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issue 60
In This Issue:
May 2008


 

Whitman College Renaissance Faire (WA)


Ocean Springs Renaissance Festival (MS)


Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire


Letter to the Editor


Ocean Springs Renaissance Faire (MS)


Utah Renaissance Festival and Fantasy Faire


Park View Middle School Renaissance Faire (CA)


Mayfaire Renaissance Festival (MI)


Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire


18th Annual Renaissance and Pirate Faire (CA)


Shakespeare Family Renaissance Faire (AK)


 

 

Renaissance People

34th Annual Ohio State University Medieval and Renaissance Faire


Ye Old Times


N
ebraska Renaissance Faire


Becoming a Renaissance Faire Lady


Villagers to Reenact 16th Century Wedding (Malta)


Ironclad

Special Offers

Renaissance/Medieval Directory

Back Issue Offer

Upcoming Faires

Advertising Options

Highlights

On Newsstands Now — Issue 60

Upcoming Issue — 61

 

Classified Ads

The Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival is a Faire with a Fantasy Flair. Enjoy music and merchants, food and fun.

Watch the action unfold, or take part in it!

www.kingdomfestival.com

Quality clothing for any era. We specialize in custom orders for any occasion, including storybook weddings. Every garment is made to your measurements, not your "size."

FLAMEOUT is a California State Fire Marshall approved fire retardant that has been used by participants in the Renaissance Festivals for several years. We provide fast efficient service to any location in the U.S. Don't wait until the last minute. We serve the Hollywood movie industry so we have available stock on hand for immediate shipping.

Email: info@pureone.com

Turner Publishing

Turner Publishing

The classic tale of Beowulf is retold from Wealtheow's perspective. After centuries of silence, Crownover gives the epic a woman's voice, raising intriguing literary questions in a modern writing style.

Midwest Renaissance Festival

Quality merchants and performers needed this May 17-18 and 24-25 in Omaha, NE at Giles Castle. This is a new, fully funded festival by DCL Events. It is built as a hybrid site—tents and permanent structures and there is a significant advertising budget.

The greater Omaha area has a 25 year history of successful Ren. Festivals. Help us start the first permanent site in the state. Contact us to learn about vender opp. and future site construction plans. Applications available online.

www.midwestrenfest.com

Hide and Leather House, Inc.

We offer the largest and finest selection of garb and armor leather suedes, lamb, garment cow, buffalo, and heavy cowhides. In addition, we carry "period" conchos, buckles, buttons, fasteners, tools and thread. Retail and wholesale customers welcome. Experienced "Renn" sales staff.

www.hidehousesouth.com

Santa Fe Renaissance Faire

Call for performers and vendors. First annual Santa Fe Renaissance Faire, September 21 - 22, 2008, in Santa Fe, NM. Contact Dara Fogel - 505-428-2347, Dara@openhands.org, www.sfrenfair.org

MayFaire

Join the fun and excitement
of the 5th Season
Mayfaire Renaissance Festival
Marshall, Michigan
May 17, 18, 24, 25, 26
www.mayfaireren.com

Also in June .....
Derbyshire Renaissance Faire
Volunteer and Merchants spots available!
www.derbyshirerenfaire.com

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The 6th Annual Sun Valley Renaissance Faire takes place August 23 - 24, 2008 in beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho. We are calling to enthusiastic performers, vendors and artisans to join us.

Make haste...Contact: Prue Hemmings at nexStage Theater, Ketchum, Idaho -- 208.726.9124, or pruehemmings@gmail.com

Sell your products and services to Rennies, Re-enactors, Medievalists, and Historians. 

Place a banner ad with a link and your thirty-word description into our monthly newsletter going directly to over approx.10,000 emails for a pittance of $50 a month or $100 for 3 months. To place this link, e-mail copy and payment information before May 30, 2008 to Lady Janet at 800-232-2224.

If you have trouble viewing, click here for online version

http://www.renaissancemagazine.com/
rnmayb08.html

All other troubleshooting questions: Carolyn

_________________________________

Have Renaissance news of your own to report and share?

Forward your Press Releases to Lady Janet for possible inclusion in our upcoming May newsletter and/or to have it posted on our weblog: http://queue.typepad.com/
renaissance_faire

 

 

The Renaissance/Medieval Directory

Directory Issue

Have you purchased your Renaissance/Medieval Directory? Hurry while supplies last. This is a Yellow Pages listing of Renaissance and Medieval businesses, faires, SCA Kingdoms, Guilds....etc.

The Directory is available for purchase - $12.95 + $3.00 S/H — Click to purchase!

"Huzzah! Your Directory is most wondrous. Perhaps you should print this on parchment paper and call it "Thee Yellowed Pages". Thank thee for a job well done!"
Felix Cartagena, The Bubble Wright

 

"The 2007-2008 Renaissance Magazine Director just arrived in the mail. It's a fabulous resource with a wealth of information. Thanks much!"
—Grechen Gondek

 

Enhance your exposure and advertise in the 2008 Directory!
Download a contract or contact Lady Janet - 800-232-2224

 

For more information on the 2008 Directory and to learn how to include your business for FREE, click here
 

Upcoming Faires

To add or update your faire, visit our Faire Form.

*To be sure your faire is promoted in each newsletter, contact Lady Janet about advertising!

   
CA
Koronaburg Old World Renaissance Festival
May 10-June 15, 2008
Valhalla Renaissance Faire
May 31-June 8, 2008
GA
Georgia Renaissance Festival
April 12 - June 1, 2008
IA
New World Festivals
May 27-29, 2006
IL
Springfield Highland Games
May 17, 2008
KY
Highland Renaissance Festival
May 31 - July 20, 2008
MO
Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire
May 17 - June 8, 2008
White Hart Renaissance Faire
June 21 - July 6, 2008
MI
MayFaire
May 17-26, 2008
NE
Midwest Renaissance Festival
May 17-26, 2008
NJ
New Jersey Renaissance Kingdom
May 31 - June 21, 2008
New Jersey Family Medieval Festival
June 7-8 2008
Pirates of Tortuga
May 31- June 21, 2008
Fantasy Faire: A Festival of Medieval Arts
June 7-8, 2008
NY
The Brass Ring Thing VIII Ren Faire
June 7, 2008
OK
Oklahoma Renaissance Festival
May 3-26, 2008
PA
Midsummer Renaissance Faire
June 6-7, 2008
TN
Tennessee Renaissance Festival
May 3-26, 2008
TX
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
April 5 - May 26, 2008

For more information—and our complete list—please visit our Faire List at: www.renaissancemagazine.com/fairelist.hml

Advertising Options—We Have Something for Everyone's Budget!

Display Advertising: We print 6 issues a year and offer display ads ranging from a Full Page Color down to 1/16 b/w. Prices are $1250 - $125 per insertion. *Call for deadlines and issue content. Click Here for additional information.

Directory 2008: With comments like, “This is the ‘bible’ for the Renaissance community.“I will take this issue with me where ever I go.”, an ad in the 2008 directory is almost guaranteed to receive a great response. *Deadline July 1, 2008. Contract Here

On The Net/Link: Advertise your business with a 25 word description in 2 issues of Renaissance Magazine for only $100 and receive a FREE link on our web site. (which receives approx 16,000 hits per day!) *Deadline to start in July issue is NOW! Contract Here

E-Newsletter/Banner Ad: Electronically reach your target audience. Our email list is growing daily and a banner ad in our monthly newsletter for a pittance of $50 will invite your business into our reader’s home. (Special--Sign up for 3 consecutive months for only $100!) *Deadline 10th of any month. Contract Here

 

Renaissance Faires News

 Whitman College Renaissance Faire (WA)

“Unfortunately, I left my armor at home, in the laundry,” said Ruth Garcia, an Oregon resident, as she peddled chain mail at Saturday’s 38th annual Renaissance Faire. “Luckily vending is fun!”

