Learning the Ropes at the Renaissance Faire

If you’re not a part of the culture, it’s likely you don’t really "get" what a Renaissance Faire is all about. You may think of turkey legs and corsets and Shakespeare aficionados. Well, you may be partly right... but only partly right. There’s also a thriving culture of everyday Joes who escape each summer to an alternate reality, providing the community and cultural playground they’ve been searching for.

Picture this: A young boy dressed as Robin Hood swears an oath of allegiance and is dubbed on his shoulders with a sword by Her Royal Highness, The Queen of England. Overcome with joy at his new knighthood status, he can't resist giving a big hug to the regal woman draped in Royal Robes. He quickly realizes the audacity of his action and shyly runs back into his mother's arms. This scene is set in a magical place "where fantasy rules." This place is a Renaissance Faire.

Renaissance Faires are re-creations of a Renaissance or Medieval village. They are filled with costumed actors, crafts and games to give patrons the illusion that they have stepped back in time. Renaissance Faires have been a part of American culture since the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Southern California opened its gates in 1963. Many celebrities (such as Jon Lovitz and Penn Gillette from Penn and Teller) got their start performing in Renaissance festivals.

No matter where the city or what the storyline, everyone who is a part of "faire" culture can agree that opening the gates season after season is a monumental task. It takes teamwork and dedication to pull it off; it is truly a labor of love. People from all walks of life — teachers, accountants, law enforcement — come together for a few weeks a year to frolic in the forest with the sole purpose of making others happy. It is a place where one can inspire while being inspired.

Set on 65 acres of beautiful Sterling Forest, the New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo, N.Y., runs weekends and Labor Day from now until Sept. 20. In its 32nd season, the event features over 125 performances on 20 stages and over 100 craftspeople. Needless to say, there are hundreds of people who make the magic happen and everyone has their own distinctive reasons for coming and staying.

The New York Renaissance Faire is more like a family than a place of employment. Here are just a few of the many amazing characters, their unique and wonderful tales.

Doubting Thomas turned evangelist: Christopher DeTroy

Christopher DeTroy, the artistic director at the Faire, started as one of the Sheriff of Nottingham's guards in 1993 and has been hooked ever since. When he first saw the Sherriff of Nottingham in action, he instantly knew he belonged in the role. "That guy needs to go away and that needs to be my job. Before you know it … Be careful what you wish for!" DeTroy did indeed become the Sheriff and continued in that role for seven years, even learning how to joust.

DeTroy found his life’s work at the Faire by accident. He was working as a designer for an event company on a Renaissance-themed project when a performer didn't turn up due to bad weather. DeTroy was asked to step in and quickly impressed the fight director with his improv skills. When he was invited by the director to audition, DeTroy's initial response was, "What’s a Renaissance Faire!?" He had only heard about them and was convinced it was for geeks in the chess club. He decided to audition, was quickly offered a job, and there was no looking back. DeTroy is proud of the opportunities the Faire brings to actors. Where else can one perform Shakespeare, stage combat, dancing, comedy and improv all in one day? "It is a cornucopia of acting stuff."

DeTroy acknowledges a strong social aspect to the Faire, very similar to summer camp because most, if not all, of the actors camp on site on Saturday nights. Some even come early and camp on Friday nights as well. "Everyone gets close and we make a little family." The artistic director is especially proud, because this year more than ever, the cast is unified as an ensemble company.

Flags, fanfare and action-packed jousting whisk DeTroy away and he can almost believe that it is all real. It is the energy of going to a Renaissance Faire that resonates with him the most, something you won't find in most theme parks. "You can't explain a Renaissance Faire, I know every one is different, but this one has always had this really strong theatrical energy like, 'Oh my God, we are off-Broadway in the forest!'"

