Audition Pack Final - samtc.org.uk

St Albans Musical Theatre Company 1

www.samtc.org.uk

St Albans Musical Theatre Company presents

16 – 20 November 2021 Evenings at 7.45pm & Saturday matinee at 2.30pm

at The Abbey Theatre, St Albans

AUDITION PACK

Auditions on Sunday 12 September 2021

We are looking for talented performers for our exciting new production


Contents 1 Credits 2 Synopsis Page 3 3 Creative Team Page 4 4 Audition details Page 5 5 Rehearsals Page 6 6 Characters & Audition Pieces Pages 7-11 7 Covid-19 Advice Page 12 8 Further information & contacts Page 13

Credits

Additional Material by

Jay Reiss

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

Originally produced on Broadway by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo

Barrington Stage Company, Second Stage Theatre

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

MusicandLyricsbyWILLIAMFINN

Bookby

RACHELSHEINKIN

Conceivedby

REBECCAFELDMAN


Synopsis In a high school gym, long time hostess, Rona Lisa Peretti, finalizes the preparations

for the annual county spelling bee, reminiscing about her own spelling bee victory,

many years prior. The current crop of spelling contenders arrives ("The 25th Annual

Putnam County Spelling Bee"). The contestants include last year's champ, Chip (a

boy scout), Schwarzy (the youngest and most politically aware contestant),

Coneybear (the somewhat wide-eyed offspring of hippie parents), Barfee (an allergy-

plagued student), Marcy (an over-achiever) and Olive (a tentative newcomer).

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual

Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its

effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by

Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one

unforgettable experience.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents 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 (potentially made-up) words,

hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the

bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the

losers get a juice box... A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th

Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

The show centres on a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous

Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by

three equally quirky grown-ups.


Creative Team

Director: Elise Betts Elise is thrilled to be working with SAMTC again, this time on Spelling Bee (one of her favourite shows!). She is excited to work on such a brilliant show and is looking forward to getting started! Professional credits include What Would Julie Do? (The Pheasantry and SingEasy West End), Mother and The Witch in Hansel and Gretel (Image Musical Theatre Tour), Mrs Phagan in the promenade revival of Parade. For SAMTC: Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Rizzo in Grease. Elise is a member of two vocal trios The Polka Dots (1940s trio) and The Estrellas (1960s trio) and performs with them across the country. She also runs Noise Makers, award-winning baby and toddler music classes across Hertfordshire!

Music Director: Clive Ogden Clive is delighted to be asked back by SAMTC to musically direct this rarely performed gem of a show. This is Clive's seventh show with SAMTC and is relishing a new challenge after conducting the legendary West Side Story in 2017. Spelling Bee will be challenging for all involved, and Clive is excited to be undertaking this new project, with a show full of a wide variety of musical numbers.

Choreographer: Andrea Campusano Andrea is excited to be back with SAMTC working on this very special production! Professional Credits: Rent (Immersive production at Frogmore Paper Mill), Parade (Promenade production at Frogmore Paper Mill) For SAMTC: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Choreographer; Priscilla Queen of the Desert – Assistant Director. Andrea has also performed with SAMTC: Saturday Night Fever (Maria) - almost, Our House (Ensemble), Sister Act (Sister Mary Patrick), Grease (Frenchie) and Follies (Young Sally).


Auditions Auditions are open to Members of the Company. If you wish to audition for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee please complete the online form on our website www.samtc.org.uk by Tuesday 7 September 2021. Non-members need to complete the Audition Form by Thursday 9 September 2021. As a non-member there is an audition fee of £20 that needs to be paid to the membership secretary before your audition. Your show audition will also be your membership audition. If you are successful and invited to join the company or show, then an additional £15 will need to be paid by 30 September 2021 to cover your performing membership fee for this show Membership details and form are available at www.samtc.org.uk/join/membership/ The Auditions on Sunday 12 September 2021 will take place from 10.00 – 16.00 hours at Garden Fields JMI School, Townsend Drive, St Albans, AL3 5RL. (https://goo.gl/maps/fA9PLTDMwsS2) A detailed audition schedule will be provided nearer the time. Audition outcomes: We endeavor to email everyone with audition outcomes and a cast list will be posted on the SAMTC Spelling Bee closed Facebook group. You will be added to this group when we receive your audition form. All those cast in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be required to pay a show fee in addition to their Company membership fee. The show fee is £60 (or £50 if paid by Sunday 3 October 2021) Pre-audition sessions You are invited to attend the following pre-audition sessions Tues 31 August at 7.45 pm Launch evening to find out about the show

at Marshalswick Baptist Free Church And then the following sessions at Garden Fields JMI School. Thurs 2 September at 7.45 pm Spelling Bee Dance Audition Workshop Tues 7 September at 7.45 pm Spelling Bee Music and Acting Audition Workshop Thurs 9 September at 7.45 pm Spelling Bee Music and Dance Audition Workshop


Audition Panel The audition panel for this show will be the Director, Music Director, Choreographer, the SAMTC Chairman and an external Independent Person. Audition pieces The The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee characters and the lists of their dialogue and music audition pieces are set out on pages 7-11 below. You will be sent copies of the vocal score and libretto audition pieces by email on receipt of your completed audition form.

