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 a champion! 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.

When:

• Sunday, December 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Monday, December 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: GCT Rehearsal Hall - 517 W Walnut St, Garland, TX 75040

Directions: Google Maps to Event Venue Apple Maps to Event Venue

Callbacks: Monday, December 14 at 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Credits

Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Music and lyrics by William Finn

Production Team

Director: Mikey Abrams
Musical Director: Chris Widomski
Choreographer: Kelly McCain
Stage Manager: MD Christian

Audition Details

• Sign Up Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090444A5A92FA5FD0-66690096-25th
• Please prepare a one minute song showcasing your talents
• Have your cuts and sheet music ready for the accompanist
• Please provide a headshot and resume at your audition
• We would love to have you join us for the auditions, but if a conflict makes that impossible, you may email a video audition for consideration
• Video should include your name, the role you are auditioning for and a one-minute cut of a song of your choosing
• Video auditions should be emailed to MikeyAbramsRealtor@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, December 8
• Please accompany the video file with a headshot and resume

Compensation

Actors receive two comp tickets, which can be used for any performance and a share of the "Bravo Bucket."

Tentative Rehearsals & Performances Calendar

Rehearsals

• Begin the week of Monday, January 18
• Mondays - Thursdays at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Saturdays at 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tech week begins Sunday, February 21

GCT Rehearsal Hall
517 W Walnut St, Garland, TX 75040

Performances

• Opening Night Friday, February 26, 2027
• Friday, February 26 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, February 27 at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, February 28 at 2:30 PM (Matinee)
• Friday, March 5 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, March 6 at 2:30 PM (Matinee)
• Sunday, March 7 at 2:30 PM (Matinee)

The Plaza Theatre
521 W State St, Garland, TX 75040

Characters

Garland Civic Theatre is seeking 8 actors for this upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Casting is open to all ages, races, genders, and gender identities.

Some actors will double as supporting roles.

Chip Tolentino
C4 - B5

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 Schwartzandgrunenierre (Schwartzy)
A3 - F5

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 is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.

Leaf Coneybear
A3 - A5

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. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance.

William Barfee
E4 - B5

A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year who 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.

Marcy Park
Asian American actor
C4 - E5

A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year's nationals. 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 is the poster child for the Over-Achieving Asian, and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to cry.

Olive Ostrovsky
B3 - F5

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.

Rona Lisa Peretti
B3 - F5

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.

Douglas Panch

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.

Mitch Mahoney
E4 - A5

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.

No solos, but ensemble singing.