02/08/2026
AUDITION ALERT:
Black Broadway Tulsa presents: "Akeelah and the Bee"
by Cheryl L. West
Directed by Jasmine C. Perry
Based on the film by Doug Atchison
AUDITION DETAILS
Audition Date:
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Sign up for an Audition slot:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DACAF2EA3F8C70-61772332-akeelah #/
Audition Time:
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Central HighSchool 3101 W Edison St., 74127
ABOUT THE SHOW:
May 14th-17th 2026
Akeelah and the Bee tells the story of Akeelah Anderson, a brilliant young girl navigating grief, pressure, and expectation as she makes her way from her neighborhood school to the national spelling bee. Along the way, she discovers the power of language, mentorship, and community. This play is about excellence, belonging, and what can happen when a village shows up for a child.
Audition Format:
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Actors may be asked to read for multiple roles. Please come open, prepared to listen, and ready to take direction.
Headshots and resumes are not required, but are welcome if you have them.
We are seeking actors of all ages and backgrounds.
Sign up for an audition slot here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DACAF2EA3F8C70-61772332-akeelah #/
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:
Akeelah Anderson
Black girl, plays within the range of 11–14.
The heart of the story. Akeelah is brilliant, determined, and quietly powerful. She begins guarded and unsure, then grows into confidence as she learns to trust her voice, intelligence, and instincts.
Dr. Joshua Larabee
Black man, plays within the range of 40s–60s.
A disciplined, principled mentor. His tough love, high standards, and unwavering belief in Akeelah push her toward excellence and self-worth.
Principal Welch
Any race, any gender, plays within the range of 40s–60s.
A steady, encouraging authority figure who recognizes Akeelah’s potential and advocates for her growth.
Gail Anderson
Black woman, plays within the range of 30s–45.
Akeelah’s fiercely protective mother. Strong and grounded, her fear for her daughter’s safety slowly transforms into pride and active support.
Dylan Chiu
Asian youth, but open to other ethnicities; plays within the range of 11–14. Akeelah’s primary rival. Intensely intelligent and competitive, carrying the pressure of perfection and expectation beneath a polished exterior.
Mr. Chiu
Asian adult, but open to other ethnicities; plays within the range of 40s–50s.Dylan’s demanding parent and coach. Emotionally restrained and exacting, embodying pressure, discipline, and the cost of achievement.
Javier Mendez
Latino youth, but open to other ethnicities; plays within the range of 11–14. Warm, gentle, and emotionally open. Javier brings kindness, encouragement, and connection into Akeelah’s world.
Georgia Anderson
Black girl, plays within the range of 14–16.
Akeelah’s older sister. Nurturing yet firm, she provides warmth, honesty, and emotional grounding.
Reggie Anderson
Black man, plays within the range of 16–24.
Akeelah’s older brother. On the wrong path but good at heart, struggling with direction, responsibility, and expectation.
JT
Black or Latino man, plays within the range of 16–24.
Reggie’s best friend. Street-smart and impulsive, reflecting the influences and pressures surrounding Reggie
Ratchet Rhonda
Black girl, plays within the range of 11–14.
Bold, outspoken, and confrontational. A bully whose confidence masks insecurity.
Mohawk Girl
Any race, plays within the range of 11–14.
Striking, confident, and unapologetically individual. Mohawk Girl stands out in the spelling bee world through bold self-expression, independence, and a strong sense of identity.
Trish
Any race, plays within the range of 11–14.
Part of the school social circle. Curious, reactive, and eager to belong.
Izzy
Any race, plays within the range of 11–14.
A focused and confident spelling bee competitor. Sharp, prepared, and highly competitive.
Drunk Willie
Black man, plays within the range of 30s–60s.
A rough-edged neighborhood figure whose humor, unpredictability, and humanity add texture and realism.
Batty Ruth
Black woman, plays within the range of 30s–60s.
A lively, outspoken neighborhood church lady. Observant, expressive, and deeply rooted in community life.
Pronouncer / Judge
Adults, any race, plays within the range of 30s–60s.
Professional, composed, and articulate. These roles establish structure, authority, and ceremony within the spelling bee world. May be doubled.
TV Announcer
Any race, plays within the range of 30s–50s.
Charismatic and polished, with a broadcast-quality voice that adds excitement and spectacle to the competition.
Spelling Bee Contestants / School Ensemble
All races and genders, plays within the range of 11–14.
Students and competitors in the spelling bee. Strong presence, clear voices, and comfort with ensemble work encouraged.
Sign up for an audition Slot: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DACAF2EA3F8C70-61772332-akeelah #/
