Audition Dates for 2027 Season:
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Director & Audition NotesThe 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be co-directed by Chance Harmon & Courtney Cummings.
Auditions are open to those 18+ and out of high school. |
Performance Dates
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Show Synopsis
Six wonderfully awkward young spellers have made it to the county championship, and every one of them is determined to win.
As they tackle increasingly ridiculous words, we get a glimpse into their friendships, families, insecurities, and the very serious business of being a kid. Add a few unsuspecting audience members to the competition, and no two spelling bees are exactly alike.
Fast, funny, and unexpectedly sweet, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical comedy about finding out who you are - even when you can't spell the word you're given!
As they tackle increasingly ridiculous words, we get a glimpse into their friendships, families, insecurities, and the very serious business of being a kid. Add a few unsuspecting audience members to the competition, and no two spelling bees are exactly alike.
Fast, funny, and unexpectedly sweet, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical comedy about finding out who you are - even when you can't spell the word you're given!
Audition Information
More information soon!
Character Descriptions
All are welcome to audition, no matter how you identify! Character ages do not have to reflect actors' ages!
- The Spellers:
Olive Ostrovsky - Mezzo-Soprano/High Mezzo
A shy, sweet newcomer to competitive spelling who finds comfort and companionship in her dictionary. With her mother away in India and her father frequently absent because of work, Olive arrives at the bee largely on her own. Over the course of the competition, she begins to come out of her shell and forms an unexpected connection with Barfée. Requires warmth, vulnerability, and a strong emotional singer.
William Barfée - Tenor/Baritenor
A returning finalist with a stuffy nose, a big personality, and his famous "Magic Foot" spelling technique. Barfée is intelligent, competitive, socially awkward, and often abrasive, but there's much more heart underneath than he initially lets anyone see. He develops a crush on Olive during the bee. Strong comedic timing and physical comedy are important.
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere ("Schwartzy") - Mezzo-Soprano
The youngest speller in the competition and easily one of the most intense. Politically aware, outspoken, anxious, and determined to win, Logainne feels enormous pressure to make her two fathers proud. Traditionally performed with a lisp. This role needs high energy, strong comedy, and the ability to find the genuine kid underneath all that pressure.
Leaf Coneybear - Baritenor/Tenor
A homeschooled kid from a large, unconventional family who never expected to make it to the county bee in the first place. Leaf is imaginative, easily distracted, endlessly enthusiastic, and convinced he's "not that smart"—despite repeatedly proving otherwise. He spells best while in a strange trance-like state. A fantastic physical-comedy role that also has some very sweet moments.
Marcy Park - Mezzo-Soprano/Belter
The ultimate overachiever. Marcy excels at seemingly everything—academics, music, sports, languages—and has grown accustomed to being expected to succeed. Underneath all that perfection is a kid beginning to wonder whether she actually wants to be perfect. The role benefits from a performer with strong movement skills and any additional special skills they can bring to the character.
Chip Tolentino - Tenor
The reigning Putnam County spelling champion, Chip arrives confident that he's going to win again. He's athletic, social, competitive, and accustomed to success until puberty creates a very inconvenient distraction during the bee. Requires a confident comic actor and a strong high singer. Traditionally doubles as Jesus. - The Adults
Rona Lisa Peretti - Mezzo-Soprano/High Mezzo
The enthusiastic moderator of the bee, a former Putnam County spelling champion, and the number-one realtor in Putnam County. Rona genuinely loves the competition and the kids participating in it, and her nostalgia for her own spelling-bee glory is never far away. Warm, polished, funny, and able to keep the chaos moving. Traditionally doubles as Olive's Mom.
Mitch Mahoney - Tenor
An ex-con serving his community service as the bee's Official Comfort Counselor. Mitch hands eliminated spellers a juice box and sends them on their way, despite not being particularly comfortable with comforting children. His tough exterior gradually reveals a surprisingly kind heart. Traditionally doubles as Olive's Dad and one of Logainne's dads.
