Sign Up To Audition: Please fill out and submit our online audition form on TheaterForms and make an appointment for your audition. Have your calendar handy and be prepared to enter rehearsal conflicts. You will be asked to upload a headshot (a JPEG file) and a theatrical résumé (a PDF file) if you have one. If you don’t have either of these files you can still submit the form.
What we are looking for:
We are looking to build a strong ensemble cast of 9 actors. Each actor will have 1 main character (as listed in the character descriptions) but several actors will also play smaller characters in addition to their main character. Though 6 of the characters are children, all actors cast will be 18+.
Please prepare 1 minute of a song that highlights your range and comedic ability. We encourage you to pick a song that is similar to the style of the show. Your song can be from a musical but it is not required to be from a musical. Most importantly: we want to see you have fun and make bold choices!
Auditioners must bring a track to sing with (no accompanist will be available, and a cappella singing will not be allowed). The music director will be checking vocal ranges.
All actors are required to attend the dance call to be considered for casting. You do not need to prepare anything for the dance call: we will teach you a brief section of choreography on site. We encourage “actors who move” to audition. Dance calls will be held during the time slot you register for. Please be prepared to attend.
Call back will be by invitation only on Tuesday, October 21 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Roles:
Chip Tolentino (Male presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Chip might be the kid who grows up to be similar to Troy Bolton – likeable and charming but not overly confident.
Leaf Coneybear (Male presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
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. Leaf might share similar energy to Jacob Collier – someone who is clearly very smart but admittedly also very weird.
William Barfee (Male presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
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. William might remind us a bit of Carl from Jimmy Neutron – awkward, a bit of a know-it-all, but ultimately a great friend to have on your side.
Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Female presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
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. Schwartzy likely grows up into someone like Enid Hoops – she is not afraid to be a leader and to walk to the beat of her own drum.
Marcy Park (Female presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
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, and/or whatever special gifts our actor playing marcy may offer. Marcy may grow up into someone like Temperance Bones – she is radically independent, loves diving deep into special interests, and is way smarter than everyone else in the room (though socially she might be a little behind…). Please notate any special skills you have in the special skills section of this form that might be relevant to include in her number “I Speak 6 Languages” (i.e. juggling, tumbling, martial arts, can play an instrument etc.).
Olive Ostrovsky (Female presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
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 shyly blossoms. Olive might grow up into someone like Pam Beesly. She is not one to “rock the boat,” has a vast capacity for kindness and love, can crack a solid
joke, and finds beauty in the little things.
Rona Lisa Peretti (Female presenting, Stage age 30+)
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. Rona likely finds counterparts in Leslie Knope and Effie Trinket – she exudes assertive passion, loves a reason to celebrate, and deeply yearns to leave a legacy. If you have improv or stand-up experience, please notate it in the special skills section of this form as it will likely be helpful experience for this role!
Douglas Panch (Male presenting, Stage age 30+)
The Vice Principal. 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. Panch might exist in the same realm as Saul Goodman – he might not have his life fully together but he really is trying to do good, he probably makes bad “dad” jokes and at the end of the day, we are all still rooting for him. If you have improv or stand-up experience, please notate it in the special skills section of this form as it will likely be helpful experience for this role!
Mitch Mahoney (Male presenting, Stage age 30+.)
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. Mitch is someone who may “front” a very tough demeanor but will come to surprise us in a big -diva moment- way.
