About the Show

Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching story about an eclectic group of six pre-teen kids (played by adults) as they compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Throw in an ex-con “comfort counselor”, a socially challenged vice-principal, and the exuberant past champion/local realtor to round out a cast of lovable misfits, nerds, and neurotics. This dynamic musical tenderly captures the angst, exhilaration and heartache that makes growing up so painful and so wonderful.

Auditions

Director Christine Guarente and her team are looking forward to casting an enthusiastic, energetic group of singers/ dancers/actors. Auditions will be held at TCT’s Second Space at 431 W. J St., Tehachapi (next to Spirited Bead & Klews Gallery) on Friday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, April 22 at 2 p.m.

Please be on time for auditions on any one of the three selected days at TCT’s Second Space. Be prepared to stay until dismissed. Unless asked, there is no need to return on another day after you have auditioned. It is recommended that you bring your own personal calendar (April through August) in order to complete required paperwork for the directors. We are looking for 9 (possibly more) teens and adults (ages 15 and up) to fill the cast. We recommend watching various videos online in order to become familiar with the show and its characters.

Singing – Auditionees should prepare a song of their choosing (not from Putnam). Have at least 16 measures prepared which show your abilities. No piano accompaniment will be available, but a keyboard will be on site. We will also have a CD player for accompaniment tracks and a bluetooth speaker if desired. Auditionees may sing a capella (unaccompanied). We will also have each person match pitch, sing scales and basic vocal patterns with the keyboard.

Acting/Reading – Prepare to present any character included in the “sides” for auditions. You can find the sides on the TCT website, http://www.tctonstage.com. The dialogue does not have to be memorized. We will have copies at auditions.

Dancing – A short choreographed selection will be taught to all auditionees. Please wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear.

Performance dates are July 27, 28, Aug. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12. We are also looking to fill several crew positions behind the scenes. There are many ways to be involved in this awesome project! More details will be presented at auditions. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact:

Christine Guarente, director/musical director, Antheia83@aol.com, (215) 760-5596.

Shanan Harrell, assistant director, yogashanan@gmail.com, (661) 713-0450.

Be positive! Be prepared! We’re looking forward to seeing you at auditions!