Casting Call for Teens in 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'

Depicting age: 11, Vocal Range: Mezzo/Belt 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 off enormously shy, but slowly blossoms. Olive is generous, optimistic, and full of love for everyone she meets.

Depicting age: 12, Vocal Range: Tenor E2-B4) A finalist in last year’s Putnam County Spelling Bee, he was eliminated due to an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has propelled him to spelling glory, despite having only one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. Barfée is pompous and determined to win but has a soft heart.

Depicting age: 13, Vocal Range: Tenor C3-B4) An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title but finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Chip is practical and resourceful but can be easily distracted—often at the worst times.

Depicting age: 10, Vocal Range: Mezzo/Belt A3-F5) Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, frequently making comments about current political figures. She is driven by both internal and external pressure, but above all, by her desire to win and make her two fathers proud. A bit of a neat freak, she speaks with a lisp and is determined to return next year. Logainne is enthusiastic, hard-working, and prone to overthinking.

Depicting age: 11, Vocal Range: Tenor A2-A4) The second runner-up in his district, Leaf enters the competition on a whim and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. Leaf has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and often spells words correctly while in a trance. He is imaginative, passionate about spelling, and simply happy to be there.

Depicting age: 13, Vocal Range: Mezzo/Belt C4-E5) The ultimate overachiever, Marcy has never been given another option. Coming from a family where excellence is expected, she produces it effortlessly. A parochial school student, she assumes God also expects perfection. Though she sees herself as a bundle of problems, she keeps them to herself. Having moved frequently due to her parents' work, Marcy knows she can outshine the local competition. Her many talents include piano, dance, martial arts