presented by Glick Philanthropies

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

music and lyrics by William Finn, book by Rachel Sheinkin, conceived by Rebecca Feldman, directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris

September 18 - October 13

OneAmerica Financial Stage

the word is: musical

A motley crew of wonderfully unique and impassioned young spellers each yearn to be the next county champion. With clever songs, quirky characters, and uproarious humor, this captivating musical comedy is a silly celebration of the thrill of victory, the irony of defeat, and the gift of being true to yourself.

Presented by Glick Philanthropies

 

Show Resources

Click image below to view our digital program.

Study Guide — Download here!

Join us as we open our season and gather supplies to donate to Teachers’ Treasures! The IRT is excited to celebrate back to school and back to the season with a school supply drive just in time for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, presented by Glick Philanthropies.

Don’t miss the opportunity to give back to your teachers through Teachers’ Treasures—and get a little back in return. Donate supplies at the IRT, or virtually through this link, and enjoy $10 off tickets to see The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

 

For Christel DeHaan Student Matinee Information, click here.

 

Artwork depicting The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by local artist Jingo M. de la Rosa

Original artwork by Jingo M. de la Rosa

“I have a background in children’s illustration, so this was fun for me to do! I wanted each character to have their own personality while maintaining their youthfulness. The pop of pink in the background also gives it an edge of vibrancy—an homage to the show’s catchy tunes.”

 

Headshot of Jingo M. de la RosaJingo M. de la Rosa is a commercial illustrator, art educator, community artist, and urban sketcher. He has created art for renowned organizations such as the NBA, the NCAA, ‘47 Brand Apparel, The Houston Symphony, and Sakura of America. Jingo has helped lead initiatives such as CreativeMornings and Urban Sketchers, where he seeks to cultivate his city’s creative community. He has also taught drawing and illustration for both Herron School of Art & Design and Butler University. Jingo is a native of Manila, Philippines; but now calls Indianapolis his home. jingodlr.com

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets range from $25 to $88
  • Approximately 2 hours, including one 15 minute intermission.
  • Recommended for 6th grade and above
  • ASL-interpreted, audio described and open captioned performances are available on select dates
  • Content Spotlight: Contains mild profanity and blasphemy; descriptions of physical changes during puberty; modern social-political references; and antiquated language about intelligence; loud percussive notes; and flashing lights.

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Special Programming

Ticket Info & Discounts

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IRT is an inclusive theatre and offers many accessibility options, including audio enhancement, large print programs, and sensory supports.
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Cast Members

