Raleigh Little Theatre is seeking performers for its upcoming production of Akeelah and the Bee, adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West, based on the original screenplay by Doug Atchison. This show will be presented in the Cantey V. Sutton Theatre.
About the Show
Akeelah has a crazy passion for words: the more abstruse and labyrinthine, the better. But this gift is almost overwhelmed by the challenge of her daily life in a tough, Chicago neighborhood. Akeelah’s aptitude earns her a spot in the National Spelling Bee, which inspires the people in her neighborhood with her courage and tenacity.
Akeelah and the Bee is produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences.
Important Dates
Audition Information Session: December 2 (Monday) 7-8pm [Register on Zoom here]
This optional information session will include an overview of the audition process, forms, and guidance on how to prepare. This is a great session to attend if you have never auditioned for a show before, never volunteered at RLT, or if you would like to hear more from the director about the process and show.
General Auditions: December 9, 2024 (Monday) and December 10, 2024 (Tuesday) 7-10pm
Callback List: Posted on RLT’s website by December 11 (Wednesday) at 12pm
Callbacks: December 11, 2024 (Wednesday) 7-10pm
Cast List: December 16, 2024 (Monday) by 5pm
Rehearsals: January 8 – 30, 2025; Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Fridays 7-10pm, with some flexibility on weekends.
Tech rehearsals: February 1, 2025 (Saturday) and February 2, 2025 (Sunday) all day; exact times TBA
Tech dress rehearsals: February 3 – 5, 2025 (Monday through Wednesday) 7:30pm
Preview: February 6, 2025 (Thursday) 7:30pm
Performances: February 7-9, 12-16, and 19-23, 2025 Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 6:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. There are matinees for schools at 10:00am February 12, 13, and 19, 2025. Potential added performances on Thursday evenings (noted as holds on conflict calendar, linked below). All cast members must be available for all performances.
Strike: after closing performance on February 23. All cast and crew members are expected to assist with strike (clearing the theatre of costumes, set, and props from the show).
About the Roles
Raleigh Little Theatre encourages actors of any ethnicity, identity, ability, etc. to audition for any role. If the script requires strict adherence to any characteristic(s), those will be listed in the character description.
Akeelah Anderson – Female, 11-14 years old, African American, clever and willful, but a little self-conscious
Gail Anderson – Female, late 30’s-early 40’s, African American, Akeelah’s widowed mother
Reggie Anderson – Male, about 20, African American, Akeelah’s brother
Dr. Joshua Larabee – Male, late 50’s, African American, Akeelah’s spelling bee coach/teacher
Georgia – Female or androgynous presenting, 11-14 years old, Akeelah’s best friend
Ruth – Female, late 40’s+, African American, Akeelah’s first floor neighbor
Mr. Willie – Male, late 40’s+, African American, Superintendent of Akeelah’s Apartment Building
JT – Male, early 20’s, African American, Akeelah’s neighbor and friend of Reggie’s
Rhonda – Female, 12-15 years old, African American, Akeelah’s nemesis
Dylan Chiu – Male, 12-15 years old, Asian American, Akeelah’s spelling bee competitor
Javier Mendez – Male, 12-15 years old, Latinx. He befriends Akeelah after their first spelling bee together
Trish – Female, 12-15 years old, any ethnicity
Izzy – Female, 11-14 years old, any ethnicity
Mr. or Mrs. Chiu – Late 30’s-early 40’s, Asian American, Dylan’s demanding parent who is always pressuring Dylan to do better
Principal Welch – Any gender, adult, any ethnicity, the principal of Akeelah’s school who encourages Akeelah to participate in the school’s spelling bee
The roles below are options for character doubling (one actor playing multiple roles). Please note the production may or may not utilize these options:
Izzy / Snorting Girl / Air-Speller Girl
JT / Judge / TV Announcer
Rhonda / Fay-Fay Foxy / Pronouncer
Javier Mendez / Chucky
Trish / Horse Girl / Mohawk Girl
Mr. or Mrs. Chiu / Pronouncer / Judge
All performance roles are volunteer.
About the Production Team
Executive Producer: Michele Weathers
Director: Monet Marshall
Scenic Design: Sonya Leigh Drum
Costume Designer: Elly McClanahan
Lighting Designer: Erin Bell
Sound Designer: Juan Isler
Stage Manager: Lindsay Nyman
About the Auditions
Click here to sign up for an audition day!
All auditionees should arrive ten minutes before the time they are signed up to help with check in. There are TWO general audition days. You need only attend ONE.
Please prepare a 1 minute monologue that shows your acting range. If young actors need assistance researching monologues, here are some resources:
• https://www.dramanotebook.com/monologues-kids
• https://www.dramanotebook.com/monologues-teenagers
• https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/monologues-for-kids-72732/#section1
Please fill out the following paperwork to bring with you to the auditions:
A callback list will be posted by 12pm on December 11.
If you need specific accommodations to audition or have questions about auditions, please contact Executive Producer Michele Weathers to make your request. Examples of accommodations made in the past are: wheelchair accessible audition space, large print materials, prompters in the audition room, volunteers to help fill out forms, and auditions by appointment.
Volunteer Access Fund
If you face financial barriers related to transportation to the theatre, please check out our Volunteer Access Fund pilot program!
