Program from 1925 production of “Arms and the Man.” Photo credit: Trinity College Archives

The Trinity Jesters is a student-run performance group that puts on drama productions for the College community. Originally based out of Alumni Hall, the group moved to the Austin Arts Center following the fire that destroyed Alumni Hall in 1967.

The Jesters organized in 1887 with the goal of putting on two plays each year. In the early years, male students played both male and female roles; female performers were not featured regularly until the early 20th century. The group found varying levels of success and participation over the years, but came together to put on notable performances for Trinity and the surrounding community. In 1944, the group revived to put on a play for injured soldiers staying at Bradley Field. In the 1950s and 1960s, they staged several performances for local high school and prep school students. During this time, the Jesters saw large audiences and great reception as they received critical reviews for their Shakespeare plays, comedies, melodramas, and student written works.

Today, the Jesters are listed as a student performance group under the Theater and Dance department.

Trinity College in Twentieth Century (2000) by Peter and Anne Knapp, pp. 99, 245, 257.

The History of Trinity College (1967) by Glenn Weaver, p. 222.