Christopher Sergel

Christopher Sergel was an American playwright and publisher best known for adapting classic literary works into successful stage plays. Born in 1918, he worked for many years as president of the Dramatic Publishing Company, where he helped shape the landscape of educational and community theatre in the United States.

Sergel’s most enduring contribution to the theatre is his adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird for the stage. First produced in 1990, the play has become one of the most frequently performed works in American community and school theatres, valued for its faithful rendering of the novel’s themes and characters.

His other adaptations include stage versions of The Mouse That Roared, The Outsiders, and The Pigman, all aimed at young adult audiences. Sergel had a keen sense of what made a story accessible and meaningful onstage, especially for students and educators.

As a publisher, he championed new voices and ensured that a wide range of scripts were available to schools, community theatres, and aspiring playwrights. His dual role as both artist and businessman allowed him to influence the American theatrical canon from behind the scenes.

Christopher Sergel passed away in 1993, but his work lives on in countless school auditoriums and regional theatres across the country. His adaptations continue to serve as a vital bridge between literature and performance, inspiring new generations to engage with classic stories on stage.