This year’s faire drew colorful costumes and eye-catching performances, from sword fighting demonstrations to musical and theatrical performances.

Some attendees were highly enthusiastic about recreating the medieval period. “I was in England when I saw some of these old pieces,” Garcia said of her motivation to create chain mail. She began working on some pieces as many as three years ago, in addition to knitting and crocheting. She is also a member of the Empire of Adria, who led broadsword demonstrations throughout the day…

“Though I’m not particularly interested [in the time period], I’m really enjoying it,” said Walla Walla resident Juli Stout, with three children in tow. “The activities are great for kids, and this is the first time I’ve been to the campus, which is beautiful.”

Sunny and warm weather helped create a lighthearted atmosphere…

Planning begins with the school year and picks up heat during the second semester. “It’s cool that people get excited. You work all year long and then in these last few days it comes together,” said sophomore Brittin Borland, who participated for the first time this year.
Despite high attendance and general enjoyment, Borland, who will head up next year’s event, said that the faire will “possibly be smaller” in the future, with at least five valued members of the organizing committee graduating this year…

Borland and Kahn plan to reach out to incoming freshman in hopes to gain enough new members, and are thinking of ideas for next year.

“This was our first time coming and we’re already talking about coming back,” said Walla Walla residents Mike and Nancy Vidican, who praised the skill of blacksmith Torvald Sorensen.

Jen Johnson, access services manager at Penrose Library and a vendor at the faire, was dressed in full regalia and has attended the faire six times. “My kids come and do magic shows,” she said. “I love it.”

Complete article:
http://whitmanpioneer.com/ae/2008/04/30/renfaire-popular-yet-faces-uncertain-future/


Ocean Springs Renaissance Festival (MS)

Freedom Field in Ocean Springs was surrounded by a moat Saturday morning, as men dressed in elaborate costumes desperately tried to dig it out. But thanks to a morning shower, the seventh Annual Ocean Springs Renaissance Festival has the perfect setting.

The sounds of the 15th Century take you back in time when the simplicity of life meant hard work for everyone.

"It's a whole different world. Children? They were working as soon as they could toddle, collecting eggs and weeding the garden. Our kids? We send them off to school, that's a luxury," Theresa Anoskey said.
Another luxury of the modern age? Not wearing a tight corset.

"You do have to wear it a couple of times before you wear one for an event, or you will pass out!" Janelle Walker said….

Complete article:
http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=8266633&nav=6DJI


Ocean Springs Renaissance Faire (MS)

The 7th annual Ocean Springs Renaissance Faire or "Faire By the Sea" started off slightly wet Saturday morning but the afternoon brought sunshine and big crowds.

The two-day Faire is set up in a large open field on Porter Avenue and features interaction with colorful characters of the past, full-contact equestrian jousts, wood lances, armored knights and thundering hooves….

The royal joust was performed by the "Knights of Valour," a Canadian troupe of full-armored knights on horseback.

The Faire also featured a royal procession celebrating the reign of 2008 King Nathan LeBlanc and Queen Michelle Hale.

Live entertainment, musicians "A Frayed Knot" and "Blarney Coast," medieval dancing and blacksmithing demonstrations were some of the highlights of the afternoon….

Families roamed the grounds enjoying the tumbling jesters and took turns at the mystical fishpond.

Children searched for fairies in the magical Faerie Village, and visited the royal petting zoo complete with exotic animals…

Complete article and picture:
http://www.sunherald.com/201/story/534919.html


Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire

Just 45 minutes and 500 years from St. Louis, you’ll find a unique weekend escape for the whole family. That’s where 20 acres in Wentzville, Mo., will be transformed into “petite” Lyons, France, during the year 1523 for the 10th annual Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire. The faire runs from May 17 through June 8 on weekends and Memorial Day.

