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.
Sophie began recruiting capable improvisors and held early rehearsals in her apartment, and together they started to figure out what an hour-long Jane Austen show could look like. By February of 2023, Sophie had 10 improvisers on board: Sophie Hard, Liz Brenner, Maxx Speller, Nick Desai, Paul Cook, Rebecca East, Lindsay Lewis, Mitch Styer, Eric Berman, and Jacob Ashton. The early troupe rehearsed weekly, exploring common Jane Austen themes, characters, language, and customs, and soon they had built the foundation for an immersive Jane Austen performance.
Jane Austin Improv finally made their debut in May 2023 at the Hideout Theater. With great support from the Austin community, Jane Austin Improv has now performed at several venues throughout Austin including the Hideout, ColdTowne, and Fallout theaters. Today the group performs regularly, constantly seeking opportunities to share the delight of the Jane Austen format with new audiences, and has since expanded by bringing improviser Katy Wiggins into the troupe.
To hear about upcoming shows, follow @janeaustinimprov on Instagram and check back here at janeaustinimprov.com.