Memorial Opera House Presents
Auditions for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Monday, May 15th & Tuesday, May 16th
7PM
Memorial Opera House
104 Indiana Ave. Valparaiso, Indiana
Callbacks (as needed): Wednesday, May 17th (time TBD)
Directors/Vocal Directors: Stephen Dean and Jordan Dollins
Choreographer: Jordyn Romersberger
You are welcome to sing a song of your choice (preferably a minute or less). Please provide sheet music for the accompanist.
We also accept video auditions which may be emailed directly to the Production Manager, Vicki Zimmerman: vzimmerman@memorialoperahouse.com
Performances: July 20th – August 6th (12 performances Thurs. - Sun.).
Rehearsals: Rehearsals begin the week of May 22nd at Memorial Opera House. Rehearsals will take place Monday through Thursday from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Show Synopsis: 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 juicebox. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.
Casting Requirements: All roles are open for those of all identities and ethnicities aged 18 or older. All roles will require various amounts of ad-libbing and consistently energetic performances.
We are seeking ~7 actors. 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.
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 – role unavailable
Douglas Panch – role unavailable
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.
Additional Information:
Memorial Opera House Foundation will be offering a stipend of $150 for all performers. This is intended to offset the costs incurred by performers due to gas, childcare, materials for the show, etc. Any questions regarding stipends can be directed to Memorial Opera House Executive Director, Scot MacDonald at smacdonald@memorialoperahouse.com Complete audition details can be found on our website at memorialoperahouse.com.
