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...
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"

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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
    Early 20s,
    Female
    The ringleader
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Fannie Myerson
    Early 20s,
    Female
    A gifted young woman who dreams of no longer being seen as different
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Dora Davis
    Early 20s,
    Female
    The self-centered socialite
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Elizabeth Peck
    Early 20s,
    Female
    The suffragette
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Frances Van Scoy
    Early 20s,
    Female
    The good-natured gossip
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • May Van Scoy
    Early 20s,
    Female
    The quiet one
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Alice English
    Early 20s,
    Female
    Shy, queer, still discovering herself
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Mabelle Grant
    Early 20s,
    Female
    The ingenue
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Frederick Woodworth
    Early 20s,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Turn to Flesh Productions
    ,
    2019

Awards

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