AUDITIONS: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

AUDITION NOTICE:

TITLE: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

PRODUCERS: Produced by JD Theatricals in collaboration with the Long Beach Playhouse

AUTHOR: Music and Lyrics by William Finn, Book by Rachel Sheinkin, Conceived by Rebecca Feldman with Additional Material by Jay Reiss

DIRECTOR: Russell Malang  and Bob Fetes

MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Matt Koutroulis

CHOREOGRAPHER: Bethanie Lyon

RUN:  April 28th – May 27th

Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.

This is a volunteer community theater production.  Non-Equity.  There is no pay. At this time, all volunteers including actors must be fully vaccinated to participate in shows.

AUDITION DATES:

Open Call:

Dates: Monday, March 6 and Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Times: 7pm – 9pm

Location: Long Beach Playhouse  

Callbacks:

Date and Time: Wednesday, March 8, 7pm – 11pm, by invitation only.

REHEARSALS:

First Read-Through: March 11, 2023, Noon to 3pm

Regular Rehearsal: Starting March 13, Mon. – Thurs. 7pm – 10:30pm, Saturdays, Noon to 4pm.

 SEE BEGINNING REHEARSAL SCHEDULE BELOW FOR SPECIFIC DATES AND TIMES

Location: Long Beach Playhouse

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bring headshot and resume. Please prepare 16 – 32 bars of a contemporary

musical theater song in the style of the show. Be prepared to move.

For callbacks be prepared to move, learn songs from the show, and read scene sides.

Please bring your vaccination card as written proof of full vaccination to the auditions. Masks will be required at the auditions.

SHORT SYNOPSIS:  

This heartfelt musical comedy follows an eclectic group of six teens who compete 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 “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Eight spellers enter; one speller leaves! 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.

CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:

NOTE: We encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages to audition. 

CHIP TOLENTINO (M, 16+ – Able to play a 6th grade speller) The reigning spelling champion of Putnam County. Slightly athletic and social, he expects things to come easily to him. This role requires some sustained high notes, up to a sustained high A in his solo number. (Also plays Jesus.) Vocal Range: Tenor to B (Vocal Range C4-B5)

LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUBENNIERE (F, 16+ to play Middle School Aged Character) Younger than most bee participants, she is driven by internal and external pressure—but above all else, a desire to when to please her two fathers. Speaks with a lisp. Vocal Range: Alto G to Eb (Vocal Range A3-F5)

LEAF CONEYBEAR (M/F/NON-BI, 16+ to play Middle School Aged Character) A second alternate to the bee, never expected to compete. Home-schooled with many siblings, everything about the public bee is an adventure to them. They have severe Attention Deficit Disorder and his best friend is his finger puppet. Vocal Range: Baritone to G (Vocal Range A3-A5)

WILLIAM BARFEE (M, 16+ to play Middle School Aged Character) Has a host of health problems and a lot to prove. Loud and combative—becomes the bully to avoid being picked out by others, but eventually warms up. A strong comedic role. Vocal Range: Tenor to Bb (Vocal Range E4-B5)

MARCY PARKERS (F, 16+ to play Middle School Aged Character) The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so simply produced. Role requires (ANY/ALL SPECIAL ABILITIES) various tricks—baton twirling, cartwheels, splits, etcetera. Vocal Range: Mezzo to Eb (Vocal Range C4-E5)

OLIVE OSTROVSKY (F, 16+ to play Middle School Aged Character) A word-lover, Olive has a fairly quiet life, a result of often-absent parents and being an only child. She spends most of her time with the dictionary, which brings her comfort with its vastness of wonder. This role requires a strong belter contained in a shy and sweet young girl. Vocal Range: Mezzo A to high G (Vocal Range B3-F5)

RONA LISA PERRETTI (F, 30’s) Putnam County’s long-time spelling bee hostess, a local realtor, and the winner of the 3rd annual bee. This is Rona’s day to be queen, and her own when is sadly the highlight of her life still. (Also plays Olive’s Mom.) This role requires a strong belter. Vocal Range: Mezzo up to A (Vocal Range B3-F5)

VICE PRINCIPAL DOUGLAS PANCH (M, 30’s) The vice principal of a local middle school, he is frustrated with his life. Forced to be a substitute co-host of the bee, he finds the whole thing odd, but attempts to play along to impress Rona, which he has a crush. (minimal singing) (NO SOLOS, THOUGH REQUESTED TO SING WHEN APPLICABLE.)

MITCH MAHONEY (M, 18-25) With a bouncer’s physique and demeanor, Mitch appears an odd choice for the bee’s “comfort counselor,” but it is part of his community service. (Also plays Dan’s Dad and Olive’s Dad.) Vocal Range: Gospel/ Baritone to A (Vocal Range E4-A5)

BEGINNGING REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: