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The Bristol Renaissance Faire (BRF) has a variety of opportunities for folke with a wide range of performance experience and skills. There are some paid positions available for experienced performers and many positions available for volunteers. BRF encourages performers of all ethnicities and backgrounds to audition.
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IMPORTANT DATES
The Faire runs 9 weekends / 19 days - Saturdays and Sundays, starting July 10 through Labor Day Weekend, ending Monday, September 6, 2010.
Open auditions will be held Friday night, February 19th; Saturday, February 20th, and Sunday, February 21st, 2010.
Classes and rehearsals run weekends starting June 5, 2010 - unless otherwise scheduled by individual Directors.
Every first year performer must also attend one pre-rehearsal costume workshop.
You may check back here for updates or, if cast, your Guildemaster or Director will keep you informed |
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Not all participants need to audition!
If you want to join one of the Historical Guildes or Friends of Faire, you need not audition. Guildes at BRF focus on entertaining our patrons through a theatrical re-creation of the history of Renaissance England. Prospective guildmembers to do not need to audition, but are welcome to do so, or they need to contact the appropriate Guildemaster. See the contact information below for the Guilde in which you are interested.
If you want to be a Street Character, Kids Kingdom Performer, Variety Performer (juggler, magician, etc.), Dancer, Fantastical, Fight Cast member, Musician, or RenQuest cast member, you must schedule an audition. See "Scheduling an Audition" information below.
In order to be a member of the Entertainment Cast, you must be at least 16 years of age by the beginning of the Faire season or have either a parent or guardian on the Faire site at all times during show days.
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SCHEDULING AN AUDITION:
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Everyone wishing to audition must contact us to schedule a time.
Auditions will be held:
Friday night, February 19th
Saturday, February 20th
Sunday, February 21st, 2010.
Auditions times are broken into multiple sessions, as follows:
- Session 1 - Friday February 19th -- 6:20-7:50 PM
- Session 2 - Friday February 19th -- 8:00-9:30 PM
- Session 3 - Saturday February 20th -- 9:00-10:30 AM
- Session 4 - Saturday February 20th -- 10:40-12:10 PM
- Session 5 - Saturday February 20th -- 1:30-3:00 PM
- Session 6 - Saturday February 20th -- 3:10-4:40 PM
- Session 7 - Saturday February 20th -- 4:50-6:20 PM
- Session 8 - Saturday February 20th -- 7:40-9:10 PM
- Session 9 - Sunday February 21st -- 10:00-11:30 AM
- Session 10 - Sunday February 21st -- 11:40-1:10 PM
- Session 11 - Sunday February 21st -- 2:40-4:10 PM
- Session 12 - Sunday February 21st -- 4:20-5:50 PM
Before scheduling an audition slot, have the following information ready:
- Preferred time slot - your choices are Sessions 1-12
- Your full name, address, phone and email address.
- Your birthdate.
- The troupe, guilde, or position you wish to audition for. (Note: you may choose "open audition"; you don't need to choose one in the list.)
To schedule an audition or if you have questions about auditioning,
please e-mail Betsy Grindol, the Assistant Entertainment Coordinator. You may also call us at 847-395-7773 ext. 231 - however the most effective and efficient manner of contacting us is via email.
Bring along: Everyone who auditions must have a head-shot (or a recent picture of your face), a performance resume, and a copy of your photo identification on the day of auditions. They will be kept on file, so please do not bring a photo or copy of the ID that you cannot leave with us.
Be prepared: Every performer auditioning should be prepared to sing and do acting improvisation exercises. Be prepared to spend up to three hours at the audition location. Note: Your song may be absolutely anything of your choosing - from Happy Birthday to your favorite operatic piece.
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AUDITION LOCATION:
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Auditions are being held at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center located at 11800 108th Street - Pleasant Prairie, WI - approximately a mile from the Faire on the east side of I-94 adjacent to the outlet mall. Go to http://www.radisson.com/kenoshawi and click on the Directions/Map for details on how to get to the Radisson.
When you enter the hotel, you will see signs in the lobby directing you to audition check in. Please proceed immediately to check in.
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HOW AUDITIONS WORK:
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Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your audition slot.
When you arrive, you will sign in and hand over your resume, head-shot, and copy of your photo identification. All those auditioning are directed to a general waiting room where you may warm up. Please be considerate of your fellow performers.
Performers will be escorted to see the panel of Directors one at a time in the order in which you signed in. After you present your audition pieces, you will be asked to remain for group exercises. Therefore, it's a good idea not to plan to be anywhere else for the rest of the morning or afternoon you are scheduled to audition.
If your warm-up includes singing or running through a choreographed fight, you will be directed to a space to prepare - it may be out of doors. The Bristol Renaissance Faire is an outdoor theatrical venue, so it's never too early to get used to it!
Note: Please do not bring in any food or beverages other than bottled water.
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PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITES for which to AUDITION:
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- Actor-Combatants for the Fight Cast, "By the Sword" - Robin Hood, the Evil Sheriff, and their bands perform in the stage and street scenes involving the Robin Hood scenario. Both male and female actor-combatants are encouraged to audition. There are both paid and volunteer performance opportunities in this cast.
- Bristol Buskin Frolic, the Happy, Dancing Peasants - High-energy performers with movement skills to perform in the colorful Bristol Buskin Frolic. Specific dance experience is helpful but not required. Especially seeking Irish Step Dancers. Characters who love to sing, dance, frolic and play all day. Also musicians to play for the singing, dancing and frolicing. These are volunteer performance opportunities.
- Dynamic, "Larger Than Life" Street Characters - Want to be a Dockside Floozy? A Gravedigger? A Foole? We're casting improvisational street performers who roam the streets interacting with the Faire's patrons.
- Fantastikals - Performers with strong movement skills to portray the fae and ethereal fairie-denizens of the shire. This area includes both volunteer and paid performance opportunities.
- Kids Kingdom Characters - Characters who perform for and with children - both one-on-one and on stage. This area includes both volunteer and paid performance opportunities.
- Musicians - instrumentalists and vocal musicians. Especially seeking musicians who play recorder and other Renaissance instruments. This area includes both volunteer and paid performance opportunities. High School Band and Orchestra students encouraged to audition. Instruments may be provided.
- RenQuest - Performers with strong characterization and storytelling ability and game or role playing experience are encouraged to portray Thoren and his travelers as they race against the Draco Disciples in a struggle for the secrets of good and evil. The roles includes mostly volunteer opportunities.
- Stilt/Puppet Performers - Performers to manipulate Body Puppets and to walk stilts throughout the Faire.
- Towne Criers / Hail and Well Met! - Performers who act as the official Ambassadors and Greeters to the Faire.
- Variety Artists - Jugglers, magicians, sword-swallowers, etc., to play the streets and/or the stages of the Faire. This area includes both volunteer and paid performance opportunities. Troupes or performers with an established act may also audition via videotape or DVD. Please forward promotional materials to the Faire attn: Bob Brinkman.
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AUDITION PREPARATION:
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People auditioning should prepare the following:
- Actor-Combatants for the Fight Cast - One comic monologue, one song, and one prepared fight scene. Monologue should not exceed one minute, songs must be sung a cappella, and fight scenes should not exceed 2 minutes. You will need to provide your own fight partner and weaponry. Contemporary monologues are acceptable, Classical are preferred. Also be prepared do character and improvisation exercises. NOTE: Casting will only be considered for performers who can commit to rehearsing the 5 Sundays prior to opening, and the Monday and Friday before opening day. Performers must also be available to perform all 19 days of the Faire season.
- Bristol Buskin Frolic, the Happy, Dancing Peasants - A demonstration of movement or dance skills, up to one and one half minutes in length and a comic monologue, classic or contemporary, no longer than one minute in length. Be prepared to sing, do improvisational exercises and movement exercises. Prior Renaissance-era or folk-dance experience is not required. A boom-box will be available should you wish to bring pre-recorded musical accompaniment for movement/dance audition purposes. You will need to bring your own music cassette or CD. Especially interested in performers with Irish Step Dance experience or a high interest in learning this form of dance.
- Dynamic, "Larger Than Life" Street Characters - One comic monologue (contemporary is acceptable, classical is preferred) and one song. Monologues should not exceed 90 seconds and songs must be sung a cappella. Be prepared to do character and improvisation exercises.
