BRATTLEBORO — The Vermont Theatre Company will be holding auditions for the hit musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, with music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Rachel Sheinkin, on Monday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m., in the Brattleboro Union High School auditorium, 131 Fairground Rd. (enter from the front doors to the auditorium).
Spelling Bee tells the story of an eclectic group of six youngsters (overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves) who vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime.
While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves victorious.
According to a news release, the production will be performed May 4–14 at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center and is under the direction of Bob Kramsky (stage) and Ryan Buck (music).
There are roles available for nine actors. The six 12-year-old spellers will be played by actors in the age range of 15-21, while the three adult roles will be played by adult actors in the 30-50 age range. All actors must sing and dance in the production.
Actors will be asked to prepare to sing (a cappella) a short excerpt from one of the songs from the show as well as learn a simple dance combination and perform a short character monologue.
For vocal audition cuts, music, and monologues, or for further information or to schedule an alternate time or date for an audition, contact Bob Kramsky at rkramsky@wsesu.org.