Guild Master: Jon Poisel Asst. Guild Master: Norm Cary For this year, the military guild will be organized in a standard company format. Basic line and marching drill will be taught, as well as basic use of all weapons so that the public interpretation will be consistent. Individuals may choose which squadron they wish to participate under for organizational purposes and specific tactical training. Pike, Musket, Targeteer, and Naval/Artillery squadrons will be organized under the command of a Lieutenant and Corporal. This will allow for better detail assignments to include in-camp drills and roving bands. Classes on costume and light armor production can be arranged. Guild Master: Chris Horning Asst. Guild Master: James Nygren The villagers (peasants) are the bread and butter, salt of the earth people that do the day to day work of the shire that allow the other groups to look regal and important. Our task, more than any other group, is to make the town of Staffordshire come alive with music, dance and festivities. We are the party group. While the Queen and court work on state issues, the military prepare for war, and the middling sort and count their money; we are in the streets playing and making merry. We are a good group to start with in the faire. We will teach you all the basics of building and playing a peasant class character. No prior acting experience needed. The Revelers are the true party animals of the faire day. Their job is to create mischief and mayhem. Nothing is to wild or to silly to try. They are loud, obnoxious and create havoc. Guild Master: Kat Cole Asst. Guild Master: Rebecca Jasman The Guild of St. Cecilia is responsible for the sounds of the fair day. With instruments not voice, they attempt to recreate the music of the renaissance. They come from various backgrounds and have united for this day in their love of music. They play for dances, crowds and for the Queen. You must have an ear for music and the ability to play in order to join this guild. The Revelers are the true party animals of the faire day. Their job is to create mischief and mayhem. Nothing is to wild or to silly to try. They are loud, obnoxious and create havoc. Guild Master: Jason Lamey Asst. Guild Master: Steven Loy The court of Elizabeth portrays historical persons of Elizabeth's court. We are the courtiers and statesmen of the time: the men and women whose names went down in history. We are the actors who are primarily responsible for creating the aura of majesty that the Queen must possess, attending her on her progress through the Shire. We live out the Elizabethan intrigue and politics, the passions and the romance, pulling patrons into our world. Based in the Royal Grove, we dance the dances of the Italian court, we feast, and we gain the Queen's favor by entertaining her (and the audience) with plays, games, and word play. Guild Master:Scott McDonald The Guilde of St. Gabriel portrays the Royal Court Trumpets and Kettledrummers. The daily life of a Monarch is not complete without this ceremonial corps of musicians. Trumpets are the symbol of authority and status in Renaissance society. As early as the 1300's the use of Trumpets was limited to persons of "Princely Rank". During the Faire, Trumpets and Kettledrums announce the the arrival of Her Majesty, the beginning of royal events such as the Joust or the Coursing of the Hounds, and the mid day feast. This select group of musicians is comprised of various levels of trumpet expertise and age; from an apprentice at age 14 to the adult Sergeant Trumpeter. Entry into the Guilde is through audition by the Sergeant Trumpeter. Trumpets and Kettledrums are provided by the Guild. Guild Master: Ann Cox The Guild of St. Bathilde represents the Elizabethan family during the reign of Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The Garden will provide opportunities for patrons of all ages to observe and participate in the various activities associated with an Elizabethan home. These activities will focus on entertaining and educating through demonstrations, masques, plays, story telling and improvisational interaction. There will also be hands-on activities such as a knighting ceremony, swordsmanship demonstration, dancing, games, songs and music. Guild Master: Jenifer Mcdonald Asst. Guild Master: Angie Bynum Guild of St. Hubert - St. Hubert is the patron saint of hunting and hounds. This group portrays the daily life and history surrounding Her Majesty's kennels, part of the Elizabethan household. The greyhounds and greyhound owners of Her Majesty's hounds (a non-profit adoption referral group) are joined by other VaRF Cast Members and volunteers to both entertain and educate patrons about the role of the Greyhound in history. Being a "groome" or hunstman of the Royal Buckhounds was a well paid-prestigious position in Renaissance society. Queen Elizabeth was so fond of greyhound coursing that it is known as the "Sport of Queens". The Guild performs up to three coursing demonstrations a day, and is an integral part of the faire.