Ryan Artzberger
Douglas Panch
Ryan Artzberger
Douglas Panch
Ryan’s IRT credits include Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, A Christmas Carol, Clue, Oedipus, Cyrano, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Diary of Anne Frank, Noises Off, Romeo and Juliet, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Crucible, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, God of Carnage, Rabbit Hole, Iron Kisses, and Death of a Salesman. Ryan is executive artistic director of the Indianapolis Shakespeare Company. Regional credits include the Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC, the Studio Theatre, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, the Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Rep, the Lookingglass, and Great Lakes. Ryan graduated from Ohio University and Juilliard. “Love to Marita, Will, and Clara.”
Matheus Barbee
Chip Tolentino
Matheus Barbee
Chip Tolentino
Matheus is thrilled to be making his professional debut with IRT! He is a recent graduate of Northwestern University. Previous stage credits include: Kinky Boots (Lola), Violet (Flick), Something Rotten (Nigel u/s), and Shakespeare’s As You Like It. He is eternally grateful to his family in North Carolina for their support and grace. Tremendous thanks to Gray Talent Group, Claire Simon, and the remarkable IRT team. @matheusbarbee
Ariana D. Burks
Olive Ostrovsky
Ariana D. Burks
Olive Ostrovsky
Ariana is honored to be a part of her first show at IRT! Theatre credits include In the Heights (The Muny), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Paramount, Marriott), Antigone, The Gospel at Colonus (Court Theatre and the Getty); Children of Eden (Cadillac Palace); Spring Awakening (Porchlight); Urinetown (BoHo Theatre); The Nutcracker (the House Theatre); Hairspray (Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook); Wonderland (Chicago Children’s Theatre); The Compass, Dance Nation (Steppenwolf); Trevor: The Musical, Next to Normal (Writers); Life After, A Christmas Carol (Goodman). Television/film credits include Beats, South Side, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, The Jr. Cuisine Cooking Show (2011 Emmy Nomination). @arianaburks
RJ Griffith
Mitch Mahoney
RJ Griffith
Mitch Mahoney
RJ, a Chicago singer-songwriter and actor, inspires through his music and performances. After making a name for himself at Chicago’s historic Black Ensemble Theater and recently co-starring in the Olivier-nominated London West End hit musical Choir of Man, he’s excited to be making his IRT debut. RJ’s music has been featured in films and played on radio and TV stations. He has toured nationally and performed at major events, including sports games. Follow him on all social media platforms @rjgmusic and stream his music on all streaming platforms under RJ Griffith. “Grateful for the support of my wife, mom, and family. Positive Vibes Only!”
Michelle Lauto
Rona Lisa Peretti
Michelle Lauto
Rona Lisa Peretti
IRT debut! Select credits: In the Heights, Grease, Oklahoma!, Ragtime, and Seussical (Marriott Theatre); Million Dollar Quartet (South Coast Rep); In the Heights and Sunset Boulevard (Porchlight Music Theatre); Spamilton (Jeff Award, Best Actress); Evita (Drury Lane); Hair (Mercury Theater Chicago); and more. Michelle is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. Thank you to Stewart Talent. “For B, always.”
Dominique Lawson
Leaf Coneybear
Dominique Lawson
Leaf Coneybear
Dominique is returning to the IRT stage fresh from playing Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors last season. Off-Broadway: Shedding Load (59E59). Regional: Once on this Island (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Spring Awakening (Hangar Theatre), Rent (Theatre Aspen). Television: FBI, Bull (CBS), Younger (TV Land), High Maintenance (HBO), Hit & Run (Netflix), The Blacklist (NBC), Lisey’s Story (Apple TV+), Dr. Death (Peacock). Film: Happiest Season (Hulu), Down Low (Netflix). B.F.A. from University of Central Florida. “Thanks to my reps at Entertainment Lab & BWA!” Instagram: DominiqueAllenLawson

Devan Mathias
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere
Devan Mathias
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere
Devan has appeared at the IRT in Clue, Sense and Sensibility, Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!,” and The Little Choo Choo That Thinks She Can. She is grateful to be part of the thriving arts community in Indianapolis as both an actor and a teaching artist. Credits include productions with the Phoenix Theatre Indianapolis, Actors Theatre of Indiana, Beef & Boards, American Lives Theatre, Summit Performance Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis Shakespeare Company, where she is a company member. Devan received her B.A. in Musical Theatre from Ball State University.
Brett Mutter
William Barfee
Brett Mutter
William Barfee
IRT debut! Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Brett spent the last decade performing around the country before making Indy home base in 2022. Most recently seen as the Lion in Beef & Boards’ The Wizard of Oz, he is grateful to be working in shorts again. Other B&B credits: Escape to Margaritaville, 42nd Street, Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Little Mermaid. Other favs: Route 66 (ATI), The Music Man (Circa 21), Ripcord (Sierra Rep). Up next: She Loves Me with Actors Theatre of Indiana. Bowling Green State University, B.A. in Musical Theatre. “All my L-O-V-E to Joey, Mom, Dad, Lindsey, and Peggy!” IG: @b_mutt_er
Ayana Strutz
Marcy Park
Ayana Strutz
Marcy Park
Ayana is a Japan-born and Hawaii-raised dancer and circus artist, currently residing in Chicago. She is absolutely ecstatic to be at IRT playing a dream role! You can catch her performing on stage, twirling in the air, touring across the United States, or on TV. Represented by Gray Talent Group. “I would like to dedicate this performance to our inner child, and for anyone who has struggled to feel seen. You matter. Your voice matters. And the world is brighter with you in it. Thank you and love to Jon, always!!” www.ayanastrutz.com
Ben Asaykwee
Understudy for Mitch, Barfee, and Panch
Ben Asaykwee
Understudy for Mitch, Barfee, and Panch

Ben has written, directed, and performed throughout the Midwest for more than two decades, with projects including White City Murder—writer/director/performer (Phoenix Theatre); Tales from the Jungle Book—playwright/director (Lilly Theatre at the Indianapolis Children's Museum); Clue—actor (Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre); Triangle—playwright/director (Phoenix Cultural Center); Prozack the Sad Elf—playwright/performer (Phoenix Theatre); A Christmas Carol Comedy—writer/director (The District Theatre), Cabaret—actor (Actors Theatre of Indiana); Every Brilliant Thing—actor (Stage Door Productions); Cabaret Poe—writer/director/performer (Phoenix Theatre/Q Artistry); Kiss of the Spider Woman—actor (Chicago Theatre, Chicago).