“As soon as our guests enter the gates, it is as if they’ve walked back in time,” says King Francois I, aka Ted Jander, who has portrayed the king since the 2002 season. “The overall atmosphere is fantastic.”

You’ll hear “bonjour” or “ca va” as you wander through the 16th century village along rolling, wooded acres at Rotary Park. Guests from all walks of life can meet with the king and Queen Claude (yes, that’s her name…
Even with a stretch of a few years, you will find the history more accurate than most Renaissance fairs, she says, which usually are English. And it will be entertaining. There will be close to 200 volunteers dressed as everything from French nobility to beggars and peasants, armored jousting knights on warhorses, and a Kids Kingdom for children. There are nine stages with acts running continuously all day, including two new this year, MooNiE the Magnif’Cent and Willy’s Wenches. You’ll also find Scottish and German encampments with hands-on activities….

The actors are given a 30-year leeway in period dress, but with the patrons, anything goes. So you’ll see men dressed as Roman Gladiators, teens wearing prom dresses and children wearing Halloween princess and knight costumes.

History buffs may want to take the weekend even further by visiting some of the French historical sites in the area…

Get more information on the French connection, the Renaissance Faire, hotels and other attraction, by visiting www.ExploreStLouis.com.

Complete article:
http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2008/may/04/french-connection/?diem


Letter to the editor:

This was my first year to visit any Renaissance Festival, ever, and I had a great time at Scarborough Faire. Just wanted to let you know that this blog entry was the reason I decided to go! Normally I try to stick closer to the metroplex for my explorations, but thanks for the inspiration -- it was worth the effort. I've got a blog entry of my own and a few pics if you want to take a look: http://www.dfwandme.com/446/scarborough-renaissance-festival-waxahachie-part-i/

Cheers! Floyd


Utah Renaissance Festival and Fantasy Faire

…Hear minstrels, see jousting contests, dance and other performing arts. There will also be an Olde Marketplace where vendors will sell their wares, including forged swords, exotic jewelry, leather crafts, clothing and food.

Among the many performers (will be) the Royal Magick of Seattle and the musical group the Glastonbury Duo,. Shauna Burns will bring her troupe of musicians to headline May 16-18 at 7 p.m.

Burns, a world-renowned, Celtic-inspired musician, is a graduate of the University of Utah and looks forward to returning to the Beehive State.

"This will be the first Renaissance Festival that we've ever done," said Burns during a phone call from Long Beach, Calif., last week. "I've got friends and family in Utah. So, I'm pretty excited to be coming home…"

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695277468,00.html


Park View Middle School Renaissance Faire (CA)

The Renaissance returned to Park View Middle School May 2 as students dressed the part, learned to weave, dance, play games and watch a jousting with real horses. The Renaissance Faire was a day-long event for PVMS students who came dressed in peasant and regal attire.


Equestrian Renaissance

Horses from the Pass Pioneers 4-H club underscored the festivities. Club members handled the equines while demonstrating the training, jousting and jumping which illustrated training needed for horses in preparation for their life with an English Knight.

Jenny Anderson, one of the 4H leaders, told the crowd, “Jousting was particularly tough training for horses because, in the clash of titans at a Renaissance Joust, they would see the long lance coming straight at them and would turn aside to dodge the danger (hence the term ‘horse sense'). The huge draft horse steeds had to be taught to run straight ahead,” Anderson added, “Or they would have to be blindfolded.”

While talking to students about the life of a Knight, Alyssa Smith and Katelyn Edwards explained the fact that a Renaissance horse was as expensive as a private jet is today. Smith said, “That is why it was difficult for them to obtain horses and knighthood was so important.”
 

Renaissance Smithy

There was a blacksmith at the Faire showing students how metal working was done in medieval times. Brent Richardson demonstrated “smithing” by actual use of hammers, a fire pit and metals allowing students to give the anvil their best shot. “The reason we heat the metal is because it becomes easier to work,” Richardson said. “Just hammering a piece of metal also creates heat.” Richardson posted a medieval family coat of arms and also added to the feel of the village blacksmith with his appearance and attire.
 

