SNL: With Host Jane Austen

Overview:  The characters of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice find themselves transported through the space-time continuum, landing in the 21^st century.  Your task is to help guide these characters through the world now that 206 years have passed them by… Choose one of the following scenarios and compose a script to be performed in class.  Please use the rubric below as a guide in your exploration. Be bold.  Be brilliant!

1.  The Bennets, Bingleys, Darcys and others of your choosing have been invited to a Super Bowl LI party in January of 2017:  The New England Patriots vs. The Atlanta Falcons.  Lady Gaga halftime show.  What happens when someone asks for a dance?  How is the dinner different?  Explore the possibilities!

2.  Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte go to college.  They take a women’s studies class.  Bingley, Darcy, and Mr. Collins are there, too.  Who rooms with who? Explore the possibilities!

3.  There is a new show on E!  Keeping up with the Bennets.  Their neighbors are the Collins.  Lydia marries Wickham! Kanye and Kim move next door.  Explore the possibilities!

4. There is a new TGC show where Mr. Collins hosts a real estate home show called Condescension with Collins.  The newly married Darcy’s look for a home.  The Wickhams.  Explore the possibilities!

5.  H-Block. A younger Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, Collins, Charlotte, and others are sent through the space-time continuum to Andover High School 2017 and are juniors in an H-block class.  What colleges are they looking at? How do they interact with staff? Explore the possibilities!

6.  Show Choir of Andover High School makes it to the finals and is up against Longborn High School.  What kind of routine do Jane, Bingley, Caroline, Elizabeth, Darcy, Collins, Lydia, Wickham, and others.  Is there any drama going on behind the scenes?  Who likes whom?  Explore the possibilities!

Criteria & Rubric

A range has the following qualities:

Ø  Well written script – everyone contributes in a fair and balanced manner

Ø  Script has a logical beginning middle and end with smooth transitions

Ø  References to specific characters using specific examples of their dialogue and characterization

Ø  References to specific storylines from the book are cleverly incorporated into the script

Ø  References to themes from the novel are incorporated into the script

Ø  Letters are incorporated to comedic effect

Ø  Students rehearse in a focused manner, utilizing class time wisely

Ø  Performance is smooth and the audience is in awe!

Ø  Mr. Darcy says, “You must allow me to tell you how much I admire and love you!”

B range has the following qualities:

Ø  Written script – everyone contributes

Ø  Script has a logical beginning middle and end

Ø  References to characters using some examples of their dialogue and characterization

Ø  References to general storylines from the book

Ø  References to themes from the novel

Ø  Letters are incorporated

Ø  Students rehearse but fall off task from time to time.

Ø  Performance is effective

Ø  Charlotte Lucas says, “I am quite content, Lizzy.”

C range has the following qualities:

Ø  Script is complete

Ø  Script does not have a logical progression

Ø  General references to characters

Ø  General references to general storylines from the book

Ø  General references to themes from the novel

Ø  Letters are referenced

Ø  Students rehearse but spend a lot of time sitting on the floor

Ø  Performance is fine

Ø  Mrs. Bennet says, “You have no respect for my poor nerves!”

D and F range has the following qualities:

Ø  Script is incomplete

Ø  Script consists of a series of moments

Ø  Few references to characters

Ø  Few references to general storylines from the book

Ø  Few references to themes from the novel

Ø  No letters are referenced

Ø  Students spend a lot of time sitting on the floor, and/or are disruptive

Ø  Performance is marred by a lack of focus and/or rehearsal

Ø  Lady Catherine DeBourg says, “I am quite put out!”