Frankie Jo Bolda
Understudy for Rona Lisa Peretti
Frankie Jo Bolda
Understudy for Rona Lisa Peretti

Frankie is an Indianapolis-based actor, improviser, and musician pursing her M.F.A. in Acting at Indiana University. She is a performer and instructor with CSz Worldwide/ComedySportz and a company member with Indianapolis Shakespeare Company. Theatre credits: Pipeline (IU Theatre), The Little Choo Choo That Thinks She Can (IRT), Hamlet (IndyShakes), PUFFS (LAFF, Indiana Premiere), The Complete History of Comedy (Abridged) (Constellation/Cardinal Stage), Pride & Prejudice (Civic), and others. Frankie is an alumna of AMDA NYC. FrankieBolda.com

Samantha Ringor
Understudy for Schwartzy, Marcy, and Olive
Samantha Ringor
Understudy for Schwartzy, Marcy, and Olive

Samantha Ringor is thrilled to be a part of her first production with IRT! She recently graduated from Rider University's Musical Theatre program, but is happy to call Chicago her hometown. Recent credits: Lizzie (Bridget/Maggie) with Summer Stock Stage Eclipse at the Phoenix Cultural Center; The 39 Steps (Clown #2) with St. Patrick's Summer Theatre; the world premiere of Clean Slate (Echo #1) with Passage Theatre; The Prom (Ensemble/Emma U/S) with Rider University.

Russell Valdez
Understudy for Chip & Leaf
Russell Valdez
Understudy for Chip & Leaf

Russell Valdez is honored to be joining the Bee at Indiana Repertory Theatre! He was last seen touring the country with Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour (Ensemble/Dance Captain). Other credits include Nick Jr. Live! Move To The Music (National Tour), Revelation: The Musical (The Players Theatre), An Enemy of the People (Centenary Stage Company) & Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Axelrod Performing Arts Center). He has a B.A. in Communication Studies and a Marketing Minor from Kean University. Instagram:@russelljvaldez

