25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

By William Finn & Rachel Sheinkin

Directed by David Pausch; Music Direction by Jamie Kember

While vying for a championship trophy at a spelling bee, six quirky middle schoolers and three equally quirky hosts share touching stories from their home lives and beyond. In the end, the winners may come out with more than just a trophy.

Produced by Madison College Performing Arts at Mitby Theater, Madison College, Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison

Performances: April 17-19, 2026

Performance Times:
Friday, April 17 at 7:30p
Saturday, April 18 at 2p
Saturday, April 18 at 7:30p
Sunday, April 19 at 2p

Ticket Prices: Adults: $15 Under 17: $13 FREE for Madison College Students with OneCard

Call (608) 243-4000 for reservations or more information.

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Auditions

Auditions will be held on the following days:

2/7/2026

Sign-Up Link: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044EABAF2AAAF8CF8-61786623-25th

Auditions are open to all. Requires some musical experience (choir counts!), audience interaction, and a good sense of humor.

Roles:

Spellers:
Barfee: Nerdy; Socially Awkward
Olive: Shy; Family Issues
Schwartzy: Youngest; Has a Lisp
Park: Overachiever Exhausted by Perfectio
Coneybear: Homeschooled; Eccentric
Chip: Last Bee's Loser Turned Scout

Adults:
VP Panch: Flustered Host of Bee
Peretti: Cheerful Former Champion
Mahoney: Comfort Counselor

Ensemble (May Double):
Carl Dad & Dan Dad
Olive's Parents
Jesus

Please prepare 32 bars of a song from a musical comedy. Accompanist will be provided. Expect a brief, light choreography exercise and to read from the script.

Approach your audition with an open heart and creative mind. Bring a list of conflicts between March 9 and April 19.