Renaissance Pleasure Faire - Southern California

The Original Renaissance Faire
2009 ** April 4 - May 17 ** 2009
Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
School Day is Friday April 24, 2009
(ALL Dates and details are subject to change.)
Location: Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area - Irwindale, CA
Santa Fe Dam is a unit of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, maintained and operated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation

"Where all the Faire's a Stage, and Fantasy Rules the Land...!"
Explore and take in the sites and sounds of our exotic port town. Boldly join in the play or quietly stroll the merry lanes of the Faire. Your visit is sure to be an experience that you'll treasure forever.
Cheer on a band of battling knights!
Meet our four Mayoral candidates and vote for one! Remember every vote counts!
Haggle with an English fishwife!
Flirt with a lovely wench or dashing young rogue!
Join Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth I on a grand visit to an amazing 16th century Faire!
The fun and celebration has just begun!
Swashbuckling Heroes, merry Minstrels, dazzling Daredevils, Dancers, Jugglers, and hundreds of Colorful Characters fill our tweleve stages and bustling streets bringing you non-stop entertainment throughout the day.

New! Adam Crack-Whip Master
Adam currently holds 4 world records for his whip cracking talents. His amazing talent and dry sense of humor along with audience participation is always a crowd pleaser. Cover your ears; this show gets loud!

Bold & Stupid Men
Our swashbuckling duo deliver "lessons in gentlemanly behavior" amidst a flurry of daring sword play and a rollicking war of wits, and never fail to win the affections of unsuspecting ladies in the audience.

Broon
While performing seemingly impossible feats of juggling, this king of comedy will have you rolling in the aisles.

New! Capoeira Batuque
Capoeira is a dynamic and exciting Afro-Brazilian martial art form born of the un-crushable human desire for the freedom of expression and self-determination. This high energy and vibrant group will capture your soul through their amazing physical and instrumental talent, and their spiritual connections to their history dating back to the 15th century.

Clan MacColin Irish Dance
Featuring the award-winning step dancers from the Guild of St. Andrews, this highland fling stirs the "inner Celt" in us all.

Country Garden Dancers
A high-energy troop of English country dancers roams through the fair in a swirling flash of color and sound. Perchance these lively lads and lasses may show you a step or two.

New! Lord Mayor's Show
A story of Electoral Dysfunction. A debate for the ages. Come watch our 4.5 candidates mudsling and battle it out as to who is the best man or woman for the job.

New! Low Chan Lion Dance
A spectacle from the far east. Of all the world's cultural festivities, the Lion Dance of China is one of the most spectacular to watch. An exciting combination of theater, music, history and Kung Fu. (April 5/6 & May 17/18)

New! Merlin's Magic, Mirth, and Imagination
Merlin's conjures up wit and wizardry that will delight all faire goers. This unique potion of comedy, magic, and audience participation will cast a spell of laughter over you.

New! Merry Misfits of Doom
The show your mother warned you about. Supported only by lightning wits, busty Doomettes and free-flowing Guinness, these improv masters will make you laugh, or they're DOOMED! BYOB highly recommended.

MooNiE the Magnif'Cent
The Mischievous Master of movement and surprise presents a laugh-filled show of comedy, juggling, and rope walking, while uttering nary a word.

Oojahm Tribal Belly Dance
Join Oojahm, a tribe of wealthy merchants from Istanbul, Turkey led by Marjhani, daughter of Mahmoud, and her handsome husband, Hamzah! Here to trade Spices, Fabrics and Jewelry as well as entertain you with stories and dance from the Middle East!

New! The Ploughboys
The Ploughboys have been treating listeners to the deep, rich British Isles/Celtic Music tradition. There is simply no better way to share the stories and great history of Ireland, Scotland, and even Iceland, than through a performance by the Ploughboys! This highly regarded, energetic band's many talents showcase the power of music, and the wonderful spirit of the Celtic culture. Whether they use songs, tunes, or stories, the Ploughboys are truly a wonder to hear and see!

New! Queen's Show
Come and join our beautiful young Queen Elizabeth Gloriana as she is presented with exotic delights from all over the world while dealing with hilarious and epic state matters.

Sound & Fury
"A Little Death" - Their New Faire Show for 2008! A Tale Told in 3 Unnatural Acts! A maiden Princess on the run! A Pirate King! Cross-dressing! Mistaken identities, odd songs, improvised poetry & various beasts make this a story a Fakespearean Melting Pot! It's time for A Little Death - With a Happy Ending for Everyone! Rated RenFaire-14!

New! Suspended Reality
Open your mind and enter the realm of imagination where the faerie queen, Airiana, comes to Port Deptford with her new found friend, the comical and charming Spanish adventurer. Watch as she dances high above the crowd performing daring feats of aerial acrobatics. Utilizing hoops and ribbons this graceful demonstration of aerial ballet will amaze those who dream of flying.

