Ashland High School Theatrical Society

2026 Winter Musical

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Book by Rachel Sheinkin    Music and Lyrics by William Finn    Conceived by Rebecca Feldman 

Additional Material by Jay Reiss    Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

Originally produced on Broadway by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Barrington Stage Company, Second Stage Theatre

The story: An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

Friday, November 20 at 7

Saturday November 21 at 7

Sunday, November 22 at 2.

Directed by David E. Harrington

Musical Direction: Kim Whiteley     Choreography: Hannah McCowan

Artistic Design and Technical Direction: David E. Harrington

Production Staff

Stage Manager: Mya DiGiovanni

Assistant Director: Janet Callahan

Deputy Stage Managers: Mateo Melka

Costume Designer: Allyssa Forgit

Lighting Designer and Board Operator: Asha Brown

Sound Board Operator: Marshall Noah

Spot Lights:

House Manager: Allyssa Forgit

House Staff: Brody Bosworth

Pit Band

Conductor: Kim Whiteley

Piano: Michele Kelly

Bass:

Guitar:

Drums/Percussion: Brian Whiteley

Characters

Chip Tolentino:

Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre:

Leaf Coneybear:

William Barfee:

Marcy Park:

Olive Ostrovsky:

Rona Lisa Peretti:

Douglas Panch:

Mitch Mahoney:

Olive's Mom:

Olive's Dad:

Carl Dad:

Dan Dad:

Barfee's Mom:

Barfee's Fake Mom:

Leaf's Mom:

Leaf's Dad:

Leaf's Siblings: (Paul), (Marigold), (Pinecone), (Raisin), (Brook)

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Audition Information

Casting: 9, small ensemble, doubling

Auditions:

• Click here for an Audition/Crew Form. Audition forms should be turn in the day of auditions. Students will not be cast or placed in a crew position if their Audition/Crew Forms are not in.

• Please provide a headshot with your form if you are auditioning. A simple black & white photo is fine.

• Auditions will be open only to those auditioning.

• Click here for audition resources, including sheet music and audition tracks. (likely ready in June 2026)

• For music to practice with, download the RehearScore mobile app to get started. Download the app for your Apple or Android device, log in, and start rehearsing. Sign in with username "spellingbee" and password "27211728". 

Audition Principals

The Audition Process will be guided by the following principals:

• Students will not be excluded from being cast simply because they are inexperienced.

• The casting procedures will be professional and respectful—keeping in mind all actors face rejection all the time, and feel it.

• All students are welcome to audition.

• Everyone can act, and does so every single day.

Audition Method

Anyone with a grain of compassion hates auditions. You know that you are going to hurt someone’s feelings, no matter what you do. Unfortunately, no one has ever found a better way to cast a play. You have to audition. There are many audition methods built around answering particular questions. This audition is a prepared song. Pick from the list (TBD) the one right for your vocal range. You will sing the song to a recording. Songs should be prepared, but if you need your music that is fine.

Singing Audition

We will look for four things when you audition: 

1. Showing off your ability as a singer.

2. Demonstrating your abilities as a musician.

3. Using your skills as an actor.

4. Showing off your ability to carry a role.