PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Candace Smith, ext 138, Candace@parenfaire.com
Teresa Centini, ext 149,
Teresa@parenfaire.com
2775 Lebanon Road • Manheim, PA 17545
(717) 665-7021 • www.PaRenFaire.com |
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Renaissance Faire Welcomes A New Artistic Director
Returning Actor, Director, Graphic Designer – Kirk P. Simpson
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The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is preparing for the upcoming season with the highly anticipated appointment of Kirk
Simpson as its new Artistic Director. After many years of working at the Faire, Simpson is truly excited to gather his
years of theatrical experience and share his vision of the Shire of Mount Hope, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
Originally from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Simpson lived in St. Petersburg, Florida for many years before relocating to
Pennsylvania. During that time his artistic experience served him best in both graphic design and acting. With a
background that spans almost 25 years, Simpson has a great diversity in theatrical entertainment both in business as well
as performance.
Simpson has performed in Renaissance Faires since 1985, including those in Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, Ohio, and
Pennsylvania, playing peasant to king, villain to hero, stage to street, as well as director and actor. Renaissance Faires
opened doors to Musical, Regional, Dinner and Children’s Theater. Kirk worked for Wizard Studios , a world-wide
corporate theme production company in Clearwater, Florida both as Lead Actor and Entertainment Director for many
years creating interactive characters for corporate and fortune 500 events. Simpson’s passion lies in the “street,” creating a
diverse array of interactive characters no matter what the theme. Kirk came to the Pennsylvania Renaisance Faire in 1997
as an actor playing the still-popular big buttocked puritan, Ignatius Glutbottom and returned in 1999 to play King Henry
VII in the Faire’s War of the Roses. From 2000-2007 he wore many hats at the Faire as Graphic Designer, Assistant
Director of Operations, Gift Buyer, and Entertainment Director.
In 2007, after his father’s passing, Kirk moved back to his roots in New England with his family, where he landed a part
in High School Musical and The Producers at the historic Ogunquit Playhouse. Upon discovering his graphical
background, the Playhouse hired Simpson as Marketing Production Manager where he has worked since 2008 and resides
with his partner Jim and step-daughter Rowan. |
The Season’s Artistic Vision
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Simpson’s vision is a simple one. Inviting each and every guest into a historical fantasy where they feel like they can be a
part of the comedy, drama, and wonder that unfolds throughout the day. Whether as spectator or active participant, every
guest becomes a part of the magic that is the PA Renaissance Faire. While other entertainment venues simply entertain
their guests, Simpson’s goal is to make you feel like you are PART of that fantasy. A child or simply a child at heart,
there’s something for everyone at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
Simpson adds, “We have grown to a faire serving tens of thousands of people sometimes each weekend. We are now a
theme park, but now more than ever do we need to preserve the illusion. We don’t want to be just another theme park.
People come to the Faire for a reason. They come to escape into a 16th century village and it’s our job to keep that magic
going. Touching each and every guest every time.”
With a passion that never ends for interactive theater, entertainment and ultimately creating an illusion for each and every
guest, Kirk is ready to take on the challenge of Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire!
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Mount Hope Estate and the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire are located on Route 72, ½ mile south of PA Turnpike exit
266, 15 miles North of Lancaster and 14 miles East of Hershey. |
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