Renaissance Pleasure Faire - Southern California

The Original Renaissance Faire
April 10 - May 23, 2010
Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
School Day is Friday April 23, 2010, 9:30-3:30
(ALL Dates and details are subject to change.)
Location: Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area - Irwindale, CA
The Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area is a United States Army Corps of Engineers' Facility and a unit of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation System

"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 new Lady Mayor and help her choose a husband.
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! Anjani Dance Theater - Junior Company
Presenting the incredible Kathak dance of India. This brilliant dance company performs intricate rhythmic footwork adorned with over 100 ankle bells on each ankle, graceful movements, intriguing fast spins as their beautiful costumes vibrant with colors create an atmosphere of pure joy rooted in great tradition. Performances April 18/19 and May 2/3 only.

New! Barynya Cossack Dancers
From the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains to icy Alaska, the former Soviet Union once stretched in all its glory. In the colorful backdrop, music and dance also developed in immense diversity enriching the everyday lives and calibrations of people in all fabrics of society. These vast and beautiful traditions have become a source of inspiration for the Russian Souvenir Dance Company. Performing May 2/3 only.

New! Bey'Abi Belly Dance
This tribe of dancers and musicians recreate traditional regional dances from the Middle East and Northern Africa. Being no strangers to the stage they bring to it their unique characters and humor as well as beautiful music and dance. So come sit with them a while and let them tell you of their travels and lives.

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

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! Dark Gypsies
This group of Romanian Gypsies will intrigue you with their mystical powers of snake charming. Accompanied by music from their homeland, this spectacle is sure to please.

New! Equestrian Show
Come and visit the Royal Equine Guild with horses specially imported from Europe for her Majesties pleasure, this year featuring the beautiful Gypsy Horse and its unique history. Horses will be on display all day and performances will be held in the Joust Arena.

New! Kondor Brothers
This young brother duo will juggle balance and flip their way into your hearts.

New! Lord Mayor's Show
Our Lady Mayor Elect has absconded with the Dock Master and the town's funds and the Queen is coming to meet her. Now for the good of the entire shire her half sister, the bar wench, must clean up her act, her face and take her place. Did we mention she has to get married too? Join our zany cast and see the hilarity unfurl.

New! Marotte and Puget: Once Upon a Time
How hard can it be for two professional London Jesters to get their act together and tell a story that will both entertain and thrill the crowds? Find out! See the complications and calamities that send Marotte and Puget into a frenzy of entertainment and their apprentice Soufflé into just a plain frenzy as they try to decide what kind of tale the audience needs. On the Port Deptford Stage and the Corazon Stage.

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.

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.

New! Queen's Show
"Woo me, for now I am in a holiday humor and like enough to consent!" Our dazzling young Queen is the most sought after bride in Europe. Though crowned heads of many countries have sent their ambassadors to lay their hearts at the feet of our beloved Elizabeth she need look no further than her own court for potential suitors. Bear witness as six of her favorite beaus strut and fret their hour upon the stage, vying for her hand in marriage. Will today be the day she says yes?

Suspended Reality
Open your mind and enter the realm of imagination where the faeries, Airiana and Awena, have come to Port Deptford to entertain the Queen. Watch as Airiana dances high above the crowd performing daring feats of aerial acrobatics, utilizing hoops and ribbons while Awena enchants you with lyrical dance. This graceful demonstration of aerial ballet and dance will amaze those who dream of the fae.

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 Nature of Mercy
The Captain of this show gathers children as his lieutenants against the Evil Italian Duke in the timeless duel of good versus evil. This highly interactive and energetic sword fighting comedy show will teach children the power of honor and compassion. Performing April 4/5, 11/12, 18/19 and 25/26, 2009 only.

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.

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.

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?

New! Dread Crew of Oddwood
This band of rough and tough young swashbucklers are sure to catch the eyes of all the ladies and the ears of the entire shire with their sea shanties from England, Ireland and other far off ports. Performing the weekends of April 18/19 to May 16/17, 2009 only.

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.

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.

New! Odd's Bodkin
A new group comprised of Kenny Klein, Anna Klein and Stephanie Mitchell, play original and traditional songs in the vein of British Folk, Irish fiddle tunes, Sea Shanties, and laments for lost Goth Girl love. At times eerie, at times somber, and at times wacky.

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...

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.

New! Scott Williams Hammered Dulcimer
Drawing on Celtic, Medieval and Renaissance influences, Scott has developed a repertoire of songs on the Hammered Dulcimer which he now performs for you in the streets of our very own Port Deptford.

Sean NaPiobar
Your soul will be stirred by the sound of bagpipes wafting through the air as played by this skilled musician.

Serenata
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.

New! Sportive Tricks
Join this group of Port Deptford citizens as they come together throughout the day to sing songs of love, country life, drinking and mayhem instead of working.

New! Wolgemut
Wolgemut (Vol-ga-moot): an ancient Germanic word, which simply means "to be in a good mood." This unique high-powered troupe believes that the goal of every performance is to leave the audience in a good mood! Endless amounts of energy are the basic essentials of a Wolgemut performance.

New! Wren of Iniquity
Join this group of shire folk as they bring the old story songs of the common man, the farmer, the milk maid and the tinker to life. Listen on as their voices weave you a tale of the everyday life of the Renaissance man.