- Fantastikals - A demonstration of movement or dance skills, up to one and one half minutes in length. If you have any other special skills such as drumming or other forms of music, please also prepare one presentation, not to exceed one and one half minutes. Be prepared to sing and do improvisational exercises, either alone or in a group. A boom-box will be available should you wish to bring pre-recorded musical accompaniment for movement/dance audition purposes. You will need to bring your own music cassette or CD.
- Kids Kingdom - One monologue, preferably comic, or one story, within 90 seconds, one song, with an opportunity for a brief showing of skills (juggling, puppetry, etc. if applicable) not to exceed 90 seconds. Those auditioning for Kids Kingdom should be prepared to sing and to do character and improvisation exercises.
- Musicians and Vocalists - One musical piece, not to exceed one and one half minutes, preferably a Renaissance-era piece, and one monologue or story, preferably comic, not to exceed one minute. Musicians, instrumental and vocal, may be asked to sight-read. Instrumentalists should be prepared to sing and all musicians should be prepared to do some acting improvisation exercises.
- RenQuest - One comic monologue, one song, and one game demonstration. Classic or Contemporary monologues are acceptable and should be no more than 90 seconds in length. Songs must be sung a cappella. The game demonstration should explain any game in less than two minutes (anything from Hangman to Risk to World of Warcraft). Please note that this should be done in some sort of character. Those auditioning for RenQuest should be prepared to do character and improvisation exercises.
- Towne Criers - One comic monologue, classic or contemporary, no longer than 90 seconds in length. We'd also like to hear a demonstration of your vocal projection skills by having you read aloud from a selection we will provide. Be prepared to sing, do improvisational exercises and movement exercises.
- Variety Performers - Variety performers (jugglers, magicians, fire-eaters, etc.) should prepare a demonstration of their skills, preferably with patter, up to three minutes. In addition, variety performers may be asked to participate in group improvisation exercises.
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HISTORICAL PERFORMING GUILDES:
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The Guildes at BRF focus on entertaining our patrons through a theatrical re-creation of the history of Renaissance England. If you want to join one of the Historical Guildes, you need not audition, but are welcome to do so. You do need to contact the Guildemaster listed and discuss participating.
The Guildes include:
Guilde of St. George - (The Court of Queen Elizabeth) In portraying the Court of Queen Elizabeth Tudor, the Guilde of St. George seeks to bring you into the Elizabethan Renaissance, a time of great splendor, royal intrigue and a greater appreciation of the arts. Many of the persons portrayed lived and left their mark during the reign of Queen Elizabeth - as her Privy Councillors, Maids of Honor, high-ranking peers and household. Some held positions of high influence; others were barely noticed by Her Grace. Nevertheless, each makes a significant contribution to the Court.
Specific positions for 2010: (see St. George's web site for more info)
- Francois de Valois, Duc d'Alencon
- *Looking for men between the ages of 25 and 35 years (d'Alencon was 24!).
- *Slim to medium body type (d'Alencon had a pretty athletic build).
- *MUST be fluent in French or to convincingly display a French dialect and phrases. (reading and writing also very helpful).
- *MUST be able to make a FULL-TIME commitment to the 2010 season, including all pre-season Guilde of St. George activities (all workshops, rehearsals, B.A.P.A. training, and other on-site responsibilities).
- *Previous theater experience a plus; previous dance experience a plus.
- The person to be cast will be dependable, responsible, confident, mature; able to command and hold focus; able to learn 16th Century Italian court dances; able to work on own without close supervision; willing to do historical research, enjoy theater, history, and education. Other requirements include a healthy constitution, the ability to stand for long periods of time, and reliable transportation. Access to the Internet is not necessary, but is extremely helpful.
- Jean de Simier
- He represented d'Alencon in England. Simier was by all accounts older than the Duc. Same requirements as above.
- Also looking for:
- Men, 18-30, to portray royal retainers, companions, and servants.
- * MUST be fluent in French or to convincingly display a French dialect and phrases.
