Auditions Announced for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Auditions Announced for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Open Auditions: Thursday, May 9 & Friday, May 10 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Callbacks/Pick up Auditions: Sunday, May 12 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Where: The Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St. Branson, MO 65616
These auditions are for ages 18+ only. Spelling Bee is rated PG-13 and is intended for mature audiences.
Requirements:
• Please bring a headshot and resume for production team to keep.
• We will be accepting video/online submissions but a live audition is strongly recommended. Please submit all online submissions to jacobmestes@gmail.com
• Two contrasting songs in the style of the show (Musical Theatre Repertoire only NO POP SONGS) An accompanist will be provided. Please bring clearly marked music in the proper key. An MP3 track is also accepted. (No CDs)
• There WILL be a required dance call. Please bring proper dance attire (Clothing that is form fitting and shows off your physique, and proper shoes. NO OPEN TOED SHOES)
You will be given the opportunity to change after initial audition
• Be prepared to do cold readings from the show and improv!
• IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE DIRECTOR- Jacob Estes: jacobmestes@gmail.com
Synopsis- An eclectic group of six mid-pubescent’s vies 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, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six 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. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.
All Roles Available: *Note each role will play multiple characters
Chip Tolentino
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.
Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Schwartzy)
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.
Leaf Coneybear
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.
William Barfee
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.
Marcy Park
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.
Olive Ostrovsky
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.
Rona Lisa Peretti
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.
Douglas Panch
The Vice Principle. 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
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.
Carl Dad
Schwarzy’s main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy’s fathers.
• Played by actor playing Leaf.
Dan Dad
The more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy’s fathers.
• Played by the actor playing Mitch.
Jesus Christ
Deity invoked by a speller in need.
• Played by the actor playing Chip.
Olive’s Dad
A fantasy version of Olive’s dad coming to the bee from work.
• Played by the actor playing Mitch.
Olive’s Mom
A fantasy version of Olive’s mom at her Ashram in India.
• Played by the actor playing Rona.
The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.
Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”
Financial support is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.
BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615