Storyline: 'Oh the Year was 1578'... The Sheriff of Nottingham continues his reign of terror on the People of Sterling while Robin Hood and his band do everything they can to stop him. But today is a Festival Day and the Mayor is pleased to welcome guests to the Festival of the Insert funny item here (every weekend will be a new theme). He and the Sheriff have arranged fabulous entertainments for festival goers including a public execution. The Sheriff is unfazed by the arrival of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and members of her entourage who have come to enjoy the day's festivities. Will Law and Order prevail or will Justice derail the day's events?

top

The Professional Company

We are currently seeking Actors over the age of 17 to perform in both scripted and improvisational events. The Professional Company will portray interactive improvisational characters from the Court of Queen Elizabeth, members of the Robin Hood band and Sheriff's Guard, or the Village of Sterling. In addition to their characters, actors may have the opportunity to take part in other stage productions (as schedule allows/see below).

Compensation:
Members of the Professional Company are paid based on levels of participation and years of experience with the New York Renaissance Faire.

Rehearsal Commitment:
Night and weekend rehearsals in New York begin on May 28th through July 24th. Expect a minimum of two rehearsals per week. The more stage shows you are cast in, the more rehearsals you can expect. On-site weekend rehearsals for actor/combatants will begin on June 21st. Full Company on-site weekend rehearsals begin July 12th. There will be no rehearsals July 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th. Included in the rehearsal process will be Master Class Workshops in Improvisation and Elizabethan Language.

Rehearsal Times:
Rehearsals can be scheduled the following: Monday through Friday evenings beginning at 6:00pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 7pm.

Performance Dates:
Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday from August 2 to September 21, 2008. Performances are daytime only. Actors MUST be available for all 17 performance dates and Dress Rehearsal Weekend (July 26 & 27) NO PARTIALS. Call times are 9am until 7pm.

2008 Auditions:
Experienced actors (Equity or non-union OK) who are interested in auditioning for the faire should plan to attend OPEN AUDITIONS on Fri, May 2 & Sat May 3 at Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 8th Ave, 16th floor, NYC, starting at noon and running until 7pm (first come first seen). Please prepare a 1-2 minute comedic monologue. Singers should also prepare 16 bars a cappella of their best material. CALLBACKS will be held on Saturday, May 10th from noon-10pm.

2008 Productions:
The Scenario - Scripted and Improvisational Scenes. Seeking actors to portray members of Queen Elizabeth's Court, Robin Hood's Band of Merry Men, and Sheriff's Guard.

The Villagers of Sterling - Improvisational scenes and street work. Seeking actors with strong improvisational skills to portray the villagers of Sterling Shire.

Lysistrata - Full-length main stage production. Seeking comedic actors. All roles open.

The Living Chess Game - Seeking actors with strong actor/combatant training. SAFD Certification not required.

Hamlet for Two - Seeking actors with broad-based comedy experience.

3 Monks and a Trunk - Seeking well built men with strong comic experience.

Anthony and Cleopatra - Seeking actors with ability to create absurd comic characters.

SPLAT! Family Theatre - Seeking actors with strong improvisational comedy skills and no fear of water.

The Gypsy Troupe - Seeking actors with skills in dance and puppetry.

Maypole Country Dancers - Seeking actors with dance skills.

The Joust Spectacular - Seeking actors with dance and movement skills.

The Sirens of Sterling - Seeking women with strong part-singing ability.

The Royal Madrigals - Seeking men and women with strong part-singing ability.

top

---

The Journeyman Company

The New York Renaissance Faire is theatre on a grand scale needing many extras to bring history alive. If you have an interest in performing, or just love the Faire and want to be a part of it - we need you to be a member of our Journeyman Company.

We are looking for good-natured, responsible members of the Wenches, Rogues, Mercenaries or Privateers Guilds, over the age of 18 to be a part of our village and Royal Court. Acting experience is not required.

Journeyman Company Members will:
Be Lords and Ladies-in-waiting for the Court of Queen Elizabeth.
Be villagers who greet our patrons and give helpful information.
Add color and fun as they cheer and hawke for our staged performances and parades.

Compensation:
Members of the Journeyman Company are unpaid. However, you will receive preferred actor parking, complimentary tickets for your friends and families, and training for a very enjoyable theatrical adventure.

Rehearsal Schedule:
Journeyman company members will be required to attend weekend on-site rehearsals beginning July 12th from 10am until 7pm.

Performances:
Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday from August 2 to September 21, 2008. Performances are daytime only. Call times are 9am until 7pm. While we'd love to have you available all performance dates, we will extend partial-run contracts if we can find people willing to split the performance dates.

To Apply:
Please bring a picture (snapshots OK) and resume to our on-site Journeyman Audition Sunday, June 22, 2008, at noon.

top

---

Independent Contract Company

All 2008 Contracts for our Independent Contract Company are currently filled. The Faire is always seeking self-contained Renaissance style Musicians, Magicians, Jugglers, Acrobats, Stilt Walkers, Knife-Throwers, Mud Performers, Puppeteers, Swordsmen, Clowns, Fire Eaters and other interesting acts with half-hour stage shows or street shows.

Performance Dates:
Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday from August 2 to September 21, 2008. Performances are daytime only. We prefer acts to be available for all 17 performance dates. Some partials will be considered. Call times are 9am until 7pm.

To Apply:
Interested Acts should send a cover letter with contact and rate information along with a CD, DVD, or Video Tape of your act to:

Lionel Ruland
Entertainment Coordinator
New York Renaissance Faire
600 Route 17A
Tuxedo, NY 10987

 

The New York Renaissance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.