Welcome to the Adaptation Today Mentorship Program!

At Adaptation Today, we believe that the future of academia lies in collaboration, inclusivity, and the sharing of knowledge across all levels of experience. Our mentorship program is designed to be an innovative and dynamic resource for scholars at every stage of their academic journey—whether you’re a newcomer to adaptation studies or a seasoned professional looking to expand your network and engage with fresh perspectives.

Why Mentorship Matters

We recognize that the path to an academic career is often unclear and can be particularly challenging for women and other underrepresented groups. Traditional academic environments don’t always offer the support needed to navigate these challenges. Our mentorship program aims to fill this gap by providing accessible, meaningful opportunities for guidance and professional development through workshops, talks, and Q&A sessions.

What we offer

Our program isn’t just about learning the ropes of adaptation studies—it’s about expanding horizons and creating connections that might not happen within the confines of conventional academia. We’re committed to fostering a community where scholars and professionals can come together, share insights, and support one another. Here’s what you can expect:

• Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions led by senior scholars in adaptation studies. Topics may include how to position yourself as an adaptation scholar, crafting a compelling book proposal, and exploring diverse career paths within and outside academia.
• Talks with Inspiring Figures: Engage with professionals whose work, while perhaps not traditionally categorized under adaptation studies, offers valuable insights and inspiration. These sessions will broaden your understanding of how adaptation influences and intersects with various fields.
• Publishing Insights: Gain insider knowledge from acquisition editors, copy editors, and journal editors. Learn what it takes to get your work noticed and published, and how to navigate the often-complicated world of academic publishing.
• Interactive Q&A Sessions: Join live Q&A sessions where you can ask questions directly to experts and practitioners in the field. These sessions will provide you with practical advice and the opportunity to address specific challenges you may be facing in your academic career.

Join us

We invite you to take part in this exciting and transformative program. Whether you’re looking to solidify your career path, explore new ideas, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, the Adaptation Today Mentorship Program is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a more inclusive and collaborative academic community, pushing the boundaries of what adaptation studies can be.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved!

Upcoming Mentorship Events

Musical Adaptation in Practice: Film, Theater, and the Creative Process 

This time, we will welcome composers, performers, and directors who will share their experiences adapting stories through scoring silent films, reimagining literary texts for the stage, or using puppetry and music to bring familiar narratives to life in innovative ways.

• Nicolas Scherzinger (Composer, Professor of Music, Syracuse University)
  • Adaptation as Interpretation: Scoring Absurdist Silent Comedy
• Erin O’Hara (Film Composer, Songwriter, Music Producer & Engineer, Sound Artist)
  • Adapting Perspectives: Giving Voice to Women in Silent Film
• Matt Chiorini (Artistic Director and Playwright, Le Moyne College) & Travis Newton (Conductor, Musician, Dean of Arts & Sciences, Le Moyne College)
  • Adapting Franz Kafka for the Stage. With Puppets!

Each speaker will give a short talk about their adaptation journey, accompanied by clips from their work, including selections from Sherlock Jr., Blackmail, and Kafka: The Musical. A live Q&A will follow. 

This event is free and open to all. 

 Friday, December 12, 2025 | 12:00 PM EST

Past Mentorship Events

Building Professional Pathways in Adaptation Studies

Theories, Methods, and New Directions

Captions to be updated soon!