The Hanlon-Lees Jousting Knights and Steeds
The Hanlon-Lees Jousting Knights and Steeds are here! Each and every day, this band of bold warriors ride forth to bring you three lance-shattering, breath-taking shows filled with full-contact competition, action and adventure.

New! The Van Kleaver Brothers
Blades and jokes fly as these two ridiculous knife throwing Dutch brothers risk their lives for your laughter. The flaming filleting finale is not to be missed!

The Washing Well Wenches
This naughty and tempestuous twosome will win your hearts with a rollicking, laugh-filled, one-of-a-kind show. You will want them to be your very own Washer-A-Womin!

Ye English Vs. Ye Celts - Battle to the Death
Come see the classic clash of mighty warriors on our field of battle everyday at high noon. Be ye British or be ye Celt come cheer for you favorite.

Anthony Ferreryra Lutenist
Relax, Revel or Lounge Leisurely to the marvelous musical motif of Maestro Anthony Ferreryra. Sweet with the song so last we heard, listen in delight as he sings like a bird.

Baba Ku
Baba Ku is a Middle Eastern music ensemble that performs with authentic instruments that date from before the Renaissance. Their exotic sounds will sweep you away to distant lands where poets found solace and inspiration in moonlit rose gardens.

New! Brigid's Daughters
These two British sisters really should have been born Italian! Fascinated by the beauty and romance of Italy, they roam the fair singing their madrigals of love while trying to catch an Italian husband! Any takers?

Commedia Cantare
The very Italian and very lovely Martinelli sisters and their beautiful voices are sure to charm you as they sing you the songs of their homeland and a few from lands they have visited on their journey to England to sing for the Queen herself.

Glen Morgan
Glenn Morgan has been a familiar site at the California Renaissance Pleasure faire for a number of years now. Come and find him in the streets of Port Deptford as he shows you his Mastery of the beautiful and enchanting Hammered Dulcimer.

New! Kenny Klein
Beautiful Gypsy violin, stirring Mythology songs, rousing Irish fiddle, and songs of Gothic girls and dead gerbils. Really. (April 19/20, 26/27, May 3/4 & 17/18)

New! Mary Mandolin
Mary has taken her instrument of choice into the streets of Port Deptford.The sound of her Mandolin is sure to charm and delight you as you shop and stroll along with your family and friends.

Owain Phyfe
Vocalist, instrumentalist, and composer, almost always performs with an unusual guitar tucked under his arm. What is it? The chitarra battente, often called the "renaissance guitar", comes to us from Italy. The story of the instrument itself is almost as fascinating as the music it produces...

Patrice Ruane
Performing on a beautiful bentside spinet, Patrice Ruane has been playing since she was 5 years old. Her extensive repertoire includes lively Irish tunes, classical ballads and spritely children's music.

Richard Van Healy
Keep your ears open and you'll be delighted to discover the wonderful melodies played on the fiddle by our talented Celtic fiddler Richard Van Healy.

Sean NaPiobar
Your soul will be stirred by the sound of bagpipes wafting through the air. Played in the village streets and stages.

A Tail of Friendship
The Belles of Bedlam present a rollicking musical show just for children. Bring your smiles and take away a song.

New! Foolish Fractured Fairy Tales
Every day, children are invited to vie for the fun-filled and mischievous title of the Prince or Princess of Misrule. Presented by the Court of Misrule-prepare for fun and hi-jinx.

Imaginary Tea Time with the Fairie Godmothers
Your presence is formally requested at the Fairy Godmother's Imaginary Tea Time - no RSVP required. Just bring a vivid imagination, your willingness to play and the Fairie Godmothers will provide the rest!

Knighting Ceremony
Be made a Knight or Lady of the Realm by the hand of Queen Elizabeth herself!

Pied Piper Pagent
A children's interactive play telling the story of the Pied Piper of Hamlin. Children will portray both rats and actual children in this retelling of the classic tale.

New! Squire Eric prepares to meet the Queen
As this lovable squire completes his quests for the day he prepares himself and your children to be knighted by the Queen.

St. Nicholas Home for Wayward Children
Babies built the Renaissance. At St. Nicholas Home for Wayward Children, you'll meet lots of tots in authentic Renaissance wear, playing authentic games.

New! Jingles McJingles
This Jester has traveled far and wide to bring you and your children fun and exciting tricks.

New! Once Upon a Time
Your kids will love creating a new and unique version of classic fairytales with our Story Maker.

New! Happily Ever After
The Kids Kingdome Characters gather with your children to discuss the lessons learned throughout the day.

New! Arabian Tales
Join our exotic tribe of Oojahm as they recite the stories of their homeland.

New! Interactive Crafts
Join the wonderful characters of Kids Kingdome as they show you and your children a new and fun craft making project everyday! Treasure Maps, Puppets and Paper Flowers are just a taste of the fun.

