The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Webster University and the Jane Austen Society of North America Metropolitan St. Louis Region are proud to present our Jane Austen Festival, December 6-8, throughout Webster University’s campus.
The festival features a packed activity schedule, including an incredible roster of Austen scholars, celebrating and illuminating Austen’s writings, as well as the literary, cultural and historical world in which her stories took place.
All events below are free to the public and don’t require tickets, unless otherwise noted.
Click the link for each event for more information.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2019
8 PM: Pride and Prejudice
Opening night performance of Pride and Prejudice at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Join us for an opening-night party immediately following the performance. Tickets start at $28. (Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019
11 AM – 12 PM: From Page to Stage
Learn about adapting a beloved classic and bringing the words to life on stage in a discussion with Rep Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif and Pride and Prejudice adaptor Christopher Baker. (Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center)
Noon – 1 PM: Just in a Happy State for a Flounce: Jane Austen’s Economies of Alteration
Austen enthusiasts are certainly familiar with her novels, but do they know about the author’s social and cultural life? Dr. Susan Allen Ford leads an exploration of both Austen and her era through Austen’s own interest in self-fashioning. (Auditorium, Browning Hall)
1 – 2 PM: Backstage Theatre Tours
Explore the Browning Mainstage, Emerson Studio, scenic construction shop, paint space, costume and props shops, dressing rooms, greenrooms and more to discover how the magic of professional theatre is created. Tours depart from the main lobby. (Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts)
2 – 3 PM: Saint Louis Art Museum Tours
Visit the famed Saint Louis Art Museum for a special docent-led tour exploring portraits and other Regency-era works. Visit SLAM.org for more info.
2:30 – 3:30 PM: Tea Treats Baking Class ** SOLD OUT**
Learn about the social and historical significance of tea in England and bake your own traditional English scones in a class led by one of the London Tea Room’s premier chefs, Ginger Roth. Limited seats. Tickets are $15 each. (Kitchen Classroom, Browning Hall)
2:30 – 3:30 PM: The Fashion Revolution in Jane Austen’s Time
This discussion, led by St. Louis Community College Librarian and JASNA-StL member Cathy Reilly, explores all the details of Regency Era clothing.
4 – 6:30 PM: Pride and Prejudice
Matinee performance of Pride and Prejudice at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Tickets start at $28. (Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center)
4 – 5 PM: Tea Treats Baking Class
Learn about the social and historical significance of tea in England and bake your own traditional English scones in a class led by one of the London Tea Room’s premier chefs, Ginger Roth. Limited seats. Tickets are $15 each. (Kitchen Classroom, Browning Hall)
7 – 9 PM: Regency Ball
Regency dance lessons, music, and instructional calling by Childgrove Country Dancers as well as a card room featuring whist, taught by JASNA-StL members. (Loretto-Hilton Center Lobby)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019
Noon – 1 PM: Pride and Prejudice and Performance
From Zombies to classics to modern times, Dr. Linda Troost and Dr. Sayre Greenfield explore the many varied ways Austen’s novels have been adapted on film. (Auditorium, Browning Hall)
1 – 4:30 PM: Scholar Series
Join us for one or all of these short 30-minute talks on all things Austen (Auditorium, Browning Hall):
- 1:15 PM: Dr. Toby Benis, “Laughing at our Neighbors in Pride and Prejudice“
- 2:00 PM: Dr. Kit Kincade, “The Evolution of George Wickham, from Scoundrel to Predator”
- 2:45 PM: Dr. Amy Pawl, “Mysteries and Misperceptions in Pride and Prejudice: How We Know What They Know.”
- 3:30 PM: Dr. Jennifer Frangos, “Lizzie Bennet’s Legacy: Pride and Prejudice in Popular Culture”
2 – 4:30 PM: Pride and Prejudice
Matinee performance of Pride and Prejudice at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Tickets start at $28. (Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center)
2:30– 3:30 PM: Tea Treats Baking Class *NEW EVENT!*
Learn about the social and historical significance of tea in England and bake your own traditional English scones in a class led by one of the London Tea Room’s premier chefs, Ginger Roth. Limited seats. Tickets are $15 each. (Kitchen Classroom, Browning Hall)
4:00– 5:00 PM: Tea Treats Baking Class *NEW EVENT!*
Learn about the social and historical significance of tea in England and bake your own traditional English scones in a class led by one of the London Tea Room’s premier chefs, Ginger Roth. Limited seats. Tickets are $15 each. (Kitchen Classroom, Browning Hall)
4:30 – 6:30 PM: Afternoon Tea ** SOLD OUT**
Enjoy afternoon tea and treats while costume designer Dorothy Marshall Englis explains theatrical costuming and presents her stunning designs from The Rep’s production of Pride and Prejudice. Limited seating. Tickets are $25 each. (Recital Hall, Thompson Music Building)
7 – 9:30 PM: Pride and Prejudice
Evening performance of Pride and Prejudice at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Tickets start at $24. (Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center)