CALLING ALL ACTORS

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Scheduled Monday, May 27, and Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Aurora Arts Theatre is excited to announce auditions for its summer musical production, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, on May 27th & 28th beginning at 6:30 pm. 🐝 The production, directed by Peter Howard and Ramiro Gonzalez, choreographed by Brandon Besse, stage managed by Kristin Kaufman, and with Peter Lopez as the vocal director, will run July 26 to August 31, 2024. Auditions will consist of a vocal selection, dance routine, and reading. We can't wait to see you at the auditions!

For additional information, please call (361) 851-9700 or email drios@auroraartstheatre.com.

SHOW SYNOPSIS

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. As they spell their way through a series of challenging and possibly invented words, they share hilarious and touching stories from their home lives. Each contestant hopes to avoid the dreaded "ding" of the bell that signals a mistake. While only one will emerge as the champion, the rest will at least leave with a juice box!

AUDITION INFORMATION

• Arrival: Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out an audition form.

• Process: You will learn a song, perform readings selected by the directors, and learn a short dance from the choreographer. All materials will be provided during the auditions.

• Attire: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for dancing.

• Recorded Auditions: Admissible if unable to attend. However, in order to be valid, approval from the production board must be obtained prior to submission and all videos must be received no later than 10 pm May 28th. Contact drios@auroraartstheatre.com.

CHARACTERS NEEDED

CHIP TOLENTINO — The reigning spelling champion of Putnam County. Slightly athletic and social, he expects things to come easily to him. This role requires some sustained high notes, up to a sustained high A in his solo number. (Also plays Jesus.) Vocal Range: Tenor to B (Vocal Range C4-B5)

LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUBENNIERE — Younger than most bee participants, she is driven by internal and external pressure—but above all else, a desire to when to please her two fathers. Speaks with a lisp. Vocal Range: Alto G to Eb (Vocal Range A3-F5)

LEAF CONEYBEAR — A second alternate to the bee, never expected to compete. Home-schooled with many siblings, everything about the public bee is an adventure to them. They have severe Attention Deficit Disorder and his best friend is his finger puppet. Vocal Range: Baritone to G (Vocal Range A3-A5)

WILLIAM BARFEE — Has a host of health problems and a lot to prove. Loud and combative—becomes the bully to avoid being picked out by others, but eventually warms up. A strong comedic role. Vocal Range: Tenor to Bb (Vocal Range E4-B5)

MARCY PARKERS — The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so simply produced. Role requires (ANY/ALL SPECIAL ABILITIES) various tricks—baton twirling, cartwheels, splits, etcetera. Vocal Range: Mezzo to Eb (Vocal Range C4-E5)

OLIVE OSTROVSKY — A word-lover, Olive has a fairly quiet life, a result of often-absent parents and being an only child. She spends most of her time with the dictionary, which brings her comfort with its vastness of wonder. This role requires a strong belter contained in a shy and sweet young girl. Vocal Range: Mezzo A to high G (Vocal Range B3-F5)

RONA LISA PERRETTI — Putnam County’s long-time spelling bee hostess, a local realtor, and the winner of the 3rd annual bee. This is Rona’s day to be queen, and her own when is sadly the highlight of her life still. (Also plays Olive’s Mom.) This role requires a strong belter. Vocal Range: Mezzo up to A (Vocal Range B3-F5)

VICE PRINCIPAL DOUGLAS PANCH — The vice principal of a local middle school, he is frustrated with his life. Forced to be a substitute co-host of the bee, he finds the whole thing odd, but attempts to play along to impress Rona, which he has a crush. (minimal singing) (NO SOLOS, THOUGH REQUESTED TO SING WHEN APPLICABLE.)

MITCH MAHONEY — With a bouncer’s physique and demeanor, Mitch appears an odd choice for the bee’s “comfort counselor,” but it is part of his community service. (Also plays Dan’s Dad and Olive’s Dad.) Vocal Range: Gospel/ Baritone to A (Vocal Range E4-A5)