Posted by Shifting Ground Collective
Non-union.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Director: Jennifer Walls
Music Director: Athena So
Contract runs January 20th, 2024 to March 15th, 2024.
Shifting Ground Collective is seeking strong comedic singer-storytellers for their upcoming spring production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This production aspires to examine the material through a neurodivergent lens, and self-identified neurodivergent performers are especially encouraged to apply.
Shifting Ground Collective works to support the next generation of Toronto musical theatre. We seek self-identified early-career artists for our productions.
THE STORY
It’s the day of the Putnam County Spelling Bee, where six middle schoolers are going to duke it out for ultimate spelling dominance. This is their chance to go from the weird ones in their classrooms, to the champions of their districts.
A deeply heartfelt and deliciously whimsical comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee explores the awkwardness of adolescence, the pressures of perfectionism, and the power of finding community in the things that make us different. With wacky improvised punchlines, audience participation, and a gorgeous score by composer William Finn (Falsettos, A New Brain), Spelling Bee will take you right back to your 3rd grade classroom, and remind you that being true to yourself is always better than winning.
THE PROCESS
Rehearsals will take place weekday evenings (3/wk) and weekend daytimes (1/wk) in downtown Toronto. Exact scheduling to be determined by cast availability.
Technical Rehearsals will take place March 5th and 6th, 2024.
Performances will take place from March 6th-15th 2024 at Native Earth’s Aki Studio (585 Dundas Street East). There will be at least one late night performance scheduled for 9:30pm. These performances will be two show days (one 7:00pm performance and one 9:30pm performance).
If you have additional questions about the specifics of the rehearsal or performance schedule, please reach out. We are more than happy to share additional information with you should you need.
COMPENSATION
Performers will be guaranteed a $300 honorarium for participating in the production, with an additional $200 top-up and revenue share option depending on the net ticket revenue of the production. More details surrounding the compensation structure are available upon request.
ROLES
A note on casting: As we intend to look at this production through a neurodivergent lens, we are especially encouraging actors who self identify as ND to apply for these roles. However, all individuals interested are welcome to apply.
Self identification means different things to different people. The text does not explicitly mention how each character identifies, and we are excited to work collaboratively with our cast to discover and develop how each character relates to the idea of neurodiversity. If you feel connected to the experience of neurodivergence in any way – we would like to meet you!
There is no “neurodivergent enough” in this context. We welcome applications from anyone who feels drawn to the concept, or for whom this perspective resonates in any way.
RONA LISA PERETTI (Soprano, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
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, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. Strong improvisational skills are an asset.
DOUGLAS PANCH (Non-Singing, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
The Vice Principal. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years’ absence from the Bee, Panch returns as 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, but she does not return his affections. Strong improvisational skills are an asset.
MITCH MAHONEY (Tenor, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better. Must be able to sing in a gospel style.
CHIP TOLENTINO (Tenor, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.
LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUBENIERE (Mezzo Belter, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.
MARCY PARK (Mezzo Belter, API)
The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so simply produced. A parochial school student, she assumes God, too, expects perfection. She sees herself as a mass of problems but she keeps them to herself. Having moved often because of her parents’ work, she knows she can beat the local competition. Special skills are an asset.
LEAF CONEYBEAR (Tenor, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies.
WILLIAM BARFÉE (Tenor, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive.
OLIVE OSTROVKSY (Soprano Mix, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
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 enormously shy, and shyly blossoms.
SWING #1 (Soprano or Mezzo, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
To cover the roles of RONA, LOGAINNE, OLIVE, and MARCY.
SWING #2 (Tenor, Black, Indigenous, API, Latine, MENASA, Mixed or White)
To cover the roles of CHIP, LEAF, BARFEE, and MITCH.
Additionally, performers may double as any of the following characters, with doubling assignments to be decided upon final casting: CARL DAD, DAN DAD, OLIVE’S MOM, OLIVE’S DAD, JESUS, LEAF’S MOM, LEAF’S DAD, LEAF’S SIBLINGS.
SUBMISSION INFO
Please submit a cut (under 2 mins) of a storytelling musical theatre song in the style of the show. We also ask that you include a slate stating your name, union status, city of residence, and answering one of the following questions (your choice):
How do you relate to the experiences of the characters in this production of the show?
What drew you to apply as a performer for this production?
Please note that performers auditioning for the role of PANCH should submit a short comedic monologue or scene in lieu of a vocal cut.
Link for submission here!
Deadline for submission: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 at 11:59PM, EST
Please reach out to Producer Joshua Kilimnik (joshua@shiftinggroundcollective.com) with any questions, concerns, or access needs.