Creative Team

Patdro Harris
Director & Choreographer
Patdro Harris
Director & Choreographer
Director: IRT (Crowns), Alliance, Sacramento Theatre Company, Round House, San Diego Rep, Penumbra, Tuskegee Rep, Ensemble Theater, True Colors, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Connecticut Rep, Syracuse Stage. Choreographer, artistic consultant, and movement director: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Kennedy Center, National Black Theatre Festival, Guthrie, Broadway’s Royal Theatre. Choreographer and lead dancer for Stevie Wonder. Choreographer and movement specialist for Toni Morrison’s opera Margaret Garner. Choreographer for Broadway’s Tony-winning A Raisin in the Sun starring Sean Combs and Phylicia Rashad. Helen Hayes Awards: winner for Outstanding Choreography, nominee for Best Supporting Actor. Atlanta’s Suzi Bass Award for Outstanding Director of a Play, 2013 and 2019. The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, 2024. www.patdroharris.com
Joshua Burniece
Music Director
Joshua Burniece
Music Director
A Minnesota-born musician, Joshua earned his B.A. in Music from Luther College (2016) and his M.M. in Collaborative Piano from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (2023). Following his education, Joshua has been pursuing music directing in the world of musical theatre, working on such shows as Tick, Tick ... Boom!, A Year with Frog and Toad, Newsies, and now Spelling Bee. He serves as one of the music directors for the Spotlight Showcase in Minneapolis. Alongside musical theatre, Joshua is actively pursuing a career in writing music for the film–video game industry and has recorded music at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Britton Mauk
Scenic Designer
Britton Mauk
Scenic Designer
Britton has designed scenery for Syracuse Stage (Clyde’s), Portland Center Stage (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Rent, and Clyde’s), Long Wharf Theatre (I am My Own Wife), Resident Ensemble Players, Constellation Stage, Gulfshore Playhouse, CATF, and Mixed Blood. Closer to home in Pittsburgh, he has designed for City Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Front Porch Theatricals, CLO Cabaret, and Quantum Theatre. Britton is a member of the USITT IDEAS Committee and is the co-coordinator for the USITT Gateway Program. Britton is an assistant teaching professor at the University of Pittsburgh. For more, visit brittonmaukdesign.com
Linda Pisano
Costume Designer
Linda Pisano
Costume Designer
This is Linda’s 21st design collaboration with IRT. Her work has been selected twice for the Quadrennial World Design Expo in Prague and twice for the World Stage Design exhibition. She is a three-time winner at the National Stage Expo, and a four-time recipient of the Peggy Ezekiel Award. Her work was featured in a world design exhibition with the Bakhrushin Museum in Moscow and the China Institute of Stage Design in Beijing. She serves as Chair of the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance at Indiana University in Bloomington, where she is professor of costume design.  
Jared A. Sayeg
Lighting Designer
Jared A. Sayeg
Lighting Designer
Nine-time Ovation Award Nominee. Winner: Ovation, StageRaw, Garland, and LADCC Kinetic Lighting Awards. Broadway: The Illusionists, Bravo Bernstein, Gotham Glory at Carnegie Hall. Regional: Center Theatre Group, Pasadena Playhouse, 5th Avenue Theatre, Sacramento Music Circus, International City Theatre, Reprise, Ensemble Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse, Virginia Stage Company, The Colony, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. West End: Rolling with Laughter. Design teams for PRIMO and The Woman in White (Broadway), The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and Blithe Spirit starring Angela Lansbury (national tour). Principal designer for the USA International Ballet Competition. International Association of Lighting Designers; United Scenic Artists-Local 829, Vice-Chair to the executive board. www.jaslighting.com
Stephanie Farina
Sound Designer
Stephanie Farina
Sound Designer
Stephanie is a Chicago-based sound designer and musical mixer. She was co-sound designer for the IRT’s Fannie. Sound design credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Drury Lane Theatre), Dreamgirls (McCarter Theatre), Revolution(s), Nacirema Society, New Stage 2022 and 2023 (Goodman Theatre). Mixing credits include Blue, Twilight: Gods (Michigan Opera Theatre), Proximity, Factotum, Fiddler on the Roof, Twilight: Gods, West Side Story, Light in the Piazza, Jesus Christ Superstar (Lyric Opera of Chicago), and ten years at the Goodman Theatre. Stephanie is the interim head of Sound Design at the Theatre School at DePaul University, and a Journeyman in the IATSE Local 2 of Chicago.
Zach Rosing
Video Designer
Zach Rosing
Video Designer
Zach is the owner of Zach Rosing Productions, providing video, photography, and multimedia production services to more than 30 arts organizations across Central Indiana. Along with his producing partner Zack Neiditch, Zach is a four-time NUVO Best of Indy winner for Best Locally Produced Play. Zach & Zack’s fifth production of The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Athenaeum this October. Zach’s sound and video design work has been seen on stage with Butler University, Cardinal Stage, Indianapolis Opera, Phoenix Theatre, Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Beef & Boards, ATI, Anderson University, Summer Stock Stage, Franklin Central Choirs, and Zionsville Showchoirs.
Andrew Elliot
Wig Designer
Andrew Elliot
Wig Designer
Andrew is a makeup artist, wig designer, and stylist. His work can be seen with IU Opera and Ballet Theatre, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Actors Theatre of Indiana, Phoenix Theatre, Zach & Zack Productions, Summer Stock Stage, and more. As a makeup artist and stylist, his work can be seen locally and nationally in various publications, commercials, industrials, and editorials. He spent 2020 recreating icons of film, fashion, and theatre, which gained national attention, with features in the New York Times, NowThis News, The Indianapolis Star, and Indianapolis Monthly. www.andrewelliotbeauty.com
