The cast of the Virginia Renaissance Faire encompasses a vast variety of experience, skills, and interests. All actors are trained to interactively portray Elizabethan characters through a basic program which includes improvisation, character building, dialect/voice, historical research, stage combat/movement, and historical dance. In addition to attending rehearsals, volunteer actors help to ready the faire site and must be prepared to assist and perform in a variety of weather conditions. Under the guidance of the costume staff, volunteer actors are further trained in costume design and construction, and are expected to provide their own costuming and props. The cast is comprised of five guilds, into which actors are placed for specialized training depending on their interests and character portrayals. Additionally, we are seeking Living History groups with specialized knowledge or abilities for groups that provide special entertainment for the Faire. Members of these guilds and specialty groups work together to create the overall look and feel of an Elizabethan town on a festival day. Guild Manager: Jon Poisel Asst. Guild Managers: Norm Cary & Ed Tillman The Staffordshire militia is recruiting men and women of all walks of life for our upstanding company. We are organized into a standard company format and portray the militaristic citizens of the town with demonstrations of line and marching drills, the basic use of all weapons, and even the domestic side camp life. Our portrayal of Elizabethan military life also includes naval forces and privateers! Individuals may choose which squadron they wish to participate under for organizational purposes and specific tactical training. All recruits will be properly trained in the field of their choices, but the faint of heart need not apply! This is the group for all actors with interests in military life or tactics in Elizabethan England. To get more information about any of these groups, or how you can join them, please e-mail: comeplay@varf.org Guild Manager: Joe Bishop Asst. Guild Manager: Vicki Hanes The Townsfolk portray the citizens of Staffordshire, from the peasants to the local gentry. Our revels make Staffordshire come alive with music, dance and festivities. With demonstrations, maypole performances, and entertainments, the townsfolk are most often found in the streets making merry - they are known for their ability to make even daily chores both amusing and interactive. Our diverse group encompasses a variety of actors with a multitude of skills and interests. To get more information about any of these groups, or how you can join them, please e-mail: comeplay@varf.org Guild Manager: Pamela Bousquet Asst. Guild Managers: Martin Freet and Bill Griffith 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 Noble's 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. To get more information about any of these groups, or how you can join them, please e-mail: comeplay@varf.org Guild Manager: Yara DaSilva Asst. Guild Manager: Ann Cox The Poppet's Pastymes Guild represents the Elizabethan family during the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We 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 hands-on demonstrations of trades such as paper making, leather stamping, doll making, schooling, wool, carding, spinning, and weaving. If you have an interest in any of these activities, our guild is the place for you. You are not required to excel in these. Our guild also learns about masques, story telling, dancing, music and improvisational interaction which we use throughout the day. During faire our guild is where patrons learn about court etiquette in preparation for knighting by the queen. To get more information about any of these groups, or how you can join them, please e-mail: comeplay@varf.org Guild Manager: Karl Kellar Asst. Guild Manager: Bill McQuinn Do you play an instrument? We are seeking musicians to provide the soundtrack to our Renaissance Village. Our ensemble of musicians provides atmosphere, assists with tunes for dances and activities. To get more information about any of these groups, or how you can join them, please e-mail: comeplay@varf.org Group Leader: Jenifer McDonald Do you have a greyhound or love greyhounds? This group portrays the Fewterers (Hound Handlers) of Queen Elizabeth, providing patrons with a close-up, hands-on look at greyhounds. They perform several shows a day where the dogs get to run against a lure and the audiences learns about greyhound history and get to see these majestic animals run. Our greyhound volunteers must be tolerant of children and other greyhounds. To get more information about any of these groups, or how you can join them, please e-mail: comeplay@varf.org Group Leader: Scott McDonald Can you play a trumpet? Her Majesties Heralds adds to the pageantry of our Royal Court by playing period instruments to announce events. 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. Motivated beginners are welcome. To get more information about any of these groups, or how you can join them, please e-mail: comeplay@varf.org Group Leader: ------ Do you have horse-handling experience? Our Jousting Troupe offers a family oriented renaissance themed show featuring armored jousting and mounted games of knightly skills. We are looking for squires to prepare the horses and equipment for the show, assist with the show, and care for the horses throughout the day. To get more information about any of these groups, or how you can join them, please e-mail: comeplay@varf.org