The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Auditions in New Port Richey, November 8 to 10
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Auditions, Sunday, November 8 to Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at Richey Suncoast Theatre All roles are open, ages 16 and up are encouraged, and no experience is necessary. Fill out the audition form before you come.
Can you spell "contagious"? Richey Suncoast Theatre is casting The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the Tony-winning musical comedy with book by Rachel Sheinkin and music and lyrics by William Finn. Auditions are Sunday, November 8 and Monday, November 9 at 6:00 PM, with callbacks on Tuesday, November 10, for our February 2027 production during the theatre's 100th year.
About the Show
Six overachieving, wonderfully odd middle schoolers walk into a gymnasium with one goal: win the Putnam County Spelling Bee. Along the way they sing about pressure, parents, friendship and what it means to lose with your head held high. A few brave audience volunteers get pulled onstage to spell alongside the cast every night, so no two performances are ever the same. Read more about the show and reserve your seats.
What This Cast Looks Like
Spelling Bee is built for a small ensemble of strong comedic performers. The characters are middle schoolers, but the roles are traditionally played by older teens and adults, and that is a big part of the fun. Expect featured singing, improvisation, real character work and plenty of interaction with the audience. If you love thinking on your feet and being a little ridiculous on purpose, this is your show.
The production is directed by Tristan J. Horta and Talia Fish, with music direction by Latoya McCormick-Hutchinson.
Who Can Audition
No experience needed: First-timers and seasoned performers are both welcome, and all roles are open.
Ages 16 and up encouraged: The characters are kids, but this cast is traditionally older teens and adults.
All are welcome: All ethnicities, identities and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.
Volunteer opportunity: This is a non-paid volunteer performance opportunity.
Headshot and resume: Encouraged but not required. Send to jglass@richeysuncoasttheatre.com.
How to Prepare
Song: Prepare a 60-second musical theatre song (about 16 to 32 bars) with a recorded accompaniment or backing track on your phone or device. No a cappella, please, and do not sing a song from Spelling Bee.
Cold readings: You will read from the script at auditions. No monologue is needed.
Dance: Expect a short dance combination. Wear clothes and shoes you can move in.
Audition Dates
Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Monday, November 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Callbacks: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Audition Form
Please complete the audition form before 1 PM on the day of your audition. List every schedule conflict on the form, since casting and the rehearsal schedule are built in part around conflicts.
Rehearsals and Performances
Rehearsals: Up to 30 rehearsals plus tech and performances. The schedule will be set based on cast availability.
Tech week: February 14 to 18, 2027. Tech week is 100% mandatory.
Performances: February 19 to 28, 2027. See showtimes and tickets.
Production Team Needed
A full production team is needed for this show. Interested in working behind the scenes? Call the Box Office at 727-842-6777.
Rehearse in the Heart of Downtown
Richey Suncoast Theatre sits on Grand Boulevard in Downtown New Port Richey, so rehearsal nights come with dinner spots, coffee and the riverfront a short walk away. New Port Richey Main Street is a great place to discover the local businesses that make downtown home.
Questions?
Questions before auditions? Email Creative Director Jess Glass at jglass@richeysuncoasttheatre.com. For updates, follow the audition event on Facebook.
Audition Location
Richey Suncoast Theatre
6237 Grand Boulevard,
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Free street parking is available. Please enter through the main lobby doors.
Box Office: 727-842-6777 · boxoffice@richeysuncoasttheatre.com
Richey Suncoast Theatre Warns Against Third-Party Ticket Sellers
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Tickets bought elsewhere cannot be guaranteed, refunded, or replaced. Buying direct ensures you pay the correct price and support RST's mission to keep live theatre accessible to everyone.
ABOUT RICHEY SUNCOAST THEATRE: Richey Suncoast Theatre, located at 6237 Grand Boulevard, is a non-profit, community-focused performing arts venue dedicated to enriching lives through live theater. Now celebrating its 100th year, the theatre offers a diverse lineup of performances, educational programs, and special events, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts within the local and regional community. For more information about upcoming performances and events, follow us on Facebook!
