The Young Ladies of the Class of 1902 of Wesleyan University Present, "As You Like It"

by Natalie Sacks

In Middletown, Connecticut in the spring of 1902, the entire women's senior class of Wesleyan University, an early coed college, puts on an all-female production of "As You Like It." Amidst rampant gender discrimination and the looming threat of the university's plans to remove women from its student body entirely, a band of courageous young women come together to make their voices heard through Shakespeare. In...

In Middletown, Connecticut in the spring of 1902, the entire women's senior class of Wesleyan University, an early coed college, puts on an all-female production of "As You Like It." Amidst rampant gender discrimination and the looming threat of the university's plans to remove women from its student body entirely, a band of courageous young women come together to make their voices heard through Shakespeare. In the meantime, drama, romance, deception and true friendship all begin to form. This play is based on true events.

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The Young Ladies of the Class of 1902 of Wesleyan University Present, "As You Like It"

Character Information

While this play is a historical adaptation and the women the characters are based on were all white, diversity in casting is highly encouraged. This is a play about being an outsider.
  • Ernestine Rose
    The ringleader
    Early 20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Fannie Myerson
    A gifted young woman who dreams of no longer being seen as different
    Early 20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Dora Davis
    The self-centered socialite
    Early 20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Elizabeth Peck
    The suffragette
    Early 20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Frances Van Scoy
    The good-natured gossip
    Early 20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • May Van Scoy
    The quiet one
    Early 20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Alice English
    Shy, queer, still discovering herself
    Early 20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Mabelle Grant
    The ingenue
    Early 20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Frederick Woodworth
    Early 20s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, Turn to Flesh Productions, 2019

Awards

  • Shakespeare's New Contemporaries
    American Shakespeare Center
    Finalist
    2021
  • Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival
    Southeast Missouri State University
    Semi-Finalist
    2021