Renaissance Games

One of the games students learned by actually playing, was called Rounders…Rounders is played with a stick (bat) and a “ball” that is probably five times larger than a modern-day soft ball. The stick used was just about three feet long and two inches wide. The ball is “pitched” to the hitter. The similarity to modern day baseball ends right there.

There are no foul balls, no strikes and the runner is tagged out only when hit by the “ball” (hence the term out cold). It doesn't matter where the ball is hit. It can be hit backwards (towards what would be today's backstop). Outs are recorded only if the defense catches the ball on the first hop or hits the runner with the ball. There is no set number of outs. Each member of the ‘team' gets to be a hitter….
 

Renaissance Dancing

Dancing, it was learned, came from the need for young people to have a chance to meet other young people, especially those of the opposite sex. In the Renaissance people of great means usually arranged marriages for their children while families of more humble origins had to meet and court their own spouses. One of the few means of meeting other people was to attend a dance…
 

Renaissance Armor

A substitute teacher, Mr. Rakshannah Ranney, also brought to the Faire part of his private medieval collection of metal armor used by Knights. A student, Chris Manicella, was wearing the mesh weave metal armor and a “pig-face” metal helmet. Ranney showed students the chronology through which the body armor went during the era, especially helmets. “I am quite proud of the helmet from the crusades,” he said as he showed it to the gathering…
 

Renaissance Weaving

Cheryl Wilcox demonstrated wheat weaving. She and other adult leaders helped students with a hands-on weaving of a heart shaped weaving of three strands which were used as a romantic way for a young renaissance man to ask a young lady to “go steady.” Wilcox added, “If a young lady would wear this near her heart it meant that her heart was taken…”

Complete article:
http://www.newsmirror.net/articles/2008/05/08/entertainment/01entertainment.txt


Mayfaire Renaissance Festival (MI)

The Mayfaire Renaissance Festival site is nestled in a natural, wooded area of the Calhoun County fairgrounds. While strolling through the lanes you'll encounter boatloads of pirates, fierce Vikings, jolly jugglers, comedians, richly costumed lords and ladies, wacky wenches, merry musicians and more! History, legend and fantasy come to life with period encampments, educational displays, sword fighting, belly dancing and street theatre…

n the mood to shop ‘til you drop? The village marketplace abounds with one of a kind merchandise, including jewelry, pottery, toys, crafts, period clothing and accoutrements. Our artisans will showcase fine wares not found in the average shopping mall. Hungry? Try a wide variety of taste tempting treats from the village kitchens. There will be plenty of fine foods to feast upon and non alcoholic cool drinks to wet your whistle.
Children of all ages will enjoy an escape from the mundane world as they mingle with princesses and peasants, fairies, storytellers, and keep an eye out for the OGRE! Everyone is encouraged to feel free to dress up in period costume to become a part of the atmosphere of a pre 1600 village. Kids love coming to the faire dressed as their favorite pirate, fairy or as “visiting royalty.” And no visit to the enchanting realm of Marshallmoor would be complete without an audience with the Queen and her Royal Court…

For more information, visit www.mayfaireren.com

Complete article:
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/NEIGHBORHOODS05/805120333


Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire

…This year's scenario takes visitors back in time to the mid-16th century town of Petit Lyon, France. There, Charles III, duc de Bourbon, has just been exiled from France after teaming with Henry VII of England and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V to plot against King Francois. About 200 volunteers will help re-create the scenario with costumes and mannerisms from the era. Ninety merchants also will set up booths to sell pottery, silver and jewelry while 30 entertainment acts perform on nine stages throughout the fair's four-week run.

