Please submit your auditions by December 7th at midnight. (But earlier is always better!) Please prepare a short one minute selection from the show (YES, THAT'S WHAT WE SAID, FROM THE ACTUAL SHOW!) In addition, please spell your favorite word and give it's definition and origin, and tell us a short story from your childhood.
**PLEASE NOTE** we are looking for honest, fresh performances and not imitations of the Broadway soundtrack.
GUIDELINES
Character Breakdown: Actively seeking non-equity actors (Ages 15 to 20) who have strong voices and who can move extremely well. We are looking for actors of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, and physical abilities. (*You must be at least 14 by 12/31/2025 to submit an audition)
*Please note that this is our Pre-Professional Training Production of Spelling Bee and there is a monthly program fee.
***Auditions for our professional "Spelling Bee" can be found here at https://www.theatresouthplayhouse.org/the-25th-annual-putnam-county-spelling-bee
***Internships and scholarships may be available for those candidates who qualify for financial assistance. Please apply at https://www.theatresouthplayhouse.org/scholarships
Chip Tolentino (Male presenting) 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.
Vocal range top: B4 Vocal range bottom: C3
Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Schwartzy) (Female presenting) 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.
Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: G3
Leaf Coneybear (Male or female presenting): 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.
Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: A2
William Barfee (Male presenting) 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.
Vocal range top: Bb4 Vocal range bottom: C3
Marcy Park (Seeking a female presenting actor who identifies as Asian) 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 you can find in your casting pool.
Vocal range top: Eb5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Olive Ostrovsky (Female presenting) 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.
Vocal range top: F#5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Rona Lisa Peretti (Female presenting) 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.
Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: C4
Douglas Panch (Male presenting) 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.
Mitch Mahoney (Male or Female presenting) 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.
Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: E3
The Ensemble Spellers: 4-6 great movers and singers who will help us support the story. This power squad will also acts as swings and possibly play some of the roles below:
Carl Dad Schwarzy's main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy's fathers. Normally played by actor playing Leaf.
Dan Dad the more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy's fathers. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch.
Jesus Christ Deity invoked by a speller in need. Normally played by the actor playing Chip.
Leaf's Mom, Dad, And Siblings All more academically gifted than Leaf, they are even more surprised than he is by his success. Normally played by the spellers and audience volunteers as indicated in the script.
Olive's Dad A fantasy version of Olive's dad coming to the bee from work. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch.
Vocal range top: B4 Vocal range bottom: E3
Olive's Mom A fantasy version of Olive's mom at her Ashram in India. Normally played by the actor playing Rona.
Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: D4
*This show will be double cast.
OTHER INFORMATION
Some actors will be asked to attend callbacks on Tuesday Evening, December 16th at 6:00pm. There will be a required dance call as this show will have Chris Payen choreography, followed by vocals and scene work.
*Please note that not everyone will be cast in "The Bee" but TSP's production of "Descendants" is open to everyone and is another option for anyone who wants to participate in one of our productions. Actors may participate in both shows.
Rehearsals begin January 26th-April 12th on Monday nights and Saturday afternoons. Some additions rehearsals will be held on Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons: Rehearsals: Mon, January 26th 6-9pm Sat, January 31st 2-6pm Mon, February 2 6-9pm Sat, February 7th 10am-12pm
*Switch to Sundays* Sun, February 8th 6-9pm Mon, February 9th 6-9pm Sun, February 15th 6-9pm *Thur, February 19th 6-9pm -tbd make-up day Sun, February 22 6-9pm Mon, February 23d 6-9pm Sun, March 1 6-9pm Mon, March 2 6-9pm
*Switch to Saturdays* Sat, March 7th 2-6pm Mon, March 9th 6-9pm *Thur, March 12th 6-9pm-tbd make-up day Spring Break Sat, March 21 2-6pm Mon, March 23 6-9pm *Thur, March 26 tbd make-up day Sat, March 28th 2-6pm Mon, March 30th 6-9pm *Thur, April 2nd 6-9pm * make-up day
Tech Week Fri, April 3 6-9pm Sat, April 4 1-6pm No rehearsal Easter Sunday Mon, April 6th 6-9:30pm Tues, April 7th 6-9:30pm Wed, April 8th 6-9:30pm