In Entertainment

Participate

Our constantly expanding Entertainment Department boasts hundreds of performers that bring our streets and stages to life each weekend. The department has a few different options for joining.

Guilds

Theatrically, the guilds make up the different types of villagers living in Willingtown and the characters that would be visiting the town for the annual Market Faire. The peasants, middle class, constables and washer women are a few of the types that would reside in Willingtown. The Queen’s courtiers, guardsmen and military are groups that would be visiting. Most of these guilds accept new members each year through simple informal auditions and interviews. All guild members attend workshops. Guild recruitment starts on registration day. The registration and workshop process will be explained below.

Theme Characters

Actors are cast in specific roles that make up the leading historical characters of the time, such as Queen Elizabeth, William Shakespeare or Sir Francis Drake. They also portray the local prominent townsfolk such as the Mayor, the Sheriff and their families. Auditions for available roles will be posted on the web site in this section.

Contracted Stage Acts

Most Stage Shows are contracted circuit acts that perform a specified number of weekends. These acts are generally hired several months in advance prior to the season. Stage Acts interested in applying should contact the Entertainment Director at Entertainment@NorcalRenFaire.com starting in January.

Workshops and Registration

All prospective performers must register in person and attend a specified number of workshops in order to participate. Workshops are provided free of charge and are required to join. They are informal, fun and brief. These workshops will guide prospective performers on appropriate costuming, the language of the time, improvisation and a variety of subjects that will prepare people for participation.

• Registration and Workshops begin with a general meeting at 9:00AM sharp on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 at the Main Stage on the faire site.
• Workshops continue on August 25th, August 31st and September 1st.
  (If you are unable to attend on Saturday, August 24th, new applicants may still register at 9:30 AM on Sunday, August 25th or Saturday, August 31st at the Main Stage area. That is the last day for new Entertainment participants to join.)
• The entire cast participates at our annual Dress Rehearsal held Saturday, September 7th.
• Send inquiries and questions to Entertainment@NorcalRenFaire.com.

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes, a hat, and good closed toe walking shoes. Bring a lawn chair or other portable seating, pack a lunch, and sunscreen. On most weekends sandwiches and snacks are available to purchase on site.

Entertainment participants must adhere to costume guidelines designated by the management.

Official Costume approval is required to participate. Workshops are available to guide new participants through these guidelines and costume construction.