Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Jul 6, 2020 - Jul 17, 2020 (10 days)
Ages 14 - 18+ yrsDIRECTED by Alaric Frinzi
CHOREOGRAPHY by Brance Cornelius
MUSICAL DIRECTION by Rebekah Piatt
In this Musical Theater Intensive, students will work tirelessly through a 2-week rehearsal process before performing the full-length musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."
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! At least the losers get a juice box.
PERFORMANCES: Multiple performances 7/17-7/19, to be determined based on cast size and current social distancing guidelines.
TUITION $400
Tuition payable after auditions and casting is complete. Payment plans available (with 5% surcharge). Limited scholarships available. Contact Brance Cornelius at education@theaterwestend.com for more information.
ONLINE AUDITIONS
We are asking for online submissions only for this audition. Please include a 30-second to 1-minute comedic monologue (dry humor is always welcome) and a 32-bar to 1-minute song of your choice. It could be a song from the show or from something else entirely.
The submission deadline is extended to Friday, June 26 at 5pm. If you have questions about creating your online submission, please refer our helpful video…
“Most importantly I want you to forget all of your preconceived notions about this show. What I care about most is honesty to the character and to the moment. So the type that we’re looking for: is your type! Show us what you can do, not what other people think you can do.” - Alaric
CHARACTERS
THE SPELLERS
Chip Talentino
Tenor to B (Vocal Range C4-B5)
The Reigning spelling champion of Putnam County; and new adolescent!
Logainne Schwartzandgrubinerre
Alto G to Eb (Vocal Range A3-F5)
The youngest of the Bee participants. Very politically aware.
Leaf Coneybear
Baritone to G (Vocal Range A3-A5)
A second alternate, who by chance gets to participate in the Bee. Home-schooled with his many siblings.
William Barfee
Tenor to Bb (Vocal Range E4-B5)
Returning Bee participant with a host of health problems and a lot to prove.
Marcy Park
Mezzo to Eb (Vocal Range C4-E5)
A parochial school student and over achiever. She assumes everyone expects her to be excellent. This is her first time at the Putnam County Bee.
Olive Ovstrosky
Mezzo A to high G (Vocal Range B3-F5)
An only child and lover of words. New to competition and the world of the Bee.
THE ADULTS
Rona Lisa Peretti
Mezzo up to A (Vocal Range B3-F5)
A champion alumnus of the Putnam County Spelling Bee. A local realtor and the Bee’s hostess.
Vice Principal Douglas Panch
(minimal singing)
Lake Hemingway Dos Passos Junior High’s second in command was a last minute substitute, and he knows it.
Mitch Mahoney
Baritone to A (Vocal Range E4-A5)
The Bee’s “comfort counselor”. Not particularly excited to be working the Bee, but slowly finds a passion in compassion.