CASTING BREAKDOWN (* Indicates adult playing spelling contestant age 10-13)

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WILLIAM BARFEE *: Male, E3-B4, 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.

OLIVE OSTROVSKY *: Female, B3-F#3, A young newcomer to competitive spelling. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms.

CHIP TOLENTINO *: Male, 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 he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.

LEAF CONEYBEAR *: Male, A2-A4, 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.

LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUBENIERE *: Female, A3-F5, The youngest and most politically aware speller. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. Speaks with a lisp.

MARCY PARK *: Female, C4-E5, The ultimate over-achiever. Her many talents include piano, dance, martial arts, baton twirling, and/or whatever special gifts you can bring to the table.

RONA LISA PERETTI: Female, B3-Ab5, The 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.

MITCH MAHONEY: Male, E3-B4, 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.

DOUGLAS PANCH: Male, non-singing role, The Vice Principle. 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.