Take the Stage!
At KLT, we conduct open auditions and welcome anyone in the community to have the opportunity to “take the stage”. Auditions are generally held three to four months prior to the show’s production dates. Details of upcoming auditions will be communicated on our Facebook page, through email blasts and on our website.
For information on preparing for your audition and what to expect when auditioning at Kernersville Little Theatre, please scroll to the bottom of this page. We want to make sure you make the most of your audition experience.
****Please note location change for auditions for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Auditions will be held at the Senior Enrichment Center, located in the basement of the former Kernersville Library located at 130 East Mountain Street, Kernersville, NC.
Audition Dates and Times
Friday, July 19, 2019
7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Cast Roles
Roles are available for 4 Women, Ages 18-50, and 5 Men, Ages 18-60.
Chip Tolentino
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 Schwartzandgrubeniere (Schwartzy)
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
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
A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he 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
The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so simply produced. A parochial school student, she assumes God, too, expects perfection. She sees herself as a mass of problems but she keeps them to herself. Having moved often because of her parents’ work, she knows she can beat the local competition. Her many talents include piano, dance, martial arts, baton twirling, and/or whatever special gifts you can find in your casting pool.
Olive Ostrovsky
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
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 Principle. 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
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.
Carl’s Dad
Schwarzy’s main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy’s fathers. Normally played by actor playing Leaf.
Dan’s Dad
The more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy’s fathers. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch.
Jesus Christ
Deity invoked by a speller in need. Normally played by the actor playing Chip.
Leaf’s Mom, Dad, and Siblings
All more academically gifted than Leaf, they are even more surprised than he is by his success. Normally played by the spellers and audience volunteers as indicated in the script.
Olive’s Dad
A fantasy version of Olive’s dad coming to the bee from work. Normally played by the actor playing Mitch.
Olive’s Mom
A fantasy version of Olive’s mom at her Ashram in India. Normally played by the actor playing Rona.
Location Update
Auditions will be held at the Senior Enrichment Center (former location of the Kernersville Library), located at:
130 East Mountain Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
Audition Preparations
*Audition Form – Our audition form is now available here for you to download. Please bring 3 copies with you to auditions! This will speed up the process.
*Age Range – Look for the character descriptions and any minimum age requirements in each audition notice.
We want you to get the most out of your audition with KLT. Below are some general guidelines about our audition process and tips on preparing for your audition.
*Experience – You don’t need any experience to audition, or even to get a great part at Kernersville Little Theatre. We get people with lots of experience and some with none at all. All that is required is an interest in performing and a willingness to commit!
*What to Bring – You will be asked to identify any conflicts that you will have starting with the audition dates and running through the last performance, so bring your calendar. If you have a resume showing your performing experience, you can bring that, but most people don’t. We will ask you to fill out an audition form with your contact information and experience.
*What to Wear – Always wear comfortable clothes and shoes – NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS, especially if you are auditioning for a musical. If you are an experienced dancer you may want to bring your specialty dance shoes.
*What to Prepare – The audition for non-musicals will consist of reading from the script. You do not have to prepare anything, but it can be helpful to have read or seen the play ahead of time so that you are familiar with what is going on in the script. Individual directors may ask you to participate in some improvisations or theatre exercises, but don’t let that intimidate you – we’re here to have fun and to learn more about you!
If you are auditioning for a musical, you will also need to be prepared to sing a song. You should bring a rehearsed song as well as the piano accompaniment. The accompanist will be seeing your music for the first time, so don’t worry if they don’t play it perfectly – just do your best! The Music Director will probably also ask you to sing some scales to understand your vocal range.
Musical auditions may also include a simple dance routine. The choreographer will give you some dance steps to do in a group to evaluate your basic ability.
*Most Important – Relax and have fun! And don’t be afraid to ask questions if anything isn’t clear to you. KLT is all about creating opportunities for you to get experience on and off stage. Come PLAY with us!
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