Auditions: Queen Elizabeth, cast, and part-time cast

Auditions:
Queen Elizabeth, full-time cast, and part-time cast

Post Date:
Jan 12, 2026

ABOUT THE FAIRE: Get ready to live the excitement and adventure of jousting knights and royal delights with colorfully costumed villagers and merrymakers ready to make your visit an unforgettable experience. Musical, stunt, and theatrical performances are just a few of the many daily shows. Immerse yourself in the days of Merrie Olde England, steeped in the allure of bygone days.

The interactive entertainers at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire are the main attraction!

Queen Elizabeth auditions:
As The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire looks forward to its 46th season, the creative team is on the hunt for our next Queen Elizabeth! This actor must be energetic, gracious, commanding, and have a wry wit. Our Queen takes her role very seriously but is able to enjoy and find humor in whatever is thrown on their way. The year is 1562 and our dear Queen is a fresh-faced 28 years old.

This will be Her Majesty's first trip to the Shire of Mount Hope, and our little hamlet is ready to pull out all the stops to impress our good Queen Bess!

Full-time cast auditions:
The full-time, professional Bacchanalian acting company consists of actors, singers, and dancers from across the country. The Bacchanalians perform swashbuckling swordplay shows, Shakespearean comedies, interactive improvised scenarios, and rollicking music and dance numbers while portraying Elizabethan characters. Bacchanalian obligations are full-time from July 21, 2026 – October 25, 2026.

Part-time cast auditions:
The Blackfryar company is comprised of part-time experienced actors, enthusiastic novices with no prior theater experience, college students, senior citizens and everything in between! This cast is primarily responsible for bringing the working Tudor village to life by creating interesting and fun 16th century characters. Blackfryar rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays beginning May 30, 2025.

PENNSYLVANIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE DETAILS:

• Opening:
  August 15, 2026
• Run:
  August 15
  - October 25, 2026
• Show schedule:
  Saturday and Sunday performances, as well as student days (Wednesday, September 30 & Thursday October
  1)

ACTOR REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong comedic timing
• Ability to memorize tracks and handle interactive moments
• Availability for all rehearsals and performance dates

Video Submission Guidelines:
The audition process will take place in 3 phases

• The Initial Audition Submission
• Virtual Interview
• In Person Callback

We are excited to consider all potential actors. For the Initial Audition, please submit:

• Your Headshot and Resume.
• A 3-minute video audition package consisting of a comedic monologue, and a folk song. Your song should be performed acapella.
• If available, you’re also welcome to submit any reels showcasing fight/dance/movement experience, improv/sketch comedy experience, and/or other styles of vocal and/or instrumental performance.

Videos must be sent as a link to a video hosted on a service such as You Tube. Please submit all materials to  by Sunday, March 1st. The second and third phases will be requested if it is deemed necessary by the casting team.

BACCHANALIAN AUDITION PROCESS:

Bacchanalian auditions will be held in-person on Friday, February 13th from 11am-7pm, and on Saturday, February 14th from 10am-5pm. They will be held in the Barn & Barrel at Mount Hope Estate, 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA 17545.

Please prepare a 1-minute comedic monologue and 16 bars (30 seconds) of acapella song. You are welcome but not required to bring your instrument if you are a musician. Callbacks will be held throughout the day and include group improvisation, so wear comfortable clothing for movement.

If available, you’re also welcome to submit any reels showcasing fight/dance/movement experience, improv/sketch comedy experience, and/or other styles of vocal and/or instrumental performance.

Online submissions are being accepted for the bacchanalian cast. Videos must be sent as a link to a video hosted on a service such as You Tube. Please submit all materials to the above audition form link by Sunday, March 1st.

BLACKFRYAR AUDITION PROCESS:

Blackfryar auditions will be held in-person on Sunday, February 22nd from 10am-5pm. They will be held in the Barn & Barrel at Mount Hope Estate, 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA 17545.

Varies per role. Bacchanalian cast starting at $350/week, Queen Elizabeth starting at $500/week