The portrait of Jane Austen at the center of the image above is by artist and Holy Theatre board member Georgie Castilla, whose work you can find here.
The Imaginists
The Imaginists is the educational outreach branch of the Holy Theatre; focusing on bringing Jane Austen in a personal and interactive way to audiences of all ages. Our programs travel to meet you into your classroom, library, museum, or wherever learners are gathered.
Step Back in Time with Jane Austen
Meet the legendary author Jane Austen and experience an interactive story time, lessons in dance and manners of Regency and a tasty tea party with lots to see, touch, taste, and do!
​
Participants will be able to talk to and interact with Ms. Austen, interpreted by playwright and actor Sarah Rose Kearns, throughout the program. Each program can have multiple modules tailored to your specific needs.
​
Here are some example modules:
English Country Dancing
There's a reason this form of dancing has been popular for over 200 years; English Country Dancing is fun and accessible. No prior dancing experience is required for you to step back in time and dance with Jane.
​
Starting with excerpts from Jane's letters about her love of dancing, participants observe and then learn a simple dance.
​
Time: 15 minutest
Hand Sewing
Sewing was a large part of life in the Regency. Discuss Jane Austen and family sewing shirts for Naval brothers as well as men and boys sewing in the Navy.
​
Provided Materials: Hand sewing needle, thread, fabric, beeswax, dried lavender flowers
​
Participants sew a complete fabric sachet stuffed with lavender to take home and enjoy
​
Time: 15-30 minutes
Tea with Jane
Discuss Jane, liking, preparing, serving, and keeping the key to the tea and sugar.
​​
Explore the role of tea in Regency England and the world.
​​​
Provided Materials: Sugar loaf, sugar nippers, tea service, teacups and saucers, wrapped biscuits (cookie), kettle, loose tea, sugar cubes, teaspoons
​​
Participants watch and experience tea preparation, then enjoy a cup of tea
​
Time: 30 minutes
