MIDDLEBURY — This year the Middlebury Community Players will be staging musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” To get the production started MCP will hold auditions on Saturday, Jan. 12, and Sunday, Jan. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Middlebury Fitness, 175 Wilson Rd., in Middlebury. Auditioners should arrive at 1 p.m. to register.
Winner of two 2005 Tony Awards, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” explores the many challenges of growing up through the lens of a middle school spelling bee. Six awkward tween competitors spell their way to self-discovery, while three quirky adults run the show. This musical is fast-paced and funny, with catchy songs and clever dialogue, and has elements of improv and surprise: At each performance, four audience volunteers are called on stage to spell along with the actors.
High-school students (age 14 and older) and adults comfortable with improv and comedy are encouraged to audition on either afternoon. There are four female roles and five male roles, two roles for any gender, and up to three additional roles depending upon doubling. Auditioners younger than 18 years old must have a parent or guardian signature to audition.
Auditioners will learn and sing a 16-bar cut, read from the script, and learn and perform a short dance combination. No special preparation is required. If called back, they will receive specific instructions for their next audition, which will be held the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Middlebury Fitness.
Rehearsals will begin the week of Jan. 20, and will be held two weeknights and on Sundays. Tech week begins Sunday, April 21, with performances Thursday–Sunday, April 25-28 and May 2–5, at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.
The Spelling Bee production team includes Aimee Diehl, director; Jen Allred, music director; Kristen Ginsburg and Christopher Ross, co-producers; and Dora Greven, stage manager.
For more information, including audition notes, character descriptions, and an audition form, visit middleburycommunityplayers.org.