New acts this year include MooNiE the Magnif'cent, a whistling acrobat comedian, and Willie's Wenches, a group of reject jugglers. The fair also will offer new food this year, including a beef kabob stand and English pub food. People who come to a Renaissance Faire want to try something different, so organizers do their best to bring in new merchants and products each year…

INFORMATION: www.stlrenfaire.com

Complete article:

http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2008/05/14/entertainment/sj2tn20080513-0514stc-faire0.ii1.txt


18th Annual Renaissance and Pirate Faire (CA)

…Hundreds of people strolled the grounds decked out in Renaissance and Buccaneer attire, greeting each other with “ahoy” and “g’day to ye.” Feeling more than slightly out of place without a single sword, dagger, or eyepatch on me person, I headed to the vendors’ tents, where one could purchase everything from the tightest corset this side of the Atlantic to cheesy “Check Ye Booty Here” flags to legitimate bronze medallions engraved with ancient Celtic symbols…

The food court played host to its share of historic themes, including a tavern with the ale (and plenty o’ rum) liberally poured by a fair wench, corn on the cob, and mouth-watering giant turkey legs, offered at special Mother’s Day prices to boot. (The use of utensils and napkins was largely frowned upon.)

The afternoon’s entertainment included a demonstration of life in Queen Elizabeth’s court; exotic belly-dancing, although I’m not sure what part of Renaissance culture this portrayed; a pirate-folk band paying lyrical homage to rum, wenches, pillaging and plundering; and a battle reenactment that pitted a rogue pirate crew against the queen’s armed forces. As the cannons fired, I experienced simultaneous feelings of joy and fear hearing—hopefully for the only time in my life—dozens of children screaming “Off with his head!” and “Long live the queen!”…

Complete article and picture gallery:
http://www.independent.com/news/2008/may/15/pirate-y-peeps/


Shakespeare Family Renaissance Faire (AK)

…Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre — teaming up with the Society for Creative Anachronism — is putting on the fair at the end of June and is looking for people to fill demonstration booths, play period music and volunteer for the day.

Almost every aspect of the event is open for more people, from musicians, like harpists and Celtic dancers, madrigal singers and small ensembles, to volunteers to take tickets, sell food or help keep the area clean.
“We’d like to get people doing pottery and quilting, and handmade craft goods that have something to do with the time,” Lively said. “Anywhere from about 1050 up to 1600 is the Renaissance era we’re looking for.”
People taking part will have the freedom to choose a persona for the day.  “What we want is for vendors and performers and volunteers to all have personalities and their own characters. You can be a peasant or a lord or a lady, or anything along the way, or be a pirate or a fairy. You can be a lot of things,” Lively said.

Plenty of vendors and demonstrations are already in place for the event, with the help of Society for Creative Anachronism members, who will create a mini village filled with stations where children and adults can get a close look at weaving, dancing and armored fighting.

“Most of the people up here are into the indoor-style arts, like brewers and armor makers,” said Michele Griffin, the Baroness of the local SCA chapter.

Throughout the day, Society for Creative Anachronism members will demonstrate historical re-enactments of fights.

“After the demonstrations, we’ll have boffer stations allowing them to try different styles but in a safe environment,” Griffin said.  The June 28 faire will include a “whole legion of belly dancers,” yarn spinning and glass blowing demonstrations, and a giant games area, including a life-sized chessboard and a ring-shooting area. A faerie land will be set up as a play area for children, and maze set up as the Knight’s Castle.

“There will be a bunch of other larger-than-life games and a bunch of historical games,” Lively said. “We’ll have root beer and turkey legs and meat on a stick and potatoes and corn, and lots of desserts and all kinds of good things.”

The Renaissance Faire is part of the Alaska Shakespeare Festival, new to the area this year, and includes Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre’s productions “Twelfth Night” and “Taming of the Shrew.” The event will include theatrical productions of “Taming of the Shrew” and a “rotten tomato play” performed by the junior company.  “You can buy tomatoes and throw them at these bad actors,” Lively said….

Complete article:

http://newsminer.com/news/2008/may/16/family-renaissance-faire-seeking-few-good-fools/

 

Renaissance People

34th Annual Ohio State University Medieval and Renaissance Faire

…Rain or shine, hundreds of reenactors will transform the area into Buck's Eye Hollow, a village straight out of 16th century England, complete with singing, dancing and - of course - plenty of warfare.

