Hamilton Theatre Inc. is holding auditions for THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.
HTI’s production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is a Non-Equity, volunteer production. We encourage submissions from actors of all genders, ethnicities and abilities. A variety of roles are available for teens and adults.
A few technical notes to help you with your decision-making process:
AUDITION DATES
(each audition will be approximately 10-15 minutes in length)
Thursday, November 7th: 7:00 pm — 10:00 pm
Friday, November 8th: 7:00 pm — 10:00 pm
Dance Call – Sunday, November 10th: 11:00 am — 1:00 pm
Callbacks – Sunday, November 10th: 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm (participants will be contacted via email by the SPELLING BEE production team)
For more info and to book an audition time, contact pr@hamiltontheatre.com
Walk-ins are welcome but will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. We ask that all audition participants wear a mask upon arriving at the theatre and while they wait for their audition slot.
AUDITION LOCATION
Hamilton Theatre Inc. Studio
140 MacNab St. N.
Hamilton, Ontario
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Auditioners are asked to prepare two contrasting songs. One must be from a contemporary musical, and one must be comedic. These can be the same selection if they fit both categories (e.g., a comedic musical theatre song and a contrasting ballad).
The audition will also include a list of six-word stories or short sentences for auditioners to choose from in the audition room. Please be prepared to take direction and improvise as part of the audition process.
CAST BREAKDOWN
Casting 16-25-year-old-presenting actors
Carlito “Chip” Tolentino
Male-Presenting | Tenor
An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee who returns to defend his title but finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.
Logainne “Schwartzy” Schwartzandgrubeniere
Female-Presenting, Trans, or Nonbinary | Mezzo-Soprano
The youngest and most politically aware speller. Somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.
Olive Ostrovsky
Female-Presenting | Mezzo-Soprano
A young newcomer to competitive spelling whose mother is in an ashram in India, and father is working late, as usual. Made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition.
Marcy Park
Female-Presenting | Mezzo-Soprano
A recent transfer from Virginia who placed ninth in last year’s nationals. A total over-achiever, who attends a Catholic school called “Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows”. Is not allowed to cry.
Leaf Coneybear
Male-Presenting | Tenor
A homeschooler and the second runner-up in his district. Comes from a large family of former hippies and makes his own clothes. Spells words correctly while in a trance.
William Morris Barfée
Male-Presenting | Tenor
A finalist last year who was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts. Famous for his “Magic Foot” spelling method.
Adults
Casting adult-presenting actors
Rona Lisa Peretti
Female-Presenting | Mezzo-Soprano
The number-one realtor in Putnam County and returning moderator. A sweet woman who loves children but can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch, Won the Third Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by spelling “syzygy.”
Vice Principal Douglas Panch
Any Gender
Returns as judge after an “incident” at the Twentieth Annual Bee. Is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections.
Mitch Mahoney/Jesus Christ
Male-Presenting | Tenor
The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict performing his community service with the Bee. Hands out juice boxes to losing students.
Ensemble
Casting actors 16+ years-presenting
All Genders
The emseble will protray multiple characters, including:
● Leaf’s Family
● Logainne’s parents
● Olive’s parents
● Additional spellers
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Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor.
An eclectic group of six adolescent kids 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 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 a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
CREDITS
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
The tech week for THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is scheduled for February 9th – February 13th, 2025
PERFORMANCES
Performances will be held at HTI’s Studio Theatre, 140 MacNab St. N., Hamilton.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director – Kayla Jensen
Music Director – Jennifer Ferreira
Stage Manager – Geoffrey Harrison-Edge
Choreographer – Erika Bennett
Prop Designer – Madeline Merrill
Costume Designer – The Muses
