Independence Community Theater announces auditions for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, running from March 6 - March 23. Auditions will be held on January 11 and 12. Those wishing to audition can make an appointment for an audition time by signing up here:

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090B4EA8AE2BA6FA7-60297813-auditio...

If you have any questions about the auditions or the show, please email Celia Lupton at lupton.celia@gmail.com.

Director: Celia Lupton

Music Director: Jack Routhier

Choreographer: Jen Justice

AUDITION DETAILS

• Auditions are open to all actors ages 16 and up

• Please prepare a 60-90 second cut of a musical theater song in the style of the show

• Bring your sheet music to the audition (there will be an accompanist provided)

• You may also bring a headshot and/or theater resume (optional)

• Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled audition time to fill out the audition form

• Auditions will be held in the auditorium at Independence Community Theater (6652 Brecksville Rd)

• Be prepared to list any conflicts that would cause you to miss a scheduled rehearsal. Rehearsals will generally be held on Mondays through Thursdays from 6:30 - 9:30 (starting on Monday, January 19) with some Sunday rehearsals as needed (time TBD). All cast members are required to attend all rehearsals during tech week (March 1-5 from around 6:00 to 10:00) and all performances (March 6 - 22: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2:00 - please note that there is no Sunday show on March 8).

• You may also be asked to read from a scene from the script if time allows

• Every role is open to anyone! Casting decisions will be made solely on performance and suitability for the role — not on age, gender, race, or any other factor.

• Callbacks (invitation only) will be held Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30

ABOUT THE SHOW:

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. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents 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.

ROLES AVAILABLE

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. Vocal range top: B4, Vocal range bottom: C3

Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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

Carl Dad: Logainne's main trainer, the more intense and competitive of her fathers. Normally played by actor playing Leaf.

Dan Dad: the more laid back and ineffectual of Logainne'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.

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