K12 Playkit

K12 PlayKits are designed to make theatre in schools simple! Hand-picked by a team of professional educators, they put everything schools need for a successful production right at your fingertips; high-quality scripts, student-friendly materials, and streamlined performance rights without the hassle or uncertainty of traditional licensing. With no hoops to jump through, you can focus on what really matters: creating inspiring productions with your students.

Akeelah and the Bee by Cheryl L. West

PlayKit | Akeelah and the Bee

Adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West
Based on the screenplay by Doug Atchison

Akeelah has a crazy passion for words: the more abstruse and labyrinthine, the better. But this gift is almost overwhelmed by the challenge of her daily life in a tough, Chicago neighborhood. Akeelah’s aptitude earns her a spot in the National Spelling Bee, which inspires the people in her neighborhood with her courage and tenacity.

$90.00

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Quick Details

  • Type: Play
  • Length: 2 hours including intermission
  • Availability: Available for productions in the United States and Canada
  • Cast Size: 25 roles | can be doubled for a cast of 14

Full Details

Roles:

Can be doubled for a cast of 7 males, 7 females

  • Akeelah
  • Gail
  • Reggie
  • Dr.Larabee
  • Georgia
  • Batty Ruth
  • Drunk Willie
  • J.T.
  • Dylan
  • Javier
  • Dylan's Dad
  • Izzy
  • Ratchet Rhonda
  • Trish
  • Principal
  • DJ Rule
  • Judge
  • TV Announcer
  • Chucky
  • Pronouncer
  • Snorting Girl
  • Crying Girl
  • Foxy Fay
  • Horse Girl
  • Mohawk Girl

The following resources are included in each PlayKit:
  • Opening Act Edition PDF script
  • Opening Act performance license for 1-8 performances (choose the number of performances using drop-down bar)
  • Copy license to copy included PDF script for your cast, crew, and production team. There is no additional cost for scripts! 
  • Media pack including logo PNG & SVG's as well as template poster files.
  • Director's Guide with tips, suggested rehearsal activities, FAQ, and more!

Cheryl L. West

Cheryl L. West's plays include: Something Happened in Our Town, Last Stop on Market Street, Akeelah & the Bee, Mwindo, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Addy: American Girl Story, and Pullman Porter Blues. Her plays have been seen in England, Off-Broadway, on Broadway (Play On!)and in numerous regional theaters around the country. She has written TV and film projects at Disney, Paramount, MTV Films, Showtime, TNT, HBO, CBS and is the Webby-nominated writer for the original web series Diary of a Single Mom. Ms. West is the recipient of several awards: American Alliance For Theatre & Education (AATE) Distinguished Play Award (2016), the 2016 Charlotte B. Chorpenning Playwright Award, the Helen Hayes/Charles McArthur award for outstanding new play, the Susan Smith Blackburn prize, an international playwriting award for distinguished new plays, the National Endowment Playwriting Award and the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Best Playwright Award.

Originally produced in Children's Theatre Company's 15-16 season

Winner of the AATE Distinguished Play Award in 2016

Preview the Show

Akeelah and the Bee at Arena Stage

Reviews

“

The story of Akeelah and the Bee is inspiring and heart-warming.

- Play Off the Page
“

As “Akeelah” makes clear, children have potential not just for personal actualization, but also to heal a community. In her rugged, weary community, Akeelah embodies both brilliance and balm.

- Star Tribune

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