The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Alphabet, Antics, and All the Laughs at UNSW MTS
When: 25 Mar – 30 Mar
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Cam McCredie, director of UNSW MTS’s upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which opens on March 25, 2025
For his directorial debut, this NIDA Diploma of Musical Theatre student brings an infectious energy that has clearly inspired the entire cast and crew. With our shared backgrounds in community theatre—and a mutual appreciation for a crisp gin and tonic—we quickly found common ground. After hearing his vision, you’ll be just as eager to see this hilarious and heartwarming musical that celebrates childhood quirks and the highs and lows of growing up.
So, without further ado, here’s Faith’s Top 5 with Cam McCredie—let’s get spelling!
1. What led you to become involved with the UNSW Musical Theatre Society and take on directing?
I’ve always wanted to direct a show, I just wasn’t sure where to start. I’ve always had my list of shows I might do. I got introduced to UNSW Musical Theatre Society when I applied for a marketing and content producer role. After watching my friend put on a beautiful show ‘Sondheim on Sondheim’ there last year, it opened my eyes to directing a university production and showed me that UNSW MTS was the perfect place to take that shot. I could see how safe and positive the space was and how it was a really great first introduction to directing.
“This show has got a much deeper meaning than just kids competing in a spelling bee. It’s about misfits finding their place and celebrating what makes them unique.”
2. Why The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee? What drew you to this particular production at this point in your life?
I have a really close relationship with this show. It’s always held a special place in my heart. Straight out of high school, I landed my first lead role as William Barfée at North Shore Theatre Company. But we all know how 2020 went—COVID hit – and we got hit. Instead of cancelling, the company believed in the show so much that they put the rights on hold. After an 18-month hiatus, we finally got to perform.
William Finn is my favourite musical theatre writer and composer. Putnam County Spelling Bee is all about a group of misfits coming together to do something they love—a spelling bee—which, to me, is exactly like musical theatre. Theatre is also about bringing together people from all walks of life to share in something they love. It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about the experience.
This show has a deeper meaning beyond just kids competing. Each character is so unique, and there’s no traditional lead role that steals the spotlight. Instead, the entire cast shines, with every character having a special moment that sticks with you. By the end of the show, you won’t be able to pick a favourite—you’ll love them all.
3. There are a lot of improvisational moments arising from on-stage participant’s spelling attempts or on-stage antics. How have you rehearsed the cast for this?
Improvisation is one of the scariest parts of the show, and it’s something the cast has naturally been nervous about. Luckily, we’ve had practice volunteers to help us prepare.
Having been involved in theatre since 2013, I’ve built a big network of friends and performers, which has grown even more over the past few years. When I put the call out for volunteers to support the show, the response was amazing—uni theatre people are always keen to help. Over our last three rehearsals, we’ve had 12 volunteers from varied theatre backgrounds join us.
We rehearsed by having these volunteers act as on-stage participants, coming in as themselves (but with a character persona). They were given a word to spell and had to ask for a definition and sentence. To keep the improvisation fresh, we made sure they weren’t too prepared and rotated new people in each time. This helped the cast embrace the spontaneity and weirdness that makes this show so interactive, entertaining, and memorable.
4. Tell me about UNSW MTS and the audition process.
I’ve performed with most uni theatre societies in Sydney, and they’re all fantastic introductions to musical theatre. That said, I might be a little biased—but in my experience, UNSW MTS has provided the most rewarding experience. Their philosophy is simple: you don’t need ten years of experience to be part of a show. Even if the only singing you’ve done was in a Year 6 choir, they’d still encourage you to audition.
As for the audition process, we do prioritise casting students since it’s a uni society, but we also welcome community and professional theatre performers. Auditioning this show was an intense but exciting process—I was blown away by the talent. Over 65 people auditioned, and we now have a cast of 13 ( A combination 9 A-track cast members and 4 swing covers). I couldn’t be prouder of this incredible group.
5. What’s a piece of advice you received early in your theatre life that has influenced your directing style?
One of my first directors told me, “Never be ashamed of a choice or worry if it’s good enough until you’ve tried it.”
I was playing a featured ensemble role and asked if I could make a specific performance choice. The director simply asked, “Why didn’t you just do it?” When I admitted I wasn’t sure it would be good enough, he replied, “There’s no point in holding back. You’re not going to get anywhere if you don’t try.”
That philosophy has shaped my directing. I encourage my cast to explore their ideas—if they have a character choice, I want them to go for it. I’m learning as a director too, and I value the input of the incredible performers I’ve cast. They bring their talent to the room, and I want them to bring everything they’ve got to this show.
BONUS QUESTION: What’s the one question you were secretly hoping I’d ask, and what’s your answer?
I was secretly hoping you’d ask how I got into theatre—where I started and how I ended up here.
My first experience with theatre was performing with my big sister. We sang a song from High School Musical in a little school concert—matching outfits and all. That moment sparked the fire that’s still burning bright to this day.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs from March 25th to March 30th, Studio One, UNSW Kensington.
Tickets are selling fast! Grab yours at: https://events.humanitix.com/unsw-mts-presents-the-25th-annual-putnam-county-spelling-bee
Photo Credit: Yingying Zhang