Sherwood Forest Faire is a new festival experience situated 35 miles east of Austin, Texas on U.S. Highway 290 (parking off Old Highway 20). The Faire itself will sit on 25 acres with an adjacent 18-acre parking lot. The remaining acres will be dedicated to camping, administration, and future expansion on Fairegrounds.
The setting will be Sherwood Forest outside of Nottingham shire, England, in 1189. Richard the Lion-hearted has just deposed his father, Henry II, from the throne…and has his interests elsewhere—in the Holy Lands fighting Saladin in the Crusades. England has been left to barons and earls to rule in his absence. And in the area of Nottingham, the Sheriff, in his unfair and unscrupulous interpretation of the law, has resulted in the creation of a band of “outlaws” who have joined together to right the wrong of the Sheriff and his deputies—and assure the rights of the common folk are upheld.
There are constant skirmishes in the woods and along the roadside between Robin Hood and his Merry Men and the dastardly Sheriff.
It is also reported that the farthest realm of Sherwood Forest has been inhabited by creatures of the wood: Fairies, Elves, Drow, Goblins, Trolls, and the like. While most have befriended Robin’s outlaws, some remain an enemy of all of mankind. Step cautiously into their thicket.
And, oddly enough, rumor has it a band of pirates have marooned while attempting to navigate down the River Trent…and have taken up residence on the shores until the tide rises sufficiently to allow their ship to move back toward the North Sea.
It is the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Birds are singing. Flowers are blooming. The leaves are budding out. And the village and country folk from all around the nearby shires have gathered in Sherwood Forest for a festive season. Musicians, troubadours, gypsies, merchants, artisans and cooks have all gathered within the protection of Robin Hood’s keep to celebrate, break bread, sing, dance, and give thanks for another rebirth of nature.
Should you have an interest in being a part of a new and fantastic entertainment venue—one where the magic of imagination and history will meld together for a season—then let us know your talents and skills, your interest. Let us know what you will bring to the Faire to make this an experience that will be spoken of long after the season has ended.
We are seeking the following type actors/entertainers:
Robin of Loxley, Little John, Friar Tuck, other Merry Men (kind of a combination of Men in Tights and Errol Flynn), Lunatics, Peasants, Lords and Ladies, Sheriff of Nottingham and his deputies, Gypsies, Fairies, Elves, Dark Elves (Drow), Trolls, Ogres, any creatures of fantasy, Musicians, Wenches, Pirates, Crusaders, the Pied Piper, and more…
The The Sherwood Forest Faire Acting Company will be designed in the manner of a medieval guild system: Master, Journeyman, and Apprentice. The Master Performers will be the highest skilled at their art, and reimbursed accordingly. The Journeyman Performers will be a step down from the Master Performers, but still professionals and paid at a lower level than their mentors. And finally, the Apprentice Performers will be in-training, unpaid actors . . . though Apprentice Performers will be provided food and drink vouchers for use during the Faire. During the first year, the Sherwood Forest Faire Acting Company should consist of approximately 10-15 Master Performers, 10-20 Journeyman Performers, and 30+ Apprentice Performers. All Performers will work the grounds, as well as participate in stage acts. Sherwood Forest Faire’s official acting company, The Sherwood Players, meet weekly in Austin. Anyone is invited to join us as we develop the characters which will inhabit our magical shire. We are learning songs, practicing stage combat, writing and performing scenes, reading from old books, and finding our inner Robin Hoods and Maid Marian's. To join us at any of our meetings, contact the entertainment director, Zane Baker at (512) 731-2316 entertainment@sherwoodforestfaire.com .
All levels of Performers will be required to attend all auditions, practices, and days the Faire is open. Additional stipends will be provided to those participating in area and regional appearances as a part of public awareness/advertising of the Faire.
On-site camping for official participants will be permitted free of charge in the Participants Camping area. Toilets and showers will be available during the entire run of the Faire—weekdays, as well. This Faire will be Participant-friendly and will donate a portion of its profits to Rescue, the 501©3 not-for-profit which assists the Rennie community with emergency health care needs.
Volunteers Needed!
Get your application here. This application can be filled out online and printed and either mailed or hand carried to us,or for additional information, please contact us at entertainment@sherwoodforestfaire.com.
