Shakespeare, Clearly
New contemporary adaptations by renown director Jon Jory!
But what are these adaptations? Shakespeare’s work has been adapted in a straightforward manner that emphasizes story and character rather than poetry. They seek to create an early contact with younger audiences and actors that serve as an easily understood introduction to these works that allow easy understanding and involvement. These adaptations aim to draw the participant to the works themselves.
Casting: In all versions there is an attempt to encourage more women in a gender-neutral casting of many roles. Doubling is possible for a smaller cast
Production Style: Each adaptation is designed to be played on a bare stage with simple furniture brought on and taken off by the actors allowing fluid and forward moving production. Costumes should be a mix of the contemporary and the classical. Perform in your classroom or on stage.
Length: The one-acts are trimmed with surgeon-like precision and get right to the heart of the tale. And they're perfect for school play festivals and competitions. The full-lengths are energetic and are evidence of Jory's intimate experience with each play.
We hope young artists and students fall in love with the characters and desire to dive into the original text. If you decide to perform these adaptations, audiences young and old will no doubt connect to Shakespeare in a new and enjoyable way.
Browse the adaptations below and READ EVERY PLAY SCRIPT FOR FREE!
-
Shakespeare, Clearly: Twelfth Night (one-act version)
Length: 25-30 minutesCast Size: 10-30 actors (suggested casting: 5F, 5M, 10 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
This playful comedy centers on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck, and the courtship, mistaken identities, and hijinks that follow. This straightforward adaptation mixing contemporary and classical language emphasizes story and character rather than the poetry. Master director and acclaimed playwright Jon Jory has reimagined the classic tale to serve as an early introd... -
Shakespeare, Clearly: The Tempest
Length:Cast Size:Genre: ComedySynopsis:
This play is coming soon. Contact Stage Partners to request a prepublication perusal script. This straightforward adaptation mixing contemporary and classical language emphasizes story and character rather than the poetry. Master director and acclaimed playwright Jon Jory has reimagined the classic tale to serve as an early introduction for younger audiences and actors that allows easy in... -
Shakespeare, Clearly: Twelfth Night
Length: 75-85 minutesCast Size: 10-30 actors (suggested casting: 5F, 5M, 10 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
This playful comedy centers on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck, and the courtship, mistaken identities, and hijinks that follow. This straightforward adaptation mixing contemporary and classical language emphasizes story and character rather than the poetry. Master director and acclaimed playwright Jon Jory has reimagined the classic tale to serve as an early introd... -
Shakespeare, Clearly: Romeo and Juliet (one-act)
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 8-30 actors (suggested casting: 4F, 4M, 10 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
In Shakespeare's most well-known tragedy, two young star-crossed lovers’ deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. This straightforward adaptation mixing contemporary and classical language emphasizes story and character rather than the poetry. Master director and acclaimed playwright Jon Jory has reimagined the classic tale to serve as an early introduction for younger audiences and a... -
Shakespeare, Clearly: Romeo and Juliet
Length: 85-95 minutesCast Size: 10-30 actors (suggested casting: 5F, 5M, 10 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
In Shakespeare's most well-known tragedy, two young star-crossed lovers’ deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. This straightforward adaptation mixing contemporary and classical language emphasizes story and character rather than the poetry. Master director and acclaimed playwright Jon Jory has reimagined the classic tale to serve as an early introduction for younger audie... -
Shakespeare, Clearly: Macbeth (one-act version)
Length: 25-30 minutesCast Size: 10-35 actors (suggested casting: 5F, 5M, 10 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
“The Scottish Play” dramatizes the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. This straightforward adaptation mixing contemporary and classical language emphasizes story and character rather than the poetry. Master director and acclaimed playwright Jon Jory has reimagined the classic tale to serve as an early introduction for you... -
Shakespeare, Clearly: Macbeth
Length: 75-85 minutesCast Size: 10-35 actors (suggested casting: 5F, 5M 10 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
“The Scottish Play” dramatizes the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. This straightforward adaptation mixing contemporary and classical language emphasizes story and character rather than the poetry. Master director and acclaimed playwright Jon Jory has reimagined the classic tale to serve as an early introduction for you... -
Shakespeare, Clearly: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Length: 25-30 minutesCast Size: 10-35 actors (suggested casting: 6F, 6M, 9 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
Shakespeare’s most-popular comedy of adventure, marriage, and forest creatures is boiled down to a brisk 30 minutes in this one-act adaptation. This straightforward adaptation mixing contemporary and classical language emphasizes story and character rather than the poetry. Master director and acclaimed playwright Jon Jory has reimagined the classic tale to serve as an early introduction for yo...
