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THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Audition NoticeMusic and Lyrics by William Finn; Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Director: Jocelyn Sanders
Music Director: Davis Herndon
Choreographer: Roxanne Rich
Producer: Jeni McCaughan
Audition Dates and Times:
Auditions: Monday, June 24 at 7 pm
Tuesday, June 25 at 7 pm
Callbacks: by invitation only
Locations: Cottingham Theatre on the campus of Columbia College
1301 Columbia College Dr - Columbia, SC 29203
If you are unable to attend either night of auditions but still want to audition, please email [email protected].
WHAT TO PREPARE: Actors will need to prepare 16 measures of their best vocal material, preferably in the style of the show. Bring your sheet music or a karaoke track (No vocals). No a cappella vocal auditions please. All Ethnicities and ages 16+ are encouraged to audition. Be prepared to stay and dance.
PERFORMANCE DATES: September 13-14, 19-21, 26-28 at 7 pm; and September 15 and 22 at 3 pm.
REHEARSALS will begin the week of July 22
Rehearsals will be Sunday-Thursday evenings
We will work out a firm rehearsal schedule once we have a final cast and understand their conflicts.
Conflicts: Please be prepared to list ALL conflicts on your audition form, as we will use this to make the final schedule. No conflicts after September 1, 2024
Show Synopsis:
Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn't everything!
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents (overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves) 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 to never hear the soul- crushing, pout- inducing, life-unaffirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
This is the epitome of the ensemble show. Each actor has an important and sizable role, having key moments to shine, including at least one song. All actors must be able to sing and harmonize.
The role of Rona Lisa Peretti has been pre-cast.
William Barfée - Eb3 - Bb4 Tenor - A finalist in last year's Bee, he spells using his "magic foot" and has no interest in making friends at the bee. This role requires a strong character actor with impeccable comic timing and the ability to create his own character. He must have a strong tenor voice, though, and be an average dancer.
Olive Ostrovsky - B3 - F5 Soprano -The heart of the show, Olive is basically deserted at the bee. Her mom is in an ashram in India and her dad never shows up, even after promising that, this time, he'll try to make it. Her best friend is a dictionary. This role requires an actress whom despite her meek appearance, has an incredibly strong mezzo voice and belt.
Leaf Coneybear - A2 - G4 Baritone or Tenor - As just the second runner up in his district's bee, he really shouldn't be competing here. He makes his own clothes, is home schooled with his hippy parents and siblings, and lacks social skills. He's strange but very sweet, loving and kindhearted, but distracted. This role allows a ton of personal interpretation and requires physical comedy (i.e. falls).The role alost includes playing Logaine's first father, Carl.
Marcy Park - B3 - E5 Sopranno/Mezzo-Soprano - Marcy is the most feared and practiced competitor in the bee. She made it all the way to ninth place in Nationals last year and is back to win again. She sleeps three hours a night, speaks six languages, and does not recognize her own lack of humor. She is incredibly intense. While typically an actress of Asian origin, we are open to all interpretations/ethnicities with unique talents (i.e. playing piano, twirling batons, juggling, gymnastics).
Logaine Schwartzandgrubenierre - C4 - D5 Soprano - Logaine is the youngest and most politically-aware speller, often making comments about current political figures and her mature world views. She has two overbearing gay dads who have turned her neurotic and self-conscious. She speaks with a lisp, though has a real confidence about her at times. There are no ethnic or racial requirements for this role.
Chip Tolentino - C3 - B4 Tenor- Last year's Putnam County champ who begins to learn the ups and downs of puberty during the bee. He is strong willed, competitive, ambitious, and - most of all - very horny. This role has some of the most difficult singing in the show and requires long sustained high notes. There are no ethnic or racial requirements for this role. This actor also plays Jesus in the dream sequence.
Vice Principal Douglas Panch - Non-singing (but can be added to ensemble numbers) He was involved in an "incident" at the 20th Annual Bee that got him removed from the judging panel. He returns this year in "a better place," thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti. We are looking for a strong character actor with impeccable comedic timing and the ability to improv. While he does not need to sing, he is a key role and keeps the pace moving throughout the show.
Mitch Mahoney - E3 - A4 (B4) Tenor - This former felon is fulfilling his court ordered community service at the bee and acting as the bee's "comfort counselor," handing out juice boxes and a dose of reality to the losers. He comes across as scary and tough but is really a big softy deep down. He also plays Logaine's second father, Dan, as well as Olive's dad.
Note: This show also involves audience participation, inviting non-cast members on stage as spellers! F-U-N!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1301 Columbia College Dr, Columbia, SC, United States