This show is the epitome of an "ensemble cast!" Each speller basically has an equally sized role and has a few key moments to shine (including at least one song). All actors must be able to sing, though the actor playing Panch does not need a strong voice. Dance / Movement auditions A short dance sequence will be taught at the pre-audition workshops on Thursday 2nd and 9th September by our choreographer Andrea Campusano.

Rehearsals Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting promptly at 7.45pm unless otherwise stated on the rehearsal schedule. There will also be some Sunday rehearsals nearer the show date. Rehearsals take place at Garden Fields JMI School, Townsend Drive, St Albans, AL3 5RL. No smoking or alcohol are allowed on school premises. All cast will receive a detailed rehearsal schedule after casting has been completed. Please check it carefully. Please note that attendance at rehearsals for which you are called is necessary and a register will be taken.

We will try to schedule rehearsals around any known absences (eg holidays) notified on your Audition Form. If you are absent from a setting rehearsal please ask another cast member to take notes for you and liaise together before the next rehearsal.

If you are unable to attend a rehearsal, please notify the Production Manager ([email protected]) as far in advance as possible.

Regretfully, the Committee reserves the right to remove cast members in the event of poor attendance or lack of commitment to the show The Company Rules are available at www.samtc.org.uk/about-us/policies/


Characters & Audition Pieces

CHARACTER MUSIC DIALOGUE

Chip Tolentino (doubles as Jesus)

Speller #21. Last Year's 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. He is strong willed, competitive and ambitious. An athletic, social, boy scout, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Vocal Range: C3-B4 This role has some of the most difficult singing in the show and requires long sustained high notes.

My Unfortunate Erection Bar 45 - 85

Chip Dialogue Page 36 – 38 “Marigold…” to “Miss Peretti, can I have one more chance? Please?” Jesus Dialogue Page 56 – 57 “Marcy?” to “..this isn’t the kind of thing I care very much about.”

Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Schwartzy)

Speller #1. Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures and her mature world views. She has two overbearing gay dads who have turned her neurotic and self-conscious. She speaks with a lisp though has a real confidence about her at times. Vocal Range: A3-F5

Woe is Me Bar 18 - 66

Page 25 - 27 “Thithtitith?...” to “Cystitis.”

Leaf Coneybear

Speller #17. As just the second runner-up in his district's bee, he really shouldn't be competing here. He finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He makes his own clothes, is home schooled and lacks social skills. He’s strange but very sweet, loving and kindhearted but distracted. He spells words correctly while in a trance.

I’m Not That Smart Bar 1- 47 (Finish on dialogue “I’ve forgotten the word”)

Page 11 – 13 “Thanks! I got it!” to “I can’t believe it.”


This role allows a ton of personal interpretation and requires physical comedy. Vocal Range: A2-A4

William Barfee

Speller #13. A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. He has no interest in making friends at the bee. 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. Vocal Range: E2-B4 This role requires a strong character actor with impeccable comic timing and the ability to create his own character. He should have a strong character voice and be an above average dancer.

Magic Foot Bars 1 - 33

Page 44 - 45 “I know your name” to “That’s so retarded.”

Marcy Park

Speller #7. Marcy is the most feared and practiced competitor in the bee. She made it all the way to ninth place in Nationals last year and is back to win again. She speaks six languages, is a member of all-American hockey, a championship rugby player, plays Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is getting very tired of always winning. She does not recognize her own lack of humour. She is incredibly intense. She is the poster child for the Over-Achievers, She is also not allowed to cry. Vocal Range: C4-E5 Marcy Parks has many unique talents (piano, juggling, martial arts, baton

I Speak Six Languages Bars 1 - 51

Page 53 – 57 “No I don’t.” to “Camaflajzh!”


twirling etc) so for those wishing to audition for this role, the production team would like to see what tricks you can do during the dance audition.

Olive Ostrovsky

Speller #11. A young newcomer to competitive spelling. The heart of the show, Olive is basically deserted at the bee. Her mom is in ashram in India and her dad never shows up, even after promising that, this time, he'll try to make it. Her best friend is a dictionary. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms. Vocal Range: B3-F5 This role requires an actress who, despite her meek appearance, has an incredibly strong voice and belt.

My Friend, the Dictionary Bars 1 - 58

Page 44 – 45 “William, right?...” to “…really great speller.” Page 6 “I’m Olive” to “the bus”

Rona Lisa Peretti

This former Spelling Bee champ is not only the county's top realtor, she also runs a highly lucrative e-Bay business, selling sensible pumps at sensible prices. She is incredibly kind to the spellers, having been in their shoes many years earlier. 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. Think Miss Honey meets Miss World!

