Seeking Cast for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

(Female presenting, age: 11, Mezzo/Belt B3-F5) 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 off enormously shy, but slowly blossoms. Olive is generous, optimistic and full of love for everyone she meets.

(Male presenting, Age: 12, Vocal Range: Tenor E2-B4) A finalist in last year’s Putnam County Spelling Bee, he was eliminated due to an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has propelled him to spelling glory, despite having only one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. Barfée is pompous and determined to win but has a soft heart.

(Male presenting, Age: 13, Vocal Range: Tenor C3-B4) An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title but finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Chip is practical and resourceful but can be easily distracted—often at the worst times.

(Female presenting, Age: 10, Vocal Range: Mezzo/Belt A3-F5) Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, frequently making comments about current political figures. She is driven by both internal and external pressure, but above all, by her desire to win and make her two fathers proud. A bit of a neat freak, she speaks with a lisp and is determined to return next year. Logainne is enthusiastic, hard-working, and prone to overthinking.

(Male presenting, Age: 11, Vocal Range: Tenor A2-A4) The second runner-up in his district, Leaf enters the competition on a whim and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. Leaf has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and often spells words correctly while in a trance. He is imaginative, passionate about spelling, and simply happy to be there.

(Female presenting, age: 13, Mezzo/Belt C4-E5) The ultimate overachiever, Marcy has never been given another option. Coming from a family where excellence is expected, she produces it effortlessly. A parochial school student, she assumes God also expects perfection. Though she sees herself as a bundle of problems, she keeps them to herself. Having moved frequently due to her parents' work, Marcy knows she can outshine the local competition. Her many talents include piano, dance, etc.

(Female presenting, age: mid 30s, Mezzo/Belt B3-F5) 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. However, she can be stern when dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her unflagging interest in the competition keeps it moving forward. Rona is a warm and loving presence in an otherwise cold, stiff competition. She will also double as Olive’s mom.

(Male presenting, Vocal Range: Tenor E3-A4) The official Comfort Counselor, Mitch is an ex-convict performing his community service with the Bee, handing out juice boxes to losing students. Though he has no idea how to offer comfort, he often wishes he could find a way to make the kids feel better. While Mitch may have a tough exterior, he is soft and kind-hearted underneath. He will also double as Olive’s dad.

(Male presenting, non-singing). The vice principal, frustrated with his life, finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After a five-year absence from the Bee, Panch returns as a 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, though she does not return his affections.

(Male presenting, Vocal Range: B2-G5) Schwartzy’s main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy’s fathers. Others/Ensemble: *These roles are traditionally played by the spellers and adults, however all roles are open for consideration to being cast by additional actors who would also double as swings.

(Male presenting, Vocal Range: B2-G5) The more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy’s fathers. Others/Ensemble: *These roles are traditionally played by the spellers and adults, however all roles are open for consideration to being cast by additional actors who would also double as swings.

(Male presenting, Vocal Range: E4-B5) A fantasy version of Olive’s dad coming to the bee from work. Doubles as Mitch. Others/Ensemble: *These roles are traditionally played by the spellers and adults, however all roles are open for consideration to being cast by additional actors who would also double as swings.

(Female presenting, Vocal Range: D4-E5) A fantasy version of Olive’s mom at her Ashram in India. Doubles as Rona. Others/Ensemble: *These roles are traditionally played by the spellers and adults, however all roles are open for consideration to being cast by additional actors who would also double as swings.