Eric L. Magnus
Eric L. Magnus teaches 7th, 8th and 9th grades at Frontier Trail Junior High in Olathe, Kansas, where he also has been director of theatre for 15 years. He is a freelance actor and director and has worked extensively on stage in plays and musicals for over 20 years. He earned a bachelor's degree in Education from Emporia State University, a master's degree in Integrated Humanities and Education from Rockhurst University. He is licensed to teach speech and theatre in grades K - 12. In his free time he is also a private acting coach – his company is called "Acting with Magnitude."
Taming of the Shrew
Shakespeare by Eric L. Magnus
64 pages
10 m, 3 w, 11 flexible, extras
This adaptation of William Shakespeare's zesty classic comedy remains true to the original, but with its tighter construction is more easily accessible to junior and senior high school actors. Set in Padua, Italy, in the late 1500s, the story concerns the shy Bianca and the mean-spirited Katharina, the two daughters of a rich merchant named Baptista. Though Bianca is being courted by a number of young men, Baptista announces that she may not marry until Katharina is wed. None of the men in town are willing to marry Katharina, so Bianca remains unwed, even as ...
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare by Eric L. Magnus
73 pages
Widely flexible cast from 28 to 41
The classic and timeless tale of Shakespeare's two star-crossed lovers takes on new life in this clear and concise adaptation. Audiences will understand and love this show with its lack of archaic phases or dated references. Reduced to two acts, this version makes our greatest play more accessible for modern audiences. Actors new to Shakespeare will appreciate the added stage directions as well. This is a Romeo and Juliet for today. Running time is between 90 minutes and 120 minutes, depending on further optional cuts clearly explained in the script.