This chapter examines the myth that Jane Austen disliked the theater and disapproved of it. The myth is founded upon a reading of Mansfield Park, the Austen novel that deals most explicitly with theater. One version of the myth has it that Austen enjoyed private theatricals when she was young but turned against them as she grew older. But her spirited performance as the duplicitous rumor-monger in Sheridan's satirical comedy suggests Austen was enjoying home theatricals well into her thirties. In fact, Austen's letters show she was an avid and knowledgeable theatergoer throughout her life. She used theatrical techniques in her novels; the mature novels and early writings amply evidence theater's vivid influence. The chapter also examines where Austen goes with the subversion of paternal authority.