I am an actor.

A performer, a singer, an improv artist, a director, a writer and small time composer.

 So why work at Renaissance Festivals?

Short answer: The Renfest gives me artistic freedom to write, direct, produce & perform in my own and adapted works. I love it.

That's the short answer. If you dont' really wanna know then stop reading now and go flip on the TV. Otherwise...... beware.

I came to the Renaissance world when two pals of mine and I had put an improv troupe together and we landed a gig at the old Ontario show.

After more research I discovered that yes, you could do this all year; full time. And so...I did.

 But it hasn't been easy, this is a difficult path to choose.

The troupe members have come and gone; some move on to bigger and better things, some get married, some just decide it's not for them; and with every years more girls need to be trained, and costumed, and worked with, but still I persist.  Away from home, from family & loved ones, away from my garden and my favourite haunts & shops, but still I persist. It gets harder every year, budgets get smaller, gas gets more expensive, cars need more repairs but still I persist. Travelling is difficult, truckstops are icky, trailers break and no airconditioning makes tempers wear thin; but still i persist.

 why?

I have met some of the most incredible, open, talented and simply amazing people in the world. Some of the most touching and memorable moments in my life have happened because of what i do.

People have touched me and the life repercussions have been astounding. Fans become friends and then family; I think of Ginger often and hope she is in a better place. I think of a woman in Texas and hope she knows people care and love her; the wonderful couple in Louisiana who opened their hearts and homes to me, and continue to be a guiding force in my life. And Gary, who comes to all our shows whom we lovingly call "Dad" and brings us the neatest gifts that give us endless hours of enjoyment.

I met my best friend and though the path twists and turns we somehow keep our headsabove water. We argue, we fight, but no one understands us better than each other.

I met the love of my life on the road, he makes me laugh like no other. We're apart a lot; but the times we share make everything worthwhile.

 A Rant:

 People see the culimnation of years of training and weeks and days of rehearsal & work when they come and enjoy the Renfests. People who think that we only work two days make me laugh; but in an angry way. They have no idea of what goes into the final 30 minute production that they see. We're not a coupla kids in college who thought this would be 'fun'. No, we are professionals. Just like lawyers, doctors, teachers, bus drivers, janitors, bankers, electricians, etc etc etc....we are professionals. Years of training, research and history have gone into what we do. 

So when you're at a Faire, and enjoy a show, don't ask the performer "so, what else do you do?" It's like asking your mechanic or teacher, "so, what else do you do?" It's a bit insulting.

People only see the fluffy show that we perform. But there's way more to us than that.

Okay, done.

I love what I do. I love to make people laugh and watch their faces lift & have them forget their troubles even if for just a moment. Laughter truly is the best cure.

I love the freedom that we have, I love the very fact that we do this because we CAN....I love the outdoors, I love the mixed smell of woodchips, mulch and incense. I love working with my best friends and doing all the stupid stuff that we do and having the time of our lives doing it. I love making them laugh.

I love hearing the far off sounds of the joust, a bagpiper, children laughing and vendors hawking. I love the fact that we pretend to be living in a simpler time and it's such a friendly happy place. 

I am an actor and I love what i do.