Jane Austin Improv strives to push the boundaries of what a Jane Austen world can look like onstage, taking unique and creative seasonal spins while at the same time continuing to strengthen their honest embodiment of Jane Austen’s core fundamentals. In recognition of their success, in October 2023 the group was presented with the Ethel Hinkley Outstanding New Improv Troupe Award by the B. Iden Payne committee, recognizing excellent theater in Austin, TX.
On November 4, 2022 Sophie Hard, Liz Brenner, Maxx Speller, Paul Cook, Oliver Jennings, Seth Mitchell, and Lewis Fallis performed in a 15 minute Jane Austen inspired narrative improv set featured in The Hideout Theatre’s Hoot Night. After that wildly enjoyable first performance, Sophie Hard knew this was an improv format worth exploring and expanding.
Hard began asking around to see who might be interested in rehearsing with her in her apartment to figure out what an hour-long Jane Austen show could look like. By February of 2023, 10 improvisers were on board.
Sophie Hard, Liz Brenner, Maxx Speller, Nick Desai, Paul Cook, Rebecca East, Lindsay Lewis, Mitch Styer, Eric Berman, and Jacob Ashton rehearsed weekly exploring common Jane Austen themes, characters, language, and customs until they finally made their debut as Jane Austin Improv in May 2023. With great support from the Austin community, Jane Austin Improv began to seek out more opportunities, performing at the Hideout Theater, ColdTowne Theater, and Fallot Theater and adding improvisers Katy Wiggins, Kristin Edwards, and Walter Oji to the troupe.
Presently, Jane Austin Improv performs the first Sunday of every month at Fallout Theater in Austin, TX, and has also been seen all around the world in Houston, TX (Station Theater); San Antonion, TX (House Party Improv); Longview, TX (Laugh Out Longview Improv Festival); Minneapolis, MN (Huge Theater, Twin Cities Improv Festival); San Francisco, CA (SF Sketchfest); and Amsterdam, ND (Impro Amsterdam).
Jane Austin Improv has continued pushing the boundaries on what a Jane Austen world can look like on stage. To hear about upcoming shows, follow @janeaustinimprov on Instagram and check back here at janeaustinimprov.com.