New! Il teatro di Risata Piccola (The Little Laugh Theater)
The Children of Commedia Volante perform their own special fun for your kids.

***Families Take Note***
The following shows may contain adult themes or content!

Poxy Boggards
This self-described "drinking group with a singing problem" will delight you with their bawdy songs and naughty antics. NC-17 when performing on the Rogue's Reef Stage. PG-13 when performing on the Royal Music Stage.

The Belles of Bedlam
Sure they're bold, they're beautiful, and they're back with their naughty bawdy brand of songs for grown-ups. NC-17 when performing on the Rogue's Reef Stage. PG-13 when performing on the Royal Music Stage.

The Merry Wives of Windsor
These Lusty Serving Wenches return to the Faire serving bawdy songs and plenty of good cheer! NC-17 when performing on the Rogue's Reef Stage. PG-13 when performing on the Royal Music Stage.

Commedia Volante
Always full of surprises, our whimsical masters of commedia dell' arte are back with an all new comedic tour de force, Il Postino Arlecchino (PG 13), where you can't resist joining in the fun!

Pye Powder Court
Always full of surprises and antic accusations. This bawdy, raucous bit of revelry is the longest continuously performed show at Faire. Performed on the Rogue's Reef Stage.

Our Featured Characters
Be sure to look for these notable characters, appearing in shows or on the streets of the Faire...

Tall, Dark, Handsome and Dangerous! The Sea Captains are sure to charm you!

The Drama Queens know all of Shakespeare's work and are screaming to audition.

Peter Pennywoth, a seasoned actor from London trying to make a bigger mark for himself in Deptford. Maybe he'll even own his own theater here someday.

Our poor Mayor's Widow, Lady Phoebie Scratchit. Only she knows the truth about his death, but, is she telling?

Each of them thinks they know what is best for Port Deptford. Our four and a half zany Mayoral Candidates.

Every candidate for Mayor needs a Campaign Manager. They just haven't realized that they all hired the same man!

Full of mischief and fun. These two are sure to put a smile on your face. The beautiful Mistress of Misrule and the handsome Master of the Revel

This Jester has traveled far and wide to bring you fun and exciting tricks. Jingle McJingles is sure to entertain.

He's solved the famous Apple Controversy! Ask him how. Our lovable Gaffer Applewright.

They love the smell of barley and hops! Our beloved German Brew Master & his Frau.

She has traveled along the spice routes from India to England for a very important reason. The beautiful Indian Princess.

He seeks the Queen's hand in marriage but sweet talks all the ladies, The French Fop.

Cursed with bad luck herself and stranded in England, Madam Wong will dish out the Feng Shui, Long Life recipes and Fertility potions Elizabethan-style as only she can..

The guilds & troupes of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire are performance groups portraying various facets of Elizabethan life. Click on the name to go to their official website where available. Contact information is available if you'd like more information on joining or auditioning for that Guild or Troupe.

Circus Of Invention
"The Future is Now"! From Leonardo di Vinci's latest flying contraption to wooden shoes on wheels theses wacky inventors entertain and mystify you with their visions of the future.
Director: Robert Beatie
Email: rob@wyld-wings.com

The Court Of Misrule - Fool's Guild
Delight in the antics of these lively fools and merrymakers as they spread fun and merriment throughout the Shire.
Director: Shawna McClellan
Email: mymunki@yahoo.com

Danse Macabre
Even in the most festive villages, the Plague could always rear its ugly head and spoil our play. Join these dancers in the street as they trick death away from our Shire and remind us to live each day to the fullest.
Director: Bob Fox
Email: cyberbobfx@aol.com

The Crafters Guild
The newly formed Crafters Guild strives to bring the highest quality interactive adventure experience to patrons and participants of the Faire alike. With one of a kind characters to meet, stories to hear, and quests to undertake, the Crafters are dedicated to 'crafting' a memorable faire going experience.
Director: Constance Chamberlain
Email: youkilledthedog@gmail.com

Commedia Volante
Straight from Venezia to your face. Join this group of traditional Commedia De'll Arte actors as they prepare their latest play for Her Majesty. Come by and get some "Free Italian Advice". Step upon "The Carpet of Truth". Enjoy some traditional Italian songs and games. After spending time with the zany Martinelli family, you'll be sure to be saying, "Mamma Mia!"
Director: Roxanne Dungereaux
Email: Roxanne.Dungereaux@gmail.com

The Florentines of San Lorenzo
These Florentine ambassadors from the d'Medici family have come to merry old England with a colorful contingent of Italian lords and ladies, soldiers, swordsmen and poets. Watch the flight of Miquelitos flying Ornithopters, discuss Fortification Engineering with Artillary Master Tartaglia, learn the methods and techniques of the Rapier and Arming Sword with the Swordsman Bonetti. Listen to the poetry of the Italies as written by the most prominent women of the period as read by Eleonora de Toledo and her ladies. Experience the Renaissance from members of the d'Medici and Courtiers from the Birth place of the Renaissance... Florence!
Guildmaster: Pax Smith
Email: Paximus@aol.com