"Anything you want, we've got it," said sophomore Jennifer Torpie, guild master of the Ohio State Medieval and Renaissance Performer's Guild.

The event is a collaboration between the guild and students in the Council for the Medieval and Renaissance Faire, whose members have devoted the entire year to organizing the festivities.

"They do it all by themselves," said James Mulick, the guild's faculty advisor. "It baffles me how this goes on for three decades, combining all these amazing components, when students are coming and going every four years."

Like family heirlooms, various aspects of the event are handed down through the years from guild member to guild member. Older "guildies" help the new recruits choreograph fight scenes and create their costumes from scratch.

Other elements of the performances rely on independent research. For assistance with their accents, Torpie said the members turn to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

"It's actually pretty accurate," Torpie said with a laugh.

The faire's theme, "The Road to Camelot," has the guild acting out the story of the transformation of a young servant boy (played by junior Steve Wohlwend) into the great King Arthur. When Merlin (junior Brittany Zweibel) comes to collect young Arthur, she meets opposition in the form of Lady Ester (alumna Reylissa Miranti)….

At one point, a heated debate between Merlin and Lady Ester is settled with a human combat chessboard, where rooks, bishops and the lot are replaced with weapon-yielding village members who must duke it out to retain their positions on the board.

Later, an action-packed melee scene features more than a dozen guild members battling with swords and daggers, filling the air with the harsh clanking of metal on metal.

For every draw of the sword, there is also a giggle, with the guild frequently throwing improvisational comedy into their act.

Particularly funny moments happen whenever Torpie's character, town leper Jane Farmer, enters the scene. Forced to wear a belt equipped with a cowbell, Farmer's appearance spawns blood-curdling screams and sends town members running for the hills.

The passion the guild members have for this event is apparent to their audiences.

"These guys look like they've been having a lot of fun with this," said junior Sean Stevenson as he watched the 25 guild members rehearse on the South Oval. "I think it's pretty cool."

Professional performers will also be on display at the faire, including Shakespearean actors, magicians, acrobats and warfare demonstrators.

Students looking to get in on the action can participate in duels with foam swords called boffers.

Dozens of vendors will also be available, and will be selling period food, crafts and clothing….

Complete article:

http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2008/05/02/Arts/Ren-Faire.Fever.To.Sweep.Campus.This.Weekend-3362659.shtml


Ye Old Times

Lindsay Lohan is no longer a cast member in Ye Old Times, a comedy centering on a Renaissance Faire with Jack Black and David Arquette.

http://www.thecelebritycafe.com/features/15859.html


Nebraska Renaissance Faire

Actors and attendees braved the rain Saturday for the sixth annual Nebraska Renaissance Faire.
Twenty professional performing groups offered 75 shows each day this weekend, including live entertainment and reenactments.

“To me, it's like a three-ring circus with two musicals thrown in,” says the faire’s Gregory Schmidt. “It's just very full, you cannot take it in all in one day."


Becoming a Renaissance Faire Lady

Being Scarborough Renaissance Festival's newest monster hunter in the Mythical Monster Museum, an immersive magical attraction at Waxahachie's Scarborough Renaissance Festival, which is often called Scarborough Faire., is a tough gig, but worth it.

Huge article, with lots of details, plus pictures:

http://www.dallasobserver.com/2008-05-15/news/becoming-a-renaissance-faire-lady#comments


Villagers to Reenact 16th Century Wedding (Malta)

On Saturday evening the narrow winding streets of Zurrieq and the picturesque Xarolla windmill will provide the backdrop for a re-enactment of a 16th century wedding, which is being held for the second year running.

Last year, the re-enactment was held on a Sunday morning, and although 16th century weddings were traditionally morning weddings, the organizers decided to go for an evening event this year.

