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  • 1.  Austen (or similar) adaptation

    Posted 02-18-2026 13:06

    Hi all,

    It looks like I'm going to have primarily girls next year, and some of them are already making the case for a Jane Austen adaptation or similar period piece. We did Kate Hamill's Sense and Sensibility several years ago and had so much fun. I would like something fun and a little cheeky rather than a traditional adaptation. I also prefer a flexible cast size and opportunities for creative staging. I'm looking at Pride@Prejudice by Daniel Elihu Kramer and Hamill's Emma. Any other suggestions that I should add to my reading list? Thanks!



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    Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
    Theatre, Film, and Communications Instructor
    Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
    Fishersville, VA
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  • 2.  RE: Austen (or similar) adaptation

    Posted 02-19-2026 08:04
    We just did Hamill's Pride and Prejudice and I liked it even more than her S & S which we did five years ago. This one is really funny and Her spin on the characters is  fantastic.  You can have a lot of fun with music (we did string pop covers) in the ball scenes.  Highly recommend. 

    Laura Russo (she/her)
    Theatre Arts/English
    Chatham High School



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  • 3.  RE: Austen (or similar) adaptation

    Posted 02-19-2026 09:57
    Hamill also has a version of Little Women that could be fun!





  • 4.  RE: Austen (or similar) adaptation

    Posted 02-19-2026 14:58

    Hi Casey!
    I would encourage you to look at "Austen's Pride: a new musical of Pride and Prejudice"! And currently the producers are offering 5 free licensing agreements for EdTA affiliated schools! https://foundation.schooltheatre.org/grants/production-grants/

    It is truly some incredible storytelling as it focuses on Jane Austen writing "Pride and Prejudice" and the story comes to life around her. It also features BEAUTIFUL music!

    ~brian



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    Brian Curl
    Teaching Artist Alliance
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 5.  RE: Austen (or similar) adaptation

    Posted 02-20-2026 07:23

    Thank you for the recommendation, Brian. I was actually at your presentation about Austen's Pride during the 2019 National Conference, so I'm eager to explore the piece more. Unfortunately, we're scheduled to do a non-musical next year (we alternate).



    ------------------------------
    Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
    Theatre, Film, and Communications Instructor
    Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
    Fishersville, VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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