Vice Principal Douglas Panch - Primarily Non-Singing
The bee's official word pronouncer, returning after a five-year absence following an unspecified "incident." Panch is dry, frustrated, unpredictable, and very interested in Rona—an interest she does not share. Excellent comic and improvisational skills are important, since Panch has significant interaction with the spellers and audience volunteers.
We'll have audition sign-ups open closer to audition dates!
Audition FAQ's
What is the overall audition process like
The process is different for straight plays versus musicals, and may also depend on who is directing the show. All auditions include an introduction to the Director and committee members, and all participants fill out an audition form. Audition lengths can vary depending on the number of people who come. Familiarize yourself with the play/musical you are auditioning for before you come to the auditions. We recommend keeping an eye on this page and our Facebook page for more information on each aduition session!
What are Musical auditions like and how do you prepare?
Musical auditions are usually made up of three parts: choreography, vocals, and scene reading (reading from the script of the show). However, some musicals do not contain choreography so this section may be omitted from the audition process.
- Choreography: The choreographer will teach the group a routine. You then perform it as a group. You can prepare for this portion by watching videos of other productions of the show ahead of time. This will expose you to the type of choreography you will be taught.
- Vocals: You're encouraged to bring a 16 to 32 bar (30-45 sec.) cut from a song in the style of the show. We provide an accompanist and there is a speaker available if you have tracked music. If you do not bring your own music cut, the musical director or accompanist will teach the group a portion of a song from the show. You will then be called up to perform this song individually or as a group. The best way to prepare for this is to listen to the soundtrack for the show ahead of time.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning for, sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
What are Straight Play auditions like and how do you prepare?
Straight play auditions consist of scene readings. Occasionally, a play can demand a certain type of movement so there may be a portion of the evening in which the director will work with you to see how well you can move and adapt to the needs of the script.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning. Sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
Who casts the show?
A deliberative body called the casting committee. The committee is made up of the director, choreographer (if applicable), and guests who are experienced in theatre arts. The casting committee acts as a sounding board and another set of eyes and ears for the director who makes the final decisions.
How do you make your decisions on who to cast?
- Availability- Rehearsal is incredibly important. If your schedule inhibits you from attending rehearsals you may not be cast. This will be clarified at the beginning of auditions, and included on your audition form.
- Talent- Vocal ability and acting.
- Physicality- Some roles require specific looks, accents, age, etc. Some shows require specific dance choreography/movement.
- Chemistry- When casting, the committee is required to look at the cast as a whole and see how and IF you fit into that puzzle. For example, You may be right for Role A & B, but if you are cast as Role A, there may not be someone for Role B. You may be cast as Role B if there is a second option for Role A.
How do you find out why you were cast, or not cast, for the part you wanted?
Backdoor Theatre is a teaching theatre. We encourage all participants to reach out and ask this question. We will provide constructive feedback on how you can improve your skills. Please email us by using the form on this page.
Do you need to have experience to try out?
Not at all! We will teach you what you need to know. However, you are expected to be familiar with the show and material. Please email [email protected] to receive a script for the show. If you are trying out for a musical, familiarize yourself with the songs.
What do I wear to auditions?
Whatever your comfortable in and closed toe shoes. If your audition involves dancing, bring appropriate footwear and wear clothing you can move around in.
Do I need to come to both nights of auditions
It's not required but encouraged.
What do I do if I don't get cast
There are several reasons you might not get cast. Please reach out and ask for constructive feedback. Come to more auditions, and don't give up! Being a part of a Backdoor production is an experience you will never forget. If you don't get cast, we also suggest asking the director about being apart of the Tech Crew!
Does Backdoor Theatre precast shows
On a rare occasion, some parts may be precast. This will be listed in character descriptions on this page and all audition announcements.
What about callbacks?
When referring to callbacks, we may not always need everyone to read or sing again. This does not mean that you are not being considered for a role or not cast. The Casting Committee makes the decision on callbacks for various reason.