The re-enactment is again being organised by the cultural division of the St Catherine Band Club’s central committee.

The wedding march will leave Republic Square in Zurrieq at about 6pm and the public is invited to participate as “guests”, as the “bride” and “groom” walk along the narrow streets together with the rest of the 65-odd actors – all Zurrieq residents this year.

Annalisa Schembri from the organising committee of the event said the idea of the wedding re-enactment was to have the community at large join in, rather than simply act as spectators.

“This is a different kind of street theatre. The setting provides for guests to speak to the actors. We’re also planning to have a transition between light and darkness at dusk, so we will create a complementary atmosphere to the quaint streets by lighting oil lamps (fjakkli) and candles,” said Ms Schembri.

Actors and guests will walk through Carmel Street, where a number of villagers will exhibit traditional workmanship and crafts, while folk music will be played live.

The “wedding ceremony” will be held on the parvis of St Bartholomeo’s Chapel, alongside the Xarolla windmill, and will be followed by a reception at the windmill, which will be open to visitors.


Ironclad

Ironclad is sounding awesome. Variety reports that the film is the first project for the newly formed Mythic International Entertainment, and will be directed by Jonathan English.

Why is this sounding so awesome? The cast. Already signed to the $30 million feature is Richard Attenborough, Pete Postlethwaite, Angus Macfayden, and Colm Meaney. Meanwhile, James Purefoy and Paul Giamatti are in talks to join the production as well. It's a historical feature full of talented testosterone!

Set in 13th century England, the film will focus on "a small band of knights who defended Rochester Castle against the tyrant King John…"

Complete article:

http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/16/paul-giamatti-and-more-are-looking-to-get-ironclad-and-medieval/

 

Highlights

On Newsstands Now —Issue 61
Special Wedding Issue

Medieval Marriage: Ritual, Religion, and Superstition
Planning a medieval or renaissance ceremony? Don't miss this insider's guide to how lords and ladies tied the knot over five hundred years ago.

Dancing at Your Renaissance Wedding
A step-by-step guide to the Black Alman, Petit Vriens, and much more!

The Politics and Passion of Secret Weddings
For all the risks, marrying in secret was sometimes the only way renaissance lovers could be together

Renaissance Magazine's Wedding Music Guide
Our comprehensive collection of the very best musical selections for your renaissance wedding.

To Be Wed at the Faire
Our guide to the Renaissance-themed wedding venues.

The 2008 Wedding Photo Contest Winners
Feast thine eyes upon the newlyweds voted in the top rank!

Wedding Fashions for Lords and Ladies
A very special selection of period wedding attire.

http://www.renaissancemagazine.com/backissues/issue61.html


Upcoming Summer Issue:

The Field of the Cloth of Gold
Discover what motivated England's Henry VIII and French King Francis I to arrange one of the most celebrated and spectacular events of the Renaissance. The two monarchs tried to impress and outdo one another, nearly bankrupting their respective treasuries.

Women's Voices: Songs of the Trobairitz
Renaissance Magazine examines women troubadours, the female singers and poets employed by the royal courts of Europe. At its pinnacle during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the troubadour form can be credited with giving ride to the medieval voice of women composers, the "trobairitz."

Ravenswood School of Jousting
We go behind the scenes at the only school of its kind in the state of New Mexico, and learn about the founders of the American Jousting Federation.

Torture Museums
What do the Neck Violin, the Heretic's Fork, the Pear, the Iron Maiden, the Branks, the Claw, and the Judas Cradle have in common? These strange and gruesome devices were used by medieval torturers, churchs, and public authorities to extract confessions. We visit three torture museums in the Netherlands, England, and Belgium.

Forsoothly Spoken: Old Norse Gods and Goddesses
While most people may have heard of Thor and Loki, ancient Scandinavian spiritual beliefs encompassed an entire realm of other-worldly individuals. Try your hand at matching up Old Norse deities and supernatural beings with the things they were most closely associated with.

......and much, much more!


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