Angelina Clark
Assistant Choreographer
Angelina Clark
Assistant Choreographer
Angelina “Angel Ceara” Clark, a native Memphian, is a movement artist, actor, choreographer, creative director, and educator.
She received her Dance/Movement Therapy and Performing Arts Degree from The University of Memphis. Afforded opportunities to work alongside and assist artists in theatre and film, such as Principal Dancer, Hope Boykin (Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre), Broadway Director and Choreographer, Patdro Harris, and Executive Producer, Princeton James (Princeton James Productions). With her recent debut at Hattiloo Theatre as Director and Choreographer of “Blues In The Night”, a 7-time nominated production. Angel looks forward to her ever-growing career in theatre and film/television.
Andrew Bourgoin
Music Supervisor
Andrew Bourgoin
Music Supervisor
Andrew made his IRT debut as music director for Little Shop of Horrors. Broadway: Aladdin, Mean Girls. Touring: MJ: The Musical, The Band’s Visit, Something Rotten!, The Little Mermaid. Regional Theatre: Guthrie, The Ordway, Ogunquit Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Theater Latté Da, and more. Andrew leads Bourgoin Productions with creative clients ranging from Johnson & Johnson to Hennepin Arts. Education: St. Olaf College, HarvardX. Memberships: AFM (30-73), Project Management Institute. Find him @andrewbourgoin @bourgoinproductions
Claire Wilcher
Intimacy Consultant
Claire Wilcher
Intimacy Consultant
Claire earned her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre from Michigan State University, where she specialized in acting, pedagogy, and intimacy direction. Claire is a Certified Intimacy Director with IDC Professionals (Intimacy Directors and Coordinators), advocating for consent-based theatre spaces, bodily autonomy for actors, and safe-yet-creative storytelling. Her intimacy choreography has been seen on the stages of the IRT, Phoenix Theatre, IndyShakes, Summer Stock Stage, Summit Performance, Purdue University, Marian University, Williamston Theatre in Michigan, Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan, and Redtwist Theatre in Chicago, among others. More at clairewilcher.com
Richard J Roberts
Dramaturg
Richard J Roberts
Dramaturg
This is Richard’s 35th season with the IRT, and his 27th as resident dramaturg. He has also been a dramaturg for the New Harmony Project, Write Now, and the Hotchner Playwriting Festival. He has directed IRT productions of A Christmas Carol, Bridge & Tunnel, The Night Watcher, Neat, Pretty Fire, The Cay, The Giver, The Power of One, and Twelfth Night. This season at Actors Theatre of Indiana he directed She Loves Me. Richard studied music at DePauw University and theatre at Indiana University and was awarded a Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship from the Arts Council of Indianapolis.
Nathan Garrison
Stage Manager
Nathan Garrison
Stage Manager
This is Nathan’s 29th season at the IRT. He has also worked with Center Stage in Baltimore, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Brown County Playhouse; and he is a company member with the Indianapolis Shakespeare Company.
Becky Roeber
Assistant Stage Manager
Becky Roeber
Assistant Stage Manager
Becky is an Indianapolis local and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association. This is their sixth season working at Indiana Repertory Theatre. They also serve as production manager for Summer Stock Stage and as production stage manager for Summer Stock Stage’s young professionals branch, Eclipse. “I am proud to be a part of the Indianapolis theatre community and grateful to continue to produce theatre with the team at IRT.”
Claire Simon CSA
Casting
Claire Simon CSA
Casting
Based in Chicago, Claire Simon CSA has worked with the IRT for the past 25 years on casting more than 40 productions, including Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, The Folks at Home, A Christmas Carol, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Clue, Oedipus, Sense and Sensibility, and many more. Other regional credits include Syracuse Stage, Asolo Theatre, Lyric Opera, Milwaukee Rep, and the Tony Award–winning Million Dollar Quartet. TV credits include Empire, Easy, Sense8, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Crisis, and Betrayal. Film credits include Divergent, Contagion, Unexpected, and Man of Steel. Claire has won two Artios Awards.  
Artwork depicting The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by local artist Jingo M. de la Rosa
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Band
Artwork depicting The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by local artist Jingo M. de la Rosa
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Band
JOSHUA BURNIECE | Conductor
BRENT E. MARTY | Synthesizer
NEIL BROEKER | Reeds
DEBBI PONELLA | Cello
GREG WOLFF | Percussion
  • The cast of the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.
  • Michelle Lauto and RJ Griffith in the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.
  • Devan Mathias, Dominique Lawson, and RJ Griffith in the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.
  • Ariana D. Burks in the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.
  • The cast and band of the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.
  • Ayana Strutz and RJ Griffith in the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.
  • The cast and band of the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.
  • Brett Mutter, Devan Mathias, RJ Griffith, and Dominique Lawson in the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.
  • Ayana Strutz and band in the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.
  • RJ Griffith, Michelle Lauto, and Ariana D. Burks in the IRT's 2024 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Zach Rosing.

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