I saw the premier of Champion in St. Louis, and as I recall, the young Emile was miked. In my experience, that’s the norm for extended child solos in the modern opera house/concert hall.
Oh, absolutely - I have also been chatting with Dean Burr about other upcoming versions of this and how your - I am quite sure, fabulous! - rendition differs from the ‘original’ etc. Again, do let me know more about it, when you can.
I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker with a LotR convention in Toronto many, many moons, watching the 1.1. musical version at the time. I would certainly love to listen to your “Hobbit.” 
I just had my first costume fitting yesterday. Our current thinking is that I will both sing and manipulate the Smaug puppet in the Bilbo/Smaug scene.
I’m not sure if it will work to share the photos from my Instagram here, but let’s see - Doug MacNaughton on Instagram: "Today was my first costume fitting for 'The Hobbit', including the puppet that I'll be manipulating as 'Smaug'! The Gandalf hat is up at rehearsals... Some days, I just love my job!! #SingersLife #MusiciansLife #TheHobbit #Gandalf #Smaug @canadianchildrensopera"
Sadly, the Gandalf hat was up at rehearsal.
The only picture I’m seeing is the dragon’s head… but wow, that is one great head.
Hmph - let me try again. Maybe it needs two more links…
Here’s me inside the puppet’s head - Doug MacNaughton on Instagram: "Today was my first costume fitting for 'The Hobbit', including the puppet that I'll be manipulating as 'Smaug'! The Gandalf hat is up at rehearsals... Some days, I just love my job!! #SingersLife #MusiciansLife #TheHobbit #Gandalf #Smaug @canadianchildrensopera"
Both look great! You’re really rocking the hair and beard.