Auditions
Thursday October 22 (6pm - 9:30pm) & Saturday October 24 (11pm - 3pm)
Auditions are NOT drop-in, you must book your time in advance. Click here (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4AA9AA2FA2FDCF8-65962473-ntgauditions) to sign up for an audition time. If you have a résumé you may send it via e-mail to ntgauditions@gmail.com or bring a printed copy to your audition.
Selected auditioners will be asked to callbacks on Thursday October 29 (6:30pm - 9:30pm).
AUDITION LOCATION:
Bailey Studio Theatre, 2373 Rosstown Road, Nanaimo
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
Prepare a musical theatre song of your choosing, no longer than 5 minutes. It does not have to be from the show (though it can be), just bring something that you love to sing that shows you off the best! Please have your song memorized and bring your own sheet music.
You will be asked to read a short scene which we will provide for you on the day of your audition. It does not have to be memorized.
You must be 16+ to audition. If you are under 18, you must have a parent/guardian with you to sign off on your audition form.
We love diversity and we encourage auditioners of all ethnicites, gender expressions, abilities, and body types to audition. We are open to non-traditional casting and exploring new takes on each character!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Rehearsals will begin on Thursday November 5 (Tuesday and Thursdays evenings, and Saturday afternoons). The show runs February 21 - March 13, Wednesdays through Sundays.
All performers cast in the show will be required to become members of Nanaimo Theatre Group, which is $25 for one year. If this is a barrier, please let us know. As NTG is a community theatre production, all positions are volunteer.
Please note that the show contains some mature content and explicit language. If you are unsure, please reach out for more detail at ntgauditions@gmail.com.
It is our hope and intention to cast understudies for all the roles. Understudies would be guaranteed at least one performance on stage and would be pit-singers/ensemble during the run. We may consider splitting parts that are traditionally doubled.
ROLES AVAILABLE:
THE SPELLERS
Spellers range in age from 10 -13, but the actors may be any age provided they can play “youthful” honestly
CHIP TOLENTINO. Male presenting. Age: 13. Vocal Range: C3-B4. A boy scout, athlete, and last year’s spelling champion, Chip is overly confident but finds that puberty is throwing him a curveball. Improv skills would be an asset. The actor playing Chip traditionally doubles as Jesus.
LEAF CONEYBEAR. Male presenting. Age: 11. Vocal Range: A2-A4. A homeschooler from a large family of hippies. Second runner-up in his school Bee, Leaf is just happy to be here. Spells words correctly while in a trance. ADHD-coded. Has a sock puppet friend. The actor playing Leaf traditionally doubles as Carl Dad (one of Logainne’s fathers).
LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUBENIERRE. Female presenting. Age: 10. Vocal Range: A3-F5. Logainne is the youngest contestant, politically outspoken (very progressive), the child of two overbearing gay fathers who push her to win at any cost. Speaks with a lisp.
MARCY PARK. Female presenting. Age: 13. Vocal Range: C4-E5. A Catholic school student and extreme over-achiever who holds herself to impossibly high standard. Fluent in six languages, plays hockey, rugby, the piano and other instruments, and has numerous other special skills. Any additional talents/skills (juggling, martial arts, gymnastics, etc.) would be an asset to the actor playing Marcy.
OLIVE OSTROVSKY. Female presenting. Age 12. Vocal Range: Mezzo/Belt B3-F5. Soft-spoken but self-sufficient, new to competive spelling. Her mother is on a spiritual retreat in India and her father works long hours.
WILLIAM BARFÉE. Male presenting. Age 12. Vocal Range: Tenor E2-B4. Quirky, socially awkward, occasionally hostile, with chronic allergies and a “magic foot” that helps him spell tough words.
THE ADULTS
Played by adult actors (early 30s - mid-50s)
DOUG PANCH. Male presenting. Doug is a vice-principal who’s either having, recovering from, or about to have a mid-life crisis. He reads the words and provides the definitions. Strong improv skills would be an asset. Traditionally a non-singing role, but in this production will sing in group numbers.
RONA LISA PERETTI. Female presenting. Vocal Range: B3-F5. Putnam County’s number-one realtor and returning moderator of the Bee. Intelligent, well put-together, and good with kids. Traditionally doubles as Olive’s Mom.
MITCH MAHONEY. Male presenting. Vocal Range: Tenor E3-A4. The Bee’s official “Comfort Counselor.” An ex-convict doing his community service at the Bee. Tough, intimidating, no-nonsense, hard at first but softens up as the show progresses. Traditionally doubles as Olive’s Dad and Dan Dad (one of Logainne’s fathers).