The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Synopsis: An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vies for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

Themes: Coming of age, family, identity, pressure, expectations