Queen for a day: Ann Alford

If you saw Ann Alford at her very corporate day job in human resources at a private investment firm, you would never guess that she has been portraying Queen Elizabeth for eight weekends a year, 16 years and counting. When Alford first came to audition 18 years ago at the bidding of a friend, she had no experience with Renaissance Faires and no idea what she was getting herself into. She decided to trust her friend and give it a try because of her affection for Shakespeare and history. Life has never been the same since. "Sometimes it is hard to go back [to work] on Mondays and not have people bowing and scraping and ready to fulfill my every wish." Alford oftentimes finds Elizabethan words such as "thee" and "thou" slipping out of her mouth in real life, but by Tuesday all is pretty much back to normal.

The most exciting part of her day at the Faire is interacting with the children. "They completely believe everything and are so amazed and wonderstruck." Alford feels she gets as much back as she gives and considers the connections she makes with patrons and fellow actors during a Faire day to be sacred. How long does Alford plan on being Queen? "My body will get tired of it before my brain does … I just love it!"

Teaching the funny: Jim Mundy

Jim Mundy and his wife Stewart Hamilton are one of the many husband/wife teams that work at the Faire. They got their start in more "typical" theme parks, so when they saw an opportunity to join the Renaissance Faire, they thought it would be a perfect fit and jumped at it. As the directors of the improv company and directors of Splat! Family Theater, the duo love teaching new performers how comedy works. "I really used to think that comedy was an either you have it or you don't kind of thing," Mundy explains, "and now having been here, I can see that comic timing can be taught as long as that person who is learning wants to actually learn and pays attention."

Mundy finds the Faire to be a unique opportunity as a producer, director, writer and performer because he can specifically write for certain actors rather than having to audition random people for a specific part. There is a lot of freedom to experiment and get an entertaining show out of it because he can be in control from the beginning to the end of a production.

When Mundy informs people he is involved with the fair, he is usually met with classic comments such as, "So do you fight and eat turkey legs. Do you ride the horses?" After explaining what he actually does at the fair and how the performances work, he is flooded with positive responses about what an interesting life he leads. According to Mundy, what is most special about The New York Renaissance Faire is that you can visit one, two, even three days and still not see everything there is to see. "It presents a whole world you can immerse yourself in."

Master and apprentice: Steve Kraus

Journeyman Company (JC) Master Steve Kraus is the proud director of the Faire's volunteer improv performance company. The JC is a group of actors solely dedicated to the improvisation performances there and acts as an apprenticeship program for aspiring actors. The group began as a way to dress the streets with extra people in order to enhance the atmosphere and has grown into a company of actors strictly acting.

To Kraus, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a group of people huddled around an actor being entertained. "Seeing an entire audience all at the same time laughing or all at the same time going, "Oooo!’ and, 'Ahhh!' because that one actor is able to spread their creative wings and, BAM!, just capture their attention. I love that!"

Kraus is excited about the company he has helped guide since 2007 and has high hopes for them. "I would love to see the JC grow up into a formalized program with dedicated improv performers." Kraus is thrilled about what this year's group has accomplished and what they will be able to contribute throughout the season. The JC director is also a member of the performance company and portrays several characters, including the ever "popular" Poopsmith McGee.

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat: Nick Freely

Who could have guessed when 12 year-old Nick Freely walked through the gates of The New York Renaissance Faire as a Boy Scout in search of a merit badge that he would stay on to eventually lead jousters into battle? As a young boy, Freely didn't take many vacations, so the Renaissance Faire was something his entire family could do together for fun. It became a summer diversion for all.

Freely feels he had to grow up a lot faster working at the fair. At 14 years old he was in charge of taking care of six horses as the stable manager and at 15 he was jousting. "It definitely taught me responsibility and respect for others." Through the years, Freely has been able to gain valuable skills such as horse riding, stage combat and jousting — training he might not have ever been able to afford on his own.

Freely’s job as a jouster is extremely dangerous and accidents are always looming. "I have gotten injured a lot, so it is always on my mind. I try not to think about it too much, because if you think about it, it is going to happen."

Although Freely intends to have a career in technical theater, he plans on performing at the Faire for as long as his schedule allows. Performing there gives him a buzz that is difficult to match. "The most exciting part of the day would definitely be the ride out when the music is playing and everyone is cheering for you, definitely the biggest thrill of your day is doing that."

