WashU Day with the PAD

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 2 p.m.

The Office of Human Resources’ Engagement team, in partnership with the Division of Student Affairs, is excited to announce our first WashU Day with WashU’s Performing Arts Department (PAD). This event will showcase PAD’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Employees and their guests will experience the talent and creativity of WashU students while enjoying a fun, community-centered afternoon.

Following the production, ticket holders are welcome to enjoy a reception with light refreshments in the Shoenberg Gallery to mingle with colleagues and student cast and crew members. 

Ticket sales for this event have closed.

WashU has reserved a block of tickets for Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 2 p.m. If you have questions or would like to inquire about accessibility seating, please contact the HR Employee Engagement Team at hrevents@wustl.edu.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Free parking on campus is available in any of the yellow spaces in surface lots or garages throughout the weekend. To open garage gates, you will still need to pull a ticket but you won’t be charged upon exiting. Employees are responsible for transportation fees and safety.

Ticket Distribution

All tickets will be distributed as electronic tickets through the Performing Arts Department box office. You will receive an email from the PAD box office in April with your tickets, which will be emailed to the email address used to purchase tickets.

Show Summary

It’s time for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and six contestants are poised to out-spell the rest. These six adolescents are the brightest and best, and the only thing they fear is the “ding” of the bell…and maybe some other things too. With four audience participant spots to fill, you might even get the chance to prove yourself as Putnam County’s champion speller.  

Performing Arts Department Alum Brenna Jones (AB ‘23) will be returning to campus to direct this lighthearted musical with quick remarks and even quicker definitions.

Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Music & Lyrics by William Finn, Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Directed by Brenna Jones (AB ’23) 
Musical Direction by Larry Pry