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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious and unexpectedly heartfelt musical that dives into the quirky world of middle school overachievers who find themselves onstage, spelling their hearts out for glory, approval, and maybe a sense of belonging. Six young contestants that are each armed with eccentric personalities, unique backstories, and a dictionary's worth of anxiety compete for the title of county spelling champion. Overseen by the well-meaning but tightly wound moderator Rona Lisa Peretti, the rigid and rule-obsessed Vice Principal Panch, and a tender-hearted "comfort counselor" named Mitch Mahoney, the bee becomes more than just an academic contest. It transforms into a microcosm of growing up. Filled with pressure, pride, vulnerability, and the bittersweet taste of finding out that winning isn't everything, everybody has a chance to truly find their spotlight. Through witty songs and fast-paced humor, the musical balances laughter with genuine emotion. The spellers confront personal insecurities, family expectations, and the chaos of adolescence while trying to remember if "syzygy" has two y's. By the end, the audience isn't just rooting for their favorite contestant; they're reminded of what it felt like to be young, uncertain, and desperate to prove themselves in a world that's still learning how to spell compassion. Sign up to audition at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C45ABAB23A3FA7-60620738-springfield#/
MUST BE 18+ TO AUDITION. Must be available for all rehearsals during tech week (April 12th-16th) as well as throughout the run of the show (April 17-19, 24-26). Auditions will consist of singing, dancing, and possible script reading. Provided Audition Cuts (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jvCYtpJvSuzWE8MZr0Ib7PqLPITKU2TC) are preferred but not required. VP Panch is not required to sing. Anyone singing a song not from the preferred cuts must bring printed sheet music for the accompanist and sing a song no longer than 1 minute in length. Callbacks will be held January 25th. Rehearsals begin February 9, 2026.
All auditionees must complete the audition form prior to auditions.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjW6vBOZ5Pvr5uri4lIW6AOD1PyP8UZ3OW-K4xlXf6F2KMKA/viewform?usp=send_form
Available Parts:
Spellers (played by adults):
Chip Tolentino: An athletic and outgoing champion who is returning to defend his title but is struggling with the changes of puberty. Vocal Range: Tenor (C3 to B4)
Leaf Coneybear: A home-schooled contestant with ADD who finds the bee amusing and spells correctly while in a trance. Vocal Range: Baritenor (A to G, optional A)
William Barfee: A finalist from the previous year who is back for vindication, known for his "Magic Foot" spelling technique. Vocal Range: Tenor (C3 to B4)
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre: The youngest contestant who is driven to win to please her two fathers. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (G3 to F5)
Marcy Park: An over-achiever who is a multi-talented student from a parochial school. Vocal Range: Alto with belt (A3 to D5)
Olive Ostrovsky: A shy and introverted contestant whose dictionary has become a friend. Vocal Range: Soprano (A3 to C6)
Adults:
Rona Lisa Peretti: The moderator and a local realtor who is the 3rd Annual Putnam County champion. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (B3 to F5)
Vice Principal Douglas Panch: The official judge, who is a bit frustrated with his life and is infatuated with Rona. Vocal Range: Baritone (G2 to F4) but not required to sing.
Mitch Mahoney: The "Official Comfort Counselor" and an ex-convict performing community service. Vocal Range: Baritenor (C3 to A4)
Questions? Please email [email protected]
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