“Lord of the Rings” fans who enjoyed seeing the books come to life in movie theaters will have the opportunity to see the trilogy’s prequel also come to life — this time on the stage.

“The Hobbit,” based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, is the latest stage production from ACTORS, Ames’ local theatre group. It chronicles the journey of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins to reclaim a lost treasure.

Baggins is accompanied by a group of dwarves and Gandalf, a wizard.

“Anyone who’s familiar with the ‘Lord of the Rings’ would certainly be familiar with this story,” says Deb Gibson, producer of the play.

The set is attractive, yet simple, because of the small stage and the large cast, Gibson says.

Anne Wiltgen, junior in political science, had an important role in bringing “The Hobbit” to life — she built a dragon puppet.

“It looks like the dragon is wrapped around the entire stage,” Wiltgen says.

“The head is about six feet long from the nose to the end of the horn.”

Wiltgen says she enjoyed the challenge of having to build the puppet in less than two weeks.

“As I’ve gone along, I’ve gotten more and more ambitious about this puppet,” she says.

“Every time I add something, there is another thing that can go along.”

Brenda Daisy, graduate student in English, plays the elven queen.

“She’s the queen of the elves in Mirkwood forest,” Daisy says. “Mirkwood is a pretty dark, dangerous, sketchy kind of place.”

The elven queen is suspicious of strangers, Daisy says, but cares about her people.

Daisy says she was interested in acting in “The Hobbit” because she enjoyed Tolkien’s novels.

“I really like ‘Lord of the Rings’ and Tolkien,” she says. “I read ‘The Hobbit’ and loved it.”

Daisy says the most difficult part of acting in “The Hobbit” is getting into costume and makeup.

“It takes about the whole first act to get into costume and make-up,” she says. “I think sitting in the makeup chair and spending so much time backstage preparing is more work than the eight or so minutes the elves are actually on stage.”

Although a lot of work is involved, Daisy says the outcome is worthwhile.

“I would recommend anybody to come out to it who wants to support their community theater and have a good time,” she says.

What: “The Hobbit”

Where: ACTORS studio, 120 Abraham Dr.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $13 student and senior citizen, $15 public