Full-time "Bacchanalian" Company
The Faire’s professional acting company and interactive improvisational troupe are known as the "Bacchanalians”. Experienced male and female actors of various ages will be contracted to portray Elizabethan characters, perform Shakespeare and Commedia Del'Arte style plays as well as interactive improvised scenarios and stage combat scenes and performances, all on period outdoor stages and amphitheaters.

The contract commitment runs seventeen weeks, from July 2 through October 28. There are six weeks of intensive rehearsals, including workshops in children’s theater, stage combat, improvisation and interactive theatre. Public performances are Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday from 11 AM to 8 PM, with additional mid-week School Day performances in September and October. Rehearsals midweek during the performance run are scheduled by the Artistic Director with one day off during the rehearsal period and two days off during the run of the show. Pay is from $3600 to $8800 for the seventeen weeks. On site housing with kitchen quarters and workers’ compensation insurance are both provided. A limited number of internships and apprentice positions are offered for a weekly stipend of $100. On-site housing is provided for members of the Bacchanalian company.

Part-time "Blackfryar" Company
Members of our part-time acting company are called “Blackfryars”. The Blackfryars consist mostly of volunteer positions with some positions paid a stipend depending on experience. The main remuneration is found in the professional training and performance experience the Faire environment provides.

The Blackfryars consist of people whose skills vary between first time acting experience to people who have full time jobs outside of the Faire, such as doctors, dentists, teachers, etc., who really want to stretch their acting muscles and get involved with some extra-curricular theatrical fun.

Rehearsals are on-site Wednesday Evenings and all day Saturday beginning in late April and running through opening. Wednesday rehearsals run three to four hours in length. Saturday rehearsals are all day. Cast members are expected to attend all rehearsals and arrange their own transportation. Housing is not provided for members of the Blackfryar company.

Introducing the new GOLDFRYARS!

This year we have put a name to a VERY important part of our acting company. The Goldfryars are members of the company who have strolling and or mobile vending responsibility on the streets of the shire and are also in full character. People like our pickle sellers, water sellers, pretzel hawker and our program hawkers. These are paid positions that start at minimum wage and is commensurate with experience. We are looking for strong individuals who have the acting experience and street experience to make an impact on the street while also selling products to our visiting patrons.

If You'd Rather Work Behind the Scenes!
If you would rather help behind the scenes at the Faire, our Production Staff is looking for you!! Production looks for professional and semi-professional production crew. Whether it be Stage Managers, Production Assistants, or Props there's always room for more! If you are new to the Production world and are looking for experience the Greyfryars are for you! The Greyfryars are members of an apprentice company of stage managers, rehearsal assistants, props crews, stagehands, seamstresses, etc.

Positions are available for the experienced applicant as well as the inexperienced novice. These volunteer positions are an integral part supporting the Entertainment on the Shire and bringing the magic to life. Only those with a passionate desire to learn, to participate, and who possess a strong work ethic need apply. Call (717) 665-7021, ext. 231 for an interview appointment on February 16-17, 9AM until 6PM.

Independent Entertainers
Independent Entertainers are those professionals, either solo acts to group acts who perform shows daily on our stages and streets. If you have an established Renaissance-styled or period stage act or are an authentic or period musician or belong to such a musical group and are interested in discussing a booking at the Faire, please send written promotional material along with a video, CD, or audio cassette tape to:

Vanessa Webb ( Entertainment Coordinator)
2775 Lebanon Road • Manheim PA 17545-8711

AUDITIONS

Local Auditions
Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15, 2009
10AM until 4PM at Mount Hope Mansion
For an appointment call (717) 665-7021, ext. 231, 9 AM to 4 PM
Monday through Friday or e-mail bxoffice@parenfaire.com

• Bacchanalian Auditions
Actors should bring an acting resume and an 8”x10” photo. Strong improv and comic skills are preferred and stage combat experience is a plus. Come prepared with a one-minute monologue and if interested in singing, an acapella piece. Dress comfortably, no heels. Callbacks will be the same day. Transportation to and from the train station, airport or bus station for actors coming from out of town is available.

• Blackfryar Auditions
Auditionees must be 15 years of age or older, and have the desire to work and learn in a professional theater environment. Blackfryar rehearsals include ensemble workshops in improvisation and interactive character development as well as rehearsals for scenarios and stage shows.

The audition will include group improvisations, and will last approximately 20-25 minutes. Callback auditions will be later each day. While some theatrical experience is preferred, it is not required. Bring a photo (photos will not be returned) and a list of your theatrical experience. Please dress to move, prepare a one-minute comic monologue (preferably memorized) and be prepared to sing.

National Auditions



2009 Unified Professional Theatre Auditions
February 6-9, 2009
Playhouse on the Square, Memphis, TN
www.upta.org