This meeting will be an opportunity for all of us to become better acquainted with Jane Austen’s extended family. Please feel free to prepare yourself for as many of the following activities as you find appealing.
Destination: Golden Globes
The head of the studio has just called you to complain that they have totally exhausted every conceivable Jane Austen movie plot, and consequently need you to come up with a film script that centers upon another member of her extended family. Present a brief pitch for a new film about another member of her family that you feel could be a box office hit and a significant contender for motion picture awards. At the meeting, the group will vote on “Jannie” awards for the best drama, romance, and comedy.
What’s my line?
In this variation on the 1950s television quiz show, you can volunteer to play the part of a member of Jane’s extended family. Around the room, other members of the group will take turns asking you one yes/no question until someone has identified who you are.
An Austen Weekend
As everyone knows, amazing, surprising, and sometimes tragic things happen in bucolic English country estates, especially in Hampshire! As luck would have it, you find yourself invited to spend an idyllic weekend at such a place. Which Austen family member would you bring along with you, and why?
Trivia Quiz
In this activity, a series of facts will be stated about various members of Jane’s family. For each fact, everyone will be invited to identify which family member this fact applies to. The person who first identifies the correct family member for each fact will win one point. At the end, the person with the most points will win a nifty prize.