Audition Information

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! At least the losers get a juice box.

There is no fee to audition or participate in this production.

To sign up for Spelling Bee auditions, please read all of the information below and then fill out the audition form. 

Sign Up For "Spelling Bee” Auditions

AUDITIONS OPEN TO:

Anyone post-secondary or older (High School Class of 2025 or older).
Questions on whether or not you’re eligible? Email brandonactorstroupe@gmail.com.

AUDITIONS:

Auditions will take place on Sunday, June 29th from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at Otter Valley Union High School. We are looking to cast the spellers with those 18 -30ish in age and the adult roles with those 30+ in age.

Please prepare 1 a song of your choice that shows your range and ability (around 1 minute). You may use a song from this show or any other. A speaker will be available for you to connect to for a backing track.

You will also be asked to read a short side from the show.

CALLBACKS:

IF NEEDED, invited callbacks will take place on June 30th at 6:30 pm at Otter Valley Union High School

REHEARSAL DETAILS:

Rehearsals will be held Sundays from 1 - 5 starting July 20th and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:00. Call times for tech rehearsals may be earlier.

CONFLICTS:

Conflicts will be taken into consideration when casting the show. A large number of conflicts or conflicts during the last week of rehearsals (September 7 - Sept 11) or during performances (September 12 - 13) may impact casting decisions.

REHEARSAL LOCATIONS:

Some rehearsals may take place at a Otter Valley Union High School.

All tech rehearsals, and all performances will be held at the same location.

TECH DATES:

Sunday, September 7th - Thursday, September 11

PERFORMANCES:

Friday, September 12 (7p)
Saturday, September 13 (7p)
Sunday, September 14 (2p)

STRIKE:

Strike will take place immediately following the closing performance. Exact strike details will be determined later on.

CHARACTERS:

Chip Tolentino An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the TwentyFourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Gender: Male (Tenor) 

Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Schwartzy) Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year. Gender: Female (Mezzo) 

Leaf Coneybear The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance. Gender: Male (Tenor) 

William Barfee A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous "Magic Foot" method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive. Gender: Male (Tenor) 

Marcy Park The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so simply produced. A parochial school student, she assumes God, too, expects perfection. She sees herself as a mass of problems but she keeps them to herself. Having moved often because of her parents' work, she knows she can beat the local competition. Her many talents include piano, dance, martial arts, baton twirling, etc. Gender: Female (Mezzo) 

Olive Ostrovsky A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the Bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and slowly blossoms. Gender: Female (Mezzo) 

Rona Lisa Peretti The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. Gender: Female Age: 30-45 (Mezzo) 

Douglas Panch The Vice Principle. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections. Gender: Male Age: 30-50 (Tenor)

Mitch Mahoney The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better. Gender: Male/Female Age: 30-50 (Tenor) 

Carl Dad; Dan Dad; Jesus Christ; Leaf’s Mom, Dad & Siblings; Olive’s Dad & Mom - Smaller parts that maybe doubled by others or possible cast as separate actors. Each part is smaller and will require less rehearsal commitment.