Vocal Range: B3-F5

Should have both a high belt and improv skills. Along with Panch, she guides the comedy of the show and the audience volunteers.

Rona’s Moment #2 Whole Song

Page 6

“I need to speak with Miss Olive Ostrovsky.” To “Take your seat.”

Page 7 - 8

“Ladies and Gentleman…” to “…with the moon and the sun.”


Douglas Panch

The Vice Principal. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. He was involved in an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee that got him removed from the judging panel. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge, in "a better place,” thanks to a high-fiber diet and therapy. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections.

We are looking for a strong character actor with impeccable comic timing and the ability to improv. While he does not need to sing, he is a very important role in the show. Panch will sing in the ensemble vocals.

No Music Audition Page 12 - 13

“CAPYBARA” to “Miss Ostrovsky.”

Page 74 - 75

“On behalf of our sponsors” to “Nice going, Miss Ostrovsky”

Mitch Mahoney

The Official Comfort Counselor. This former felon is fulfilling his court ordered community service at the bee and acting as the bee’s “comfort counselor,” handing our juice boxes and a dose of reality to the losers. He comes across as scary and tough but is really a big softy deep down. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better.

Prayer of the Comfort Counselor Bars 1 - 28

Page 38 “You can’t comfort these damn kids.” To “Let’s go.”

Carl Dad

Schwarzy's main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy's fathers.

This part can be played by actor playing Leaf or can be auditioned for separately.

Woe is Me Bars 1 - 15

Page 26 - 27

“Segue” to “Daddy Conference now”


Dan Dad

the more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy's fathers.

This part can be played by actor playing Mitch or can be auditioned for separately.

Woe is Me Bars 1 – 15 (Please sing “Carl Dad” part)

Page 26 - 27

“Segue” to “Daddy Conference now”

Olive's Dad

A fantasy version of Olive's dad coming to the bee from work.

This part can be played by actor playing Mitch or can be auditioned for separately.

I Love You Song Bars 74 - 91

No Dialogue

Olive's Mom / Leaf’s Mom

A fantasy version of Olive's mom at her Ashram in India.

Leaf Coneybear’s mother is more academically gifted than Leaf and is even more surprised than he is by his success.

This part can be played by actor playing Rona or can be auditioned for separately.

I Love You Song Bars 26 - 74

(Leaf’s Mom)

“Brook, will you tell leaf he has a phone call, please?” to “the other kids will have all won their district bees?”


Covid-19 Advice Due to the current restrictions and risks surrounding Covid-19, SAMTC will be doing everything we can to ensure that rehearsals and any show related activities are Covid secure. We will be operating in line with government guidance at all times and we will be requiring all cast and production teams to following some basic rules to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those involved:

1. You should not attend rehearsal if you feel: a. unwell (displaying Covid-19 symptoms), b. test positive for Covid-19, or c. are awaiting a PCR test result.

Any absence or possible absence should be notified to the Production Manager, Di Martin at [email protected], as soon as possible in case the rehearsal schedule needs to be adjusted accordingly.

2. For the safety of all cast and crew, will be requiring anyone coming to a rehearsal venue take a lateral flow test within the 24 hour period before a rehearsal. This includes the pre-audition workshops and the audition day.

The result must be reported to the Production Manager before the start of the relevant session.

Reporting a negative result will be taken as a declaration that you are not experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms and have no reason to quarantine before taking part in a rehearsal/workshop.

3. If you do develop Covid-19 symptoms, however mild, you must report this to the Production Manager immediately and follow the relevant Government guidelines which may include taking a PCR test.

The result of the test must be reported to the Production Manager on receipt, and you should follow the Government procedures to notify those who you have been in close contact with. For this purpose, we will be maintaining a register of anyone attending each rehearsal and by auditioning for the show, you agree to sharing your contact details in case you need to be contacted.

4. In the 14 day period prior to the start of show week (which commences on the Sunday get-in day) we would ask the cast to take sensible precautions to limit their interactions with others, where possible. We appreciate that some people may be travelling to/from work and seeing friends and family. We are not by any means prohibiting this, but simply ask everyone to be careful and take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19 and to enable the show to go ahead as cast. By auditioning for the show, you agree to agree to take these precautionary steps.


5. There will be no access to kitchen utilities, and you must bring your own drinks/refreshments with you, taking all rubbish home with you.

6. We are likely to only be granted access to restricted parts of our usual rehearsal

venue to remain Covid secure. Please ensure you only access parts of the buildings which a member of the production team has given clearance for.

7. No unscheduled spectators will be permitted at rehearsals.

8. We may be asked by our venues to wipe down surfaces which we have touched

before we leave. Please do be prepared to help with this after any rehearsal you attend.

And finally …. We look forward to welcoming you to our Auditions If you have any queries about the auditions please don’t hesitate to ask us (email [email protected]) Further information about St Albans Musical Theatre Company (SAMTC) is available on our website at www.samtc.org.uk and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StAlbansMusical/

Audition Pack Final - samtc.org.uk

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