Director's Notes: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

By Archie Collins

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a show that I’ve wanted to put on at Durham ever since I was Chip Tolentino in my school’s production in 2017. What sounded like a corny American musical that truthfully, I was unsure I even wanted to be involved with, I soon realised to be a joyous and unique blend of hilarity and poignancy.

I can’t thank my fellow Tone Deaf Theatre Company executive committee members enough for supporting this project and for entrusting me with the role of director. After many productions of being a wide-eyed cast member watching the work of many accomplished directors, my first foray into directing has been such an honour. TDTC is truly a one-of-a-kind theatre company, that I have been involved with since I very first stepped into the student theatre scene 4 years ago. After countless productions, and positions on the executive committee as vice-president and publicity officer, the one thing that keeps you coming back to TDTC is the small-cast setting. The rehearsal period with a close-knit, small group of talented people is such a delight, and I will miss this cast and company very much once this is all over.

Turning this production around in such a short period of time professionally and with such ease can only be attributed to the fantastic team I have surrounding me. The prospect of this wonderful cast (and perhaps even you?) stepping onto the Assembly Rooms Theatre stage, supported by a superb team of creatives, technicians and musicians brings me such excitement.

So, please sit back and enjoy the uproarious world of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.