Who wants to be a jouster: Will Gozdziewski

Will Gozdziewiski always wanted to go to a Renaissance Faire as a youngster, but for one reason or another, he never got around to it. Now he is finally getting the chance to experience it — not as a patron, but as a performer. Gozdziewski will be portraying the character Pete Digger (the peat digger) all summer. Although he doesn't know exactly what his summer will bring, he is excited and open to whatever might come. "I am expecting it to be a lot of fun and I am expecting there to be a lot of crazy people and [to] have some patrons give me a hard time … and I will give them a hard time right back."

Gozdziewiski is grateful for the people he has met while rehearsing and finds many of his fellow performers to be "like-minded." The actor is eager to have this opportunity to sharpen his improv skills and would eventually like to fulfill his dream of becoming a jouster. "I have always wanted to joust since I was 9." Although the season has just begun, Gozdziewski is already looking forward to many years working at the Renaissance Faire portraying different characters and gaining new and exciting experiences.

A family affair: Joe Califiore

Joe Califiore is a second generation Renaissance Faire patron. His parents had gone to them when they were young, and when Joe was in middle school, they continued the tradition by introducing him and his siblings to the world of the Renaissance.

Califiore, a journeyman, had always loved acting, so when he walked through the gates for the first time as a young boy, he immediately noticed that this was something different. "You could feel that for the people here, it wasn't just a job, it was something they had fun with." The young actor knew he wanted to be involved the moment he realized that the same people improving were also fighting, dancing and in other shows. This was a place where a performer could do anything they dreamed of. The sky's the limit.

From rock bands to renaissance: Max Rueda

Max Rueda — fair patron, Friend of Faire (support organization of 500 members dedicated to encouraging and supporting patrons who want to be more involved) and now, journeyman company member — worked for rock bands for many years. Rueda and his wife would always wind up hanging out in bars and nightclubs and were looking for a change of pace when they saw an ad for The New York Renaissance Faire. They decided to check it out, and when they did, they fell head over heels. "The people, the entertainment, the garb (costumes) ... mostly the people and the entertainment. It was something different and we just fell in love with the place."

The part-time Beefeater and Pirate remembers when the event was all tents and had no permanent buildings. Rueda and his wife have never tired of The New York Renaissance Faire, and to their delight, have watched it grow and change throughout the years. "If it stayed the same from year to year, I would have gotten bored with it." The number one thing he looks forward to after walking through the gates? The pubs.

Improv bootcamp: Valentina Arena

Valentina Arena, who portrays the character KimKim Sheree, the Chimney Sweep in this year's production, hails from beautiful and romantic Italy. She speaks with a perfect American accent and one would never know she has been in this country only a few years. When Arena landed in New York to try her hand at acting, it never crossed her mind that she would one day be performing at a Renaissance Faire. Arena was originally lured by the promise of performing in the Shakespeare play Taming of the Shrew and ended up learning the joys and sorrows of performing off the cuff. "It's a lot of fun, very different from anything I have ever done before."

Having never been to a Renaissance Faire, she is not quite sure what she is getting herself into. She envisions "chaos, a lot of people, constant interaction and trying to keep people entertained all of the time. That is what they are coming for, after all." The young Italian is excited at the prospect of sharpening her improvisation skills and using her new abilities to pursue a career as a performer. No matter what the summer brings for Arena, she has a plan: "Have fun and hopefully it will be fun for everyone else!"

Not everyday life: Tyrus Holden

Tyrus Holden, who portrays Will Trapp, the rat catcher, sought employment at a Renaissance Faire because he rightly thought it would be like "circus training" and would give him "a very intense and diverse array of skills." He is thrilled to be meeting interesting people who are also looking for a carefree, good time. Holden is having a blast and admits that there is something "rugged" about performing in the wilderness that he finds very attractive.

