About Us

The Spelling Bee Company is perfect for your next event!

THE SPELLING BEE COMPANY was founded by the creators of the Tony award winning Broadway musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It all started when we were asked to host a Bee for 826LA, the organization founded by author Dave Eggers. We hosted fundraisers for his New York and San Francisco branches as well, and helped them raise over $200,000. We provide live spelling bee fundraisers for a wide variety of not-for-profit organizations.

The Company:

Our company members are all professional performers with years of improvisation experience.

Jay Reiss - Word Pronouncer

Jay Reiss is a playwright, screenwriter and performer. He co-created the Tony-Award Winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Jay originated the role of ‘Vice Principal Panch’ in the original Broadway cast for which he won a Drama Desk Award. As a screenwriter, his film The Oranges, starring Hugh Laurie and Catherine Keener, was released last fall.

Rebecca Feldman - Mandy Candice, Judge

Rebecca Feldman created the Tony-Award winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.  She directed its world premiere and is currently directing and writing in Los Angeles.

Liz Feldman - Janice Candice, Judge

Liz Feldman is a comedienne and Emmy Award winning writer who has been seen on The Jay Leno Show and Funny or Die. She has written for Ellen, Hot in Cleveland, and is currently writing and producing for the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls. Liz is an alum of The Groundlings.

Erin Foley – Judge

Erin Foley is a comedic actress, comedian, and writer. This year, she made her stand-up debut on Conan, did a guest star on the NBC series Go On, and also performed stand-up on TV Guide’s inaugural series Stand-up In Stilettos hosted by Kate Flannery of The Office and Comedy Central’s new series Mash Up hosted by TJ Miller. Additionally, Erin has also had roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm, the acclaimed Tribeca Film Fest short Cried Suicide, and even a supporting role inAlmost Famous. As a seasoned comedian, she also has a Comedy Central Presents under her belt, as well as having been on Premium Blend, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Chelsea Lately, E!, and more.

Contact us today to book for your next event or party!