8th grader at EDGARTOWN School | Actor

Isla is excited to bring Bilbo Baggins to life in The Hobbit and can't wait to share this adventure with audiences both on Martha's Vineyard and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Always eager to grow as a theater artist, Isla chose to expand her knowledge this season by working as part of the backstage crew, gaining valuable experience behind the scenes while playing a vital role in bringing the production to life. She previously appeared as Amy in Little Women, and this production marks an exciting return to the stage in a leading role.

Whether performing under the lights or helping behind the curtain, Isla approaches every challenge with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Theatre on the Blue is proud to watch her continue to grow as both an actor and a well-rounded theater artist.

Graduated Senior at MVPCS going to Swarthmore | Actor | Director | Writer | Puppeteer | Sound Tech | Production Manager | Choreographer

Koko is thrilled to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival after making her Fringe debut in 2023 as Peter Pan. A longtime member of Theatre on the Blue, she has grown from a young performer into an accomplished actor, director, choreographer, and mentor.

Some of Koko's favorite roles include the unforgettable Leanne in Puffs, Peter Pan, and bringing countless stories to life on stage. Beyond performing, she is an invaluable member of the Blue Crew, helping run the lighting and sound booth, assisting with directing and choreography, and encouraging younger actors to find their confidence and love of theater. Her leadership, creativity, and willingness to lend a hand wherever needed have made her an essential part of every production.

This fall, Koko will begin an exciting new chapter as she heads to college to pursue her passions for scriptwriting, directing, and acting. Theatre on the Blue couldn't be prouder to watch her continue to grow as a storyteller and artist.

Congratulations, Koko! We can't wait to see where your next adventure takes you.

Graduated Senior at MVPCS attending Dean College in the Fall | Actor | Puppeteer

Kali has participated in numerous plays, with a standout performance in her favorite, Almost, Maine. She is very creative with making props. She truly shines on stage and showcased her talent at Fringe in 2023. Currently, she is truly bring Gandalf and Smaug alive in The Hobbit‍ .

Graduated Senior at MVPCS and attending Vermont Sate | 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.

10th 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.

8th grader at West Tisbury School | 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.

12th 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.

9th grader at MPRHS | CREW | ACTOR

Asher is thrilled to join the crew for the Fringe Festival production of The Hobbit in Scotland. He brings a strong background in acting and experience from many productions, with one of his favorite roles being the Narrator in Puffs. He is excited to be part of this adventurous and creative team as they bring Tolkien’s world to life on stage.

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.

We are incredibly honored that Middle-earth Enterprises granted Theatre on the Blue special permission to bring The Hobbit to the stage. Their support has made this extraordinary journey possible, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share Tolkien's beloved story with audiences both on Martha's Vineyard and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Meet Smaug

Every great adventure needs a dragon!

Our magnificent dragon head was handcrafted by my cousin, Josh, whose creativity brought Smaug to life. While Josh's profession is in pediatrics, he welcomed the chance to stretch his artistic talents and take on this unique challenge. I knew anything he created would be amazing—but he far exceeded every expectation.

To prepare Smaug for the journey to Scotland, Josh cleverly sculpted the dragon from lightweight foam so it can compress down to about the size of a ball and fit inside a carry-on suitcase! It's an incredible feat of engineering and artistry.

The finishing touches came from a true community collaboration. Island Spray expertly painted the dragon head, while I created the wings and costumes, inspired by medieval embroidery and stained-glass designs that echo the magical world of Middle-earth.

This dragon is more than just a prop—it represents the creativity, teamwork, and ingenuity that make live theater so special. We can't wait for Smaug to spread his wings on Martha's Vineyard before making the journey across the Atlantic to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Heather Capece has been involved in theater since the 4th grade and has spent the last 28 years directing productions on Martha's Vineyard. Since becoming Artistic Director in 2000, she has directed more than 28 productions while wearing countless hats along the way—as an actor, director, set painter, costume designer, knitter, watercolor artist, and, most importantly, wife and proud mom of two daughters. She also enjoys joking that she's now a "Netflix Island Star!" (Ask her about it!)

Some of Heather's favorite productions include Puffs, with its endless props and magical chaos; Peter Pan at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023; and this production of The Hobbit. Creating the richly embroidered costumes, designing the stained-glass-inspired shadow puppets, and collaborating with this incredibly talented cast and crew have made this show one of her most rewarding theatrical experiences.

In 2024, Heather founded Theatre on the Blue to create even more opportunities for young artists. Her vision is to provide a welcoming, supportive community where teens can explore theater, discover their creativity, build confidence, and develop lifelong friendships. Through performance, mentorship, and travel opportunities like the American High School Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, she hopes to show young people the incredible possibilities that exist beyond their own community and inspire them to believe in themselves, their voices, and their dreams.