The Gentlemen Adventurers
The patriots, Heroes and Explorers of Elizabeth's England! See these military officers and gentlemen take to the streets conducting personal duels and practicing their swordplay.
Guildmaster: Steven Leon
Email: cptfrobisher@verizon.net

Guild of St. Andrews - Clan MacColin
This lively clan of Scottish singers, dancers, musicians, and soldiers demonstrate their slice of life in their interactive camp, entertain with their high stepping dance show and thrill with their skills in battle on the Tournament field.
Guildmaster: Steve Gillan
Email: Colinchief@hotmail.com

Guild of St. Cuthbert - Parades and Pageants
These lively village peasants present colorful parades, pageants and pleasant pastimes in the streets.
Guildemaster: Sue Honor
Email: suehonor@pacbell.net

Guild of St. Helena - The Peasant Guild
The back bone of 16th century society, these lively folks are sure to entertain you as they frolic in the streets of Port Deptford.
Guildemaster: R. Merlin
Email: myrrhlyn9@yahoo.com

The Guild of St. Ives - The Townsfolke
Spend time in an Elizabethan Village with the towns folk as they work their trades, demonstrate daily life (good and bad) and prepare for the coming of their Queen.
Guildmaster: Donna Flood
Email: dflood@ccis.com

Guild of St. Michael - The Military
The fierce, hardy soldiers and camp followers are found in this encampment, battling in the Arena, and escorting Her Majesty, The Queen. Stop by before 1:00 PM and your kids can train and march with the Queen's military and even join the show at the Queen's Royal Joust.
Guildmaster: AJ Johnson
Email: aaron_Johnson@verizon.net

KidsKingdom
There are wonderful family-friendly activities all over Faire, but nowhere greater than in the magical land known as Kids Kingdom . A new and improved addition to this year's Southern California Renaissance Faire, kids of all ages will have an amazing time with games, crafts, story-telling, songs, shows, and our magical Kids Kingdom characters. Special guests visit Kids Kingdom throughout the day, the Ship's Musician with tales from the sea, the Young Squire working his way to becoming a knight, the wish-granting Fairie Godmothers, as well as other favorite characters from traditional storybook tales. Kids of all ages are invited to join in the fun and the magic!..
Director: MorganLancaster
Email: morganthemerm8@yahoo.com

May Revelers
The Revelers are a group of beautiful young maidens. Led by the charming and virginal Queen of the May, they bring revelry and play to the Faire streets through song, dance, beauty and games.
Director: Claire Broderick
Email: cmbroderick@gmail.com

Puritans
Pay heed to their stern warnings and colorful preachings against excess fun and frivolity but remember they do not always practice what they preach!
Director: Nick Balbas
Email: nickbalbas@aol.com

The Queen's Court
- Join the glittering court of Elizabeth Gloriana in the Nobles' Glade and throughout the Faire.
- Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I, calls forth all young lads and lasses to be knighted on the Children's stage each afternoon.
- Come feel the thrill and see the spectacle that is the Queen's royal progress as it winds it's way across Faire
Guildmaster: David Wine
Email: www.QueensCourtSoCal.org

The Privateers
Across the seas to wild, untamed lands they've sailed. They've returned with booty untold. They've pillaged the Spanish main for the glory of Her Majesty and have now returned with booty and plunder that they need to unload discreetly! These salty creatures of the sea are always ready with a yarn to spin... just be careful they don't steal your purse when your back is turned.
Director: Willow Hawker
Email:

The Town Criers
Meet these unmistakable characters in the street or at the guildhall. With bright sashes and bells, The Town Criers part the parade's way and cry the news of the day throughout the shire.
Director: Heidi Halsell
Email: heidibug1976@hotmail.com

The Village Mongers
Barter with a frolicsome fishwife, a clattering tinker or a bumbling barber- surgeon during morning market for some of the most interesting wares in the Shire!
Guildmaster: Diana Kaufman
Email: dtkaufman@gmail.com

The Washerwomen
Caution, you may get wet! - Wit, Water & Song fly freely at the washing well. Laundry, and laughter is the life-blood of these lively women.
Director: Angela Allen
Email: bucketandcudgel@gmail.com

Yeomen of The Queen's Guard
The Queen's loyal and valiant guard match wits with our guests, woo the ladies and escort Her Majesty through the Faire.
Guildmaster: Gordon Bradley
Email: biggb@jps.net

The Bold & Stupid Men © is a Swordsmen Production® based on characters created by Douglas R. Mumaw and David Woolley, www.theswordsmen.com