Spelling Bee Guest Speller Questions

[The_Jackal2]

Posted: 5/20/07 at 6:58pm

Hey everyone, I'm seeing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee soon and I really want to be a guest speller and I had a few questions:
First of all, you talk to someone before the show, right? What happens if you do get picked? Where do you go before the show starts? Do you go back to your seat once you loose?
Also, I was wondering, does anyone know any tips for things that could boost my odds of getting picked? I'd really appreciate any advice!

Thanks,
Amy :)

[yankee_fan907]

Posted: 5/20/07 at 7:00pm

Yes, you talk to someone before the show, usually more than a half hour before, to see if you are selected or not. If you are picked, I believe you wait backstage for the show to start. Once you spell a word wrong, you are escorted back to your seat by a singing cast. Sorry, I don't know any tips... Good luck!

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/20/07 at 7:10pm

BIG TIP! They don't want to use people who want to be onstage - since they're more likely to "take the stage" so to speak. Just wander up to the table, and don't act too enthuseastic.

[beyondblessed]

Posted: 5/20/07 at 7:12pm

You have to be interesting. Generally they don't pick students/people that say they are studying performing arts. They really want people to just be themselves and not perform. Size up the other people there to make sure you're not too much like anyone. If there is anything interesting about you that could be turned into a potentially funny joke, make sure you tell them that. (ex, you were raised on a cattle farm) If you can be used for a quick laugh, you're more likely to get selected. Also if anything about your theatre going attire can be poked fun at, you have a better chance of being selected. Nothing too crazy, but perhaps a polka-dot dress, shiny hair, or a flamboyant tie are all reasons they will pick you. Remember they want to make funny, if there is something funny about you that can be used it raises your chances of being picked.

[Horton]

Posted: 5/20/07 at 7:32pm

Dont go over the top and be obvious about anything, you should act natural.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/20/07 at 7:40pm

And get there WAY early - like right when they open the doors to the lobby.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 5/20/07 at 7:50pm

I definitely agree that if the clothes can be picked on, you're more likely. Let's see...

One girl (looked to be young teen) had on a VERY short skirt and several necklaces. Both of which were used.

One guy (college student maybe?) was in a suit and tie. Yeah, he got the "President of the Young Rebublican's Club" remark (at which Logainne made a face and noice of disgust).

And my favorite was the girl (MAYBE middle school) who had on a denim mini-skirt, little t-shirt, and UGG boots. Granted it was a confusing weather day. But that was DEFINITELY used.

[gymdudeva]

Posted: 5/20/07 at 8:24pm

They take you "backstage" before the show (actually, just a tech booth right off the lobby) and brief you. Then you go to your normal seat right before the show. Very early in the show they have each guest speller come on down, kinda like The Price is Right. When you miss a word, you go back to your seat.

I got picked a few weeks ago. I was outgoing without being obnoxious, and answsered the questions straightforwardly but with a small sense of humor. They do not want hams, but on the other hand they don't want people who will be too nervous. I hear that they also look for too much alcohol.

In my case, my hook (or one of them) was that i am a big bodybuilder, so they made jokes about me (as a kid speller) being large for my age, working as a bouncer, etc. Also, and I dunno if I should say this, the interview guy was obviously gay, so I took off my jacket to be...uhhh...presentable in my polo shirt. He asked me and my (male) date (platonic, but he didn't know that) how long we had known each other. I said truthfully, "uh , we just met today...in a gym". He said "No way!! Get out!!" and seemed very intrigued. So I had a good feeling even from that point...We had gotten there later than i wanted, and were the last ones at the interview table (at about 7:40 to 7:45).

[wink]

Posted: 5/20/07 at 9:05pm

When I went to see it, a very handsome guy approached me as I walked in and said, "Are you a good speller?" I told him I was county champion in seventh grade and then he noticed my thirteen year old and said,"Oh, you have your son with you?" He then said, "I hope you enjoy the show".

That was my only chance to be in a Broadway show.