AUDITIONS - Akeelah & the Bee
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When? Sunday July 13th @ 5pm
WHERE? Star Center Theatre, 11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville
-Come with a prepared monologue under one minute long.
(The monologue does not have to be memorized but it doesn’t hurt.)
-Review this packet and return Audition Form
-Audition Form is the last page of this document
-Attach a resume if possible.
-Bring list of conflicts
-Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for auditions
Callbacks : July 14th, by invite only
Performance Dates : October 3, 4, 5 and the 10, 11, 12
Where? The Star Center
Who? Ages 10-18 years old and Adults ranging in age from their 20’s to 50’s
-If your child is unable to audition on the dates chosen due to a schedule conflict, they may submit a video audition by July 10th, prior to audition. If they are unavailable to attend callbacks, they are not guaranteed a role. Audition submissions to : Reagle.StarCenter@gmailcom . Be sure to review “Audition Materials” in the Audition Packet
Audition Packet : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dJTrFPjrLOezV9OxY6FePDzJADZuBuLSf5-s0WpMkMk/edit?usp=sharing
Characters
PRIMARY CHARACTERS
Akeelah Anderson (Female, Black, 11–13) A bright, resourceful, and emotionally complex girl from a tough Southside Chicago neighborhood. Despite her intelligence and love of words, Akeelah struggles with low self-esteem, grief over her father’s death, and peer pressure. Her journey is one of self-discovery,community empowerment, and reclaiming her voice.
Dr. Larabee (Male, Black, 40s–50s) A reserved, articulate, and intense former university professor with a painful past. Akeelah’s reluctant spelling coach. He is a perfectionist who eventually softens as he recognizes Akeelah’s potential and connects with her emotionally.
Gail Anderson (Akeelah’s Mother) (Female, Black, 30s–40s) A hardworking, tough-loving single mother and hospital aide, juggling multiple jobs to support her family. Still grieving her husband's death, she struggles to communicate with her children but fiercely loves and wants the best for them.
Reggie Anderson (Male, Black, 17–20) Akeelah’s older brother. Street-smart, moody, and fiercely protective of Akeelah, but on the verge of falling into gang life. Torn between being a role model and the easy money on the streets.
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
Georgia (Female, Black, 11–13) Akeelah’s spirited and fashionable best friend. Supportive but sometimes clashes with Akeelah over priorities. Brings humor and heart to the story.
Javier (Male, Latino, 11–13) Charming and enthusiastic spelling bee participant from a privileged school. Akeelah’s first true friend outside her neighborhood. Encouraging and kind.
Dylan Chiu (Male, 11–13) A top-tier, arrogant spelling bee competitor from an elite prep school. Under intense pressure from his father. Competitive and closed off, but gradually reveals vulnerability.
Mr. Chiu (Male, 35s–50s) Dylan’s strict father. Demanding and emotionally distant, he represents the pressure of achievement over connection.
Principal Welch (Any Gender, 30s–50s) Well-meaning but sometimes tone-deaf administrator trying to improve the school’s reputation. Sees Akeelah as a path to positive publicity but does support her success.
NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERS
Batty Ruth (Female, Black, 60s–70s) A flamboyant, gospel-loving neighbor who functions as the neighborhood’s spiritual anchor. Loud, nosy, humorous, but deeply caring.
Drunk Willie (Male, Black, 60s–70s) The building super and local character. Comic relief with moments of depth. Represents the loss of dreams and the erosion of community.
JT (Male, Black, 17-20s) Tatted and intimidating gang affiliate. Offers Reggie money and influence in the streets. Symbolizes the path Akeelah fears Reggie will take.
SCHOOL CHARACTERS / ENSEMBLE
Ratchet Rhonda (Female, Black, 13–14) A school bully who picks on Akeelah. Loud, boastful, and insecure underneath. Represents peer pressure and internalized limitations.
Trish (Female, White or Asian, 11–13) Dylan and Javier’s friend from prep school. Awkward, intelligent, and slowly becomes more open-minded through interaction with Georgia.
Izzy (Female, White or Asian, 11–13) A new, quiet, shy girl from the neighborhood. Symbolizes isolation and the need for connection.
Chucky (Male, Any Race, 11–13) Class clown and spelling bee participant. Goofy and charming.
Ensemble roles with brief lines and moments of character.
Judge, DJ Rule, Spelling Pronouncer, TV Announcer, Crying Girl, Snorting Girl, Foxy Fay, Horse Girl, Mohawk Girl (Various ages and races)
WHERE? Star Center Theatre, 11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville
-Come with a prepared monologue under one minute long.
