theatre at Belton High. “It is such a lovely story told in such a fun way. I have been waiting to have the right group of students, and this year’s company fits perfectly.”

The Tony-winning play is based on best-selling novels by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and is written by Rick Elice. It upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan while playfully exploring the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

The 57-member cast and crew have been rehearsing since late August.

Sophomore Gabriel Rodriguez, who’s playing Boy/Peter, has enjoyed figuring out how to transfer the cartoonish actions in the script onto the stage alongside his fellow cast members.

“The show is very reminiscent of a child’s imagination and that, on stage, is a lot of fun to witness,” Rodriguez said. “Definitely anyone who enjoys Disney or theatre will enjoy this show.”

Stuhff hopes audiences will experience childlike joy and big laughs during the 135-minute production, which includes an intermission.

Tickets are available for $5 at the door or at www.beltontheatre.weebly.com.

At Lake Belton High School, the cast and crew are preparing for the school's production of The Hobbit, which runs at 7 p.m. on Oct. 6-7 and 4 p.m. on Oct. 8.

“We chose The Hobbit for our fall production because of the main theme of the little guy, his epic journey and transformation into a hero,” said Denise Larsen, LBHS’ director of theatre. “I  hope the audience connects with Bilbo Baggins as he travels through the uncertain challenges of Middle Earth.”

The Hobbit, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved classic, tells the magical adventure of Bilbo Baggins and his friends who battle great obstacles to take back the treasure rightfully belonging to the dwarves — learning lessons along the way.

Rehearsals began in late August for the 70-member cast and crew.

Junior Jonas Dotson, who is playing the role of Thorin Oakenshield, has enjoyed the creative process so far. 

“The Hobbit is an amazing story, and I can’t wait to tell it,” he said. “I think our audiences will love seeing some of their favorite characters on stage. Plus, there’s stage combat and that’s always fun to see.”

Tickets are available at https://www.lbhstheatre.com/ and at the door and cost $10 for adults, $5 for students, or $3 for children under 12.