The most memorable aspect of the young performer's first Renaissance Faire experience as a patron in Texas was the delicious, varied and unhealthy food and drink. "I thought the weapons were really cool and I was really blown away by the stuff that you don't really find in everyday life that you are able to get a slice of here." Holden anticipates an energizing adrenaline rush from interacting with the patrons. "I am sure we are going to see people in all sorts of awesome and crazy getups that they've spent a lot of time and work making and putting together." He is also sure there will be a "fair amount of people who, like me, are here for the food and drinks."

A life devoted: Deborah Newbury

Deborah Newbury loves being a part of the Faire and takes comfort knowing it is where she fits in best. "Most of us that are out here in a lot of ways don't fit in with the traditional picture of America, so it is a great place where people who think differently and are very talented and creative can all be together. It is great." Newbury, who works in the office of the New York Renaissance Faire, has been involved with Ren Fairs — as they're often called by devotees — on and off in different capacities since 1983.

Nothing is more delightful to Newbury than listening to the music of the Renaissance. "Hearing music from that period really emotionally takes you back to that period of time." This veteran vividly remembers one moving experience at a Faire when a bagpiper "piped the sun up" and she instantly knew what it was like to wake-up in Scotland.

Renaissance themed parks have existed in America for over 46 years, but they have in no way remained the same. They have morphed and changed in order to survive and meet the demands of new generations of patrons. Newbury believes as long as Renaissance Faires stay current with the culture they will be around for a very long time to come. According to Newbury, if there were no more Renaissance Faires we would be missing a connection to our past that is so important. "You don't know where you are if you don't know where you have been."

Finding love, Romeo & Juliet style: Wanda Carr

If it weren't for a Renaissance Faire, Vince and Wanda Carr would have never met. Wanda Carr has been involved in Faires and festivals since she was a young girl. In her opinion, the freedom of being outdoors and camaraderie of the community are the most treasured jewels of any Ren Faire. "The people aspect is the best." Along with the shows, crafts and food, the interactions and relationships are what keep her coming back. "It is 360 entertainment and enjoyment."

Carr met her husband Vince at the Arizona Renaissance Faire where they were both working one season ... the rest is history. The pair has been working at Renaissance Faires together ever since. They are currently in their second year at The New York Renaissance Faire and their first year as General Managers.

Carr's view is that these festivals produce a creative rebirth within the area they inhabit. In essence, a Renaissance Faire creates its own renaissance. Talented artisans and performers congregate to produce an atmosphere that gives each person the freedom to learn, grow and pass their trade down from generation to generation.

A dream come true: Giacinta Pace

The first time I ever heard of a Renaissance Faire I was about 11 years old. I saw a commercial on television and promptly begged my parents to take me. At the time our family couldn't afford to go anywhere and my immigrant father was always working, so it wasn't easy for me to convince him to take us. After a couple of years and much prodding, my parents took me and my little sister Antonietta. We've been addicted ever since.

It was the highlight of my year; it was the highlight of my childhood. The whole experience was thrilling, Robin Hood and Maid Marian, Maypole Dancing and performers on the streets. It made a young girl who was always teased because of her weight feel as if she could escape the taunting, just for a little while.

I vowed I would work there one day and auditioned the minute I graduated from college. It was one of the best summers of my life! I was the Assistant Stage Manager and an improv actor in the Journeyman Company. I learned so much and made the best of friends. It was through these friends that I found the apartment I live in today and my very first full-time job! My sister even found her life's work as a teacher through someone we met there. My adult life began at The New York Renaissance Faire.

One thing or another kept me away for 12 years until I decided to audition again last season. Some things have changed and some have remained the same. I am no longer pursuing acting as a career, but am a journalist working at NBC News. I am still not very good at improv, but I do my best and love it nonetheless. The New York Renaissance Faire is where my heart is.

My character this year is quite a handful. Her name is Anne Gora Spinayarn, mistress of the fiber arts and town crier. My sister, Antonietta spends her summer vacation fitting bodices in a clothing shop on fairground and adores every minute of it! Each weekend I spend at the Faire is a gift, since, for me, there is no better reward than knowing that for 17 days a year, I can be a part of Once Upon a Time … and make others believe in the Happily Ever After, too!

All photos courtesy of Giacinta Pace.