(The monologue does not have to be memorized but it doesn’t hurt.)
-Review this packet and return Audition Form
-Audition Form is the last page of this document
-Attach a resume if possible.
-Bring list of conflicts
-Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for auditions
Callbacks : July 14th, by invite only
Performance Dates : October 3, 4, 5 and the 10, 11, 12
Where? The Star Center
Who? Ages 10-18 years old and Adults ranging in age from their 20’s to 50’s
-If your child is unable to audition on the dates chosen due to a schedule conflict, they may submit a video audition by July 10th, prior to audition. If they are unavailable to attend callbacks, they are not guaranteed a role. Audition submissions to : Reagle.StarCenter@gmailcom . Be sure to review “Audition Materials” in the Audition Packet
Audition Packet : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dJTrFPjrLOezV9OxY6FePDzJADZuBuLSf5-s0WpMkMk/edit?usp=sharing
Characters
PRIMARY CHARACTERS
Akeelah Anderson (Female, Black, 11–13) A bright, resourceful, and emotionally complex girl from a tough Southside Chicago neighborhood. Despite her intelligence and love of words, Akeelah struggles with low self-esteem, grief over her father’s death, and peer pressure. Her journey is one of self-discovery,community empowerment, and reclaiming her voice.
Dr. Larabee (Male, Black, 40s–50s) A reserved, articulate, and intense former university professor with a painful past. Akeelah’s reluctant spelling coach. He is a perfectionist who eventually softens as he recognizes Akeelah’s potential and connects with her emotionally.
Gail Anderson (Akeelah’s Mother) (Female, Black, 30s–40s) A hardworking, tough-loving single mother and hospital aide, juggling multiple jobs to support her family. Still grieving her husband's death, she struggles to communicate with her children but fiercely loves and wants the best for them.
Reggie Anderson (Male, Black, 17–20) Akeelah’s older brother. Street-smart, moody, and fiercely protective of Akeelah, but on the verge of falling into gang life. Torn between being a role model and the easy money on the streets.
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
Georgia (Female, Black, 11–13) Akeelah’s spirited and fashionable best friend. Supportive but sometimes clashes with Akeelah over priorities. Brings humor and heart to the story.
Javier (Male, Latino, 11–13) Charming and enthusiastic spelling bee participant from a privileged school. Akeelah’s first true friend outside her neighborhood. Encouraging and kind.
Dylan Chiu (Male, 11–13) A top-tier, arrogant spelling bee competitor from an elite prep school. Under intense pressure from his father. Competitive and closed off, but gradually reveals vulnerability.
Mr. Chiu (Male, 35s–50s) Dylan’s strict father. Demanding and emotionally distant, he represents the pressure of achievement over connection.
Principal Welch (Any Gender, 30s–50s) Well-meaning but sometimes tone-deaf administrator trying to improve the school’s reputation. Sees Akeelah as a path to positive publicity but does support her success.
NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERS
Batty Ruth (Female, Black, 60s–70s) A flamboyant, gospel-loving neighbor who functions as the neighborhood’s spiritual anchor. Loud, nosy, humorous, but deeply caring.
Drunk Willie (Male, Black, 60s–70s) The building super and local character. Comic relief with moments of depth. Represents the loss of dreams and the erosion of community.
JT (Male, Black, 17-20s) Tatted and intimidating gang affiliate. Offers Reggie money and influence in the streets. Symbolizes the path Akeelah fears Reggie will take.
SCHOOL CHARACTERS / ENSEMBLE
Ratchet Rhonda (Female, Black, 13–14) A school bully who picks on Akeelah. Loud, boastful, and insecure underneath. Represents peer pressure and internalized limitations.
Trish (Female, White or Asian, 11–13) Dylan and Javier’s friend from prep school. Awkward, intelligent, and slowly becomes more open-minded through interaction with Georgia.
Izzy (Female, White or Asian, 11–13) A new, quiet, shy girl from the neighborhood. Symbolizes isolation and the need for connection.
Chucky (Male, Any Race, 11–13) Class clown and spelling bee participant. Goofy and charming.
Ensemble roles with brief lines and moments of character.
Judge, DJ Rule, Spelling Pronouncer, TV Announcer, Crying Girl, Snorting Girl, Foxy Fay, Horse Girl, Mohawk Girl (Various ages and races)
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