Guilde of St. Michael - (English Military Guilde) Be one of the few, the proud, the Guilde of St. Michael! You can:
- Wear armour
- Swing a sword
- Wield a twelve foot pike
- Shoot a matchlock musket
- Loose a longbow
- Look dashing
- Live to tell the tale
The Elizabethan Age was generally a time of peace and prosperity in England. That was also the era of the beginnings of an organized military presence. The Guilde of St. Michael provides this presence and offers participation to those interested in this part of history. Although the Guilde has historical re-enactment as its vehicle, entertainment of the Faire patrons is the primary objective. All ranks of the Elizabethan military are represented and all aspects are shown through demonstrations, pageantry, weaponry, and "recruitment" of patrons throughout the day.
Guilde of St. Lawrence - (English Middle Class History Guilde) Age of Elizabeth marked the rise of the middle class in Western society - a rise rooted in increasing trade and material prosperity. The Guilde of St. Lawrence portrays the common citizens of Bristol - citizens who live and work at the Dirty Duck Inn. At the Inn we live the history of England, preparing meals as the Faire's food co-op, interactively demonstrating the daily life of the middle and lower classes, and bringing the outside visitor into our world. We sing, we dance, we play. We cook, we work, we feast. Ultimately, we celebrate the arrival of Queen Elizabeth to Bristol and we share our joy at her arrival with Bristol's visitors.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
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If you have questions about any of these performance opportunities at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, please feel free to contact the following folke:
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WHAT HAPPENS AFTERWARDS?
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You will be contacted within two weeks with a casting decision. If you are cast, you will receive a package of information in the mail that will guide you into the rehearsal and class attendance process.
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BAPA
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All new cast members become a part of the Faire's training program, the Bristol Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA). Members of the Friends of Faire program do not attend the Entertainment Dept. BAPA classes, but are offered specialized classes through the FoF program.
BAPA is taught by a faculty of professional performers, historians, and arts educators. Past instructors have included performance professionals such as:
- Ann-Elizabeth Shapera - Municipal Jester for the City of Milwaukee / Jane the Phoole
- Brian Posen - Columbia College Improv Instructor, Producer of Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival and Improv Coach for the Steppenwolf
- Marcy Kearns - Milwaukee Shakespeare
- Mary B. Kababik - Professional Actress / Queen Elizabeth I
- T. Stacy Hicks - Milwaukee Repertory Theatre and Milwaukee Shakespeare
Classes may include Street Theatre, Improvisation, Dialects, Customs and Manners, Movement, Country Dance, Juggling, and a variety of Elizabethan History and Performance classes. In conjunction with Faire rehearsals, the BAPA program prepares our cast for performance at the Faire. There is no fee for participation in this program.
BAPA classes are all day on Saturdays beginning June 5, 2010 and run the 5 Saturdays prior to the opening day of the Faire.
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FRIENDS OF FAIRE
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Friends of Faire is open to anyone who enjoys the Bristol Renaissance Faire - Patrons, Merchants, and Performers are all welcome to join. By joining Friends of Faire, you can:
- Learn more about the Elizabethan period, the "Golden Age" of literature, theatre, and the sciences through classes and workshops made available to Friends of Faire members only.
- Enjoy the members-only Friends of Faire Garden, where you can meet your friends, relax, and watch the village go past.
- Improve your knowledge of period costuming, language, and customs.
- Receive a collector's medallion, handbook, discount tickets and many other important benefits.
- Meet some great people.
- Join in members-only group activities such as Faire Day Feasts.
Your Friends of Faire membership includes a variety of benefits designed to enhance your Faire experience. Three membership levels help you enjoy the benefits you want.
Level One - $35
- Collector's pewter membership medallion
- Access to the members-only Friends of Faire Garden, including your own backstage privy! (Huzzah!)
- Discount prices on additional tickets.
- Periodic Newsletter
- Members-only e-mail List Server
- Specialized classes and seminars on Elizabethan history, costuming, dancing, crafts, and more!
Level Two - $65
- Everything in Level One plus...
- Two complimentary adult tickets.
- Two 25% discount coupons for the Renaissance Collection shops.
Level Three - $110
- Everything in Level Two plus...
- Season Parking Pass with designated parking.
For information on Friends of Faire, contact:
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