New! Yorkshire Puddings
These lovely women will heat up your cockles and warm up your heart. Plucked from the bosom of the English countryside, these delicious dumplings with exquisite voices are sure to enchant you.

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.

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.

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! Create Your Own Adventure
Your kids will love creating a new and unique version of classic fairytales with our Story teller.

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

Interactive Crafts
Join the wonderful characters of Kids Kingdom 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! Build a Fairy House
Join Gammer Fay as she spins tales of the wee folk known as fairies and helps you build homes for them.

New! Vasilissa, The Girl Hero
Join Vasilissa as she vaults into fairy tale adventures! Expect the unexpected from this extraordinary girl who defies tradition to become a hero in her own right. Who needs rescuing?

***Families Take Note*** 2009
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 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, An Apple for 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 2009
Be sure to look for these notable characters, appearing in shows or on the streets of the Faire...

Her Majesty's Master of the Horse and possibly keeper of her heart, The Earl of Leicester.

Puget & Marotte, her Majesty's court jesters, have now been unleashed upon the unsuspecting citizens of Port Deptford. Be very wary if they start to take an interest in you.

Eileen Dover was the Lady Mayor Elect's sister until her sister ran away with the Dock Master and the town funds. Now she is being forced to straighten up and become the Lady Mayor.

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 Phoebe Scratchett. Only she knows the truth about her husband's death, but, is she telling?

Representing the cycle of spring and rebirth in our fair shire is Port Deptford's own town mascots Jack & Jane of the Green.

She's been collecting stories since time began, our magical Story Teller Paige Inkswell may even know what's in store for you!

After his questionable past and multiple identities, he's trying to acquire a better name for himself as Council Member Alderman Downright. (Or will that be Upright?)

Nothing in this port town is good enough for him and he loves to let you know it. That is why he is our snobbishly opinionated Town Critic.

Organizing the workers in this town is just one of his past times. The man on the take... Don Guessipe de Corinzano.

Paranoid of pirates and anything to do with them, Alderman Thadeus Foote is well known to be knowledgeable in many things and makes sure you know it... over and over again.

She loves to take the wind out of her husbands pontification. Prudence Foote is sure to put her Thadeus in his place.

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

These Twins love the smell of barley and hops! Our beloved Scottish Brew Master & Sister.

He is the authority on things fashionable and cultural and is here to bring some culture to Port Deptford and its new Lady Mayor, Jeane Chardonnay, The French Fop.

A beautiful lass from Ireland, Melissa Peeling, The Widow Miller, will enchant you with song and some town gossip. Just don't make her mad lest you become the topic of her latest, juicy tidbit.

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..

He lost the race for town mayor so he took on the trying jobs of Pig Farmer and Food Inspector, Larold Sty.

Bubble bubble toil and trouble will be a'brewing for everyone with these 3 lovely ladies upon whom Shakespeare will later base his 3 Witches in that Scottish play.

Having escaped from the court of Ivan the Terrible (she will tell you that she is on tour) is our beautiful, dexterous and double jointed Russian Acrobat. She will astound you with her "acrobatic" talents.

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

Commedia Volante
Straight from Venezia to your face. Join this group of traditional Commedia dell' 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
Florence: The Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to the d'Medici family, infamous leaders of Tuscany; patrons of the finest artists, architects and scholars; and world-renown arbiters of style and grandeur. Ambassadors from the d'Medici family have arrived at Port Deptford with a colorful contingent of Italian lords and ladies, soldiers, swordsmen and artists. Learn the methods and techniques of the rapier and arming sword, enjoy a reading of beauteous Italian literature, watch a Florentine court portrait artist ply his craft, or discover what the Renaissance Florentines knew about herbs, plants and medicine. As the saying goes, "Everyone wants to be a Medici." Come see for yourself.
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: steven_leon@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

Kids' Kingdom
There are wonderful family-friendly activities all over Faire, but nowhere greater than in the magical land known as Kids' Kingdom. 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, Hansel trying to find his sister Gretel, the mystical Story Teller spinning stories older than time, 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

Court of the May
The May Queen and her court of May Revelers are a group of mischievous maidens merrily making mayhem. A direct descendent of the mystical Queen Mab, the Queen of the May Celebration celebrates the coming of spring with music, dance and street comedy. Travelers be warned, none are safe from the May Queen's clutches!
Director: Claire Broderick
Email: cmbroderick@gmail.com

Norwhich Waits
If you're a musician looking to help bring to life fanfare at the Renaissance Faire than this is your group. Norwhich Waits is the official Queen's band as well as the official Joust trumpeters. You will also see them in many of the parades, shows and at the Courtly Dance performance in the Queen's Court area.
Director: Tom Axworthy
Email: scemc@earthlink.net

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: willabark@hotmail.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

New for 2009: RenQuest
Experience RenQuest, a bold new action quest at the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire. RenQuest delights gamers with an abundance of profound and absurd riddles, clues, spells and hunts. Players directly interact with faire performers, artisans, merchants, and all matter of various magical creatures. Earn points, collect rewards and ultimately test your mental abilities and physical acuity by slaying the mythic dragon, Bloodtharken.
Directors: Ed Fox & Mark Arndt
Email: myddrin@aol.com - Ed, mark@vintagestyle360.com - Mark

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

2009 schedules here. Please check back each week to see if there is an updated schedule.

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