What's the process for joining the volunteer cast?
Many people who contact us are interested in becoming a cast member. The volunteer entertainment cast is organized into Performance Guilds, for example: villagers, fae. Open cast call dates/places are announced on our message board, the Riverfront Times, and the Post-Dispatch at the end of December. Several auditions are held after the first of the New Year. Show up for one of them. Rehearsals are then held weekly through the start of faire. Volunteers receive instruction on history, period speech and manners, patron interaction, dance lessons (and more) at rehearsals. Even if not a cast member, support volunteers are welcome to attend rehearsals and learn. The volunteer cast provides their own costuming (see Costuming Guidelines) with a few exceptions based upon their role. Cast members also donate 16 site work hours to the faire. Because the faire has grown so large, a parent or guardian accompanies minors under 16 at all times.
You want to be "in" the faire but can only make 2 or 3 rehearsals.
Consider helping behind the scenes with the Box Office, Stage Management, Kids' Kingdom, Traffic Control, Souvenir Booth or Volunteer Support (which can include assisting in the volunteer area, collecting trash, delivering water, whatever is needed). Box Office and Stage Management roles do require basic period costuming. Come to one of the cast calls and sign up for one of these roles!
Additional Information About Our Volunteers
We are a closely-knit,community conscious, educational organization. Seasoned faire veterans are eligible to participate in activities sponsored by and for the Renaissance Faire. There are opportunities to explore various periods of history for school programs and other special events.
Volunteers have participated in the St. Charles Jaycee's Mardi Gras Parade, Greater St. Louis St. Patrick's Day Parade, Tartan Days, Earth Days, Shakespeare in the Park and more!
Why Volunteer?
It is evident at this point that volunteering for faire is more than putting on a costume and walking around the faire. So why do people do it? For history lovers, it is a way to educate others about how it was "then" so that there is a better appreciation of "now." It is putting skills to use for "fun:" helping construct buildings, raking leaves, selling sodas, donating materials, sewing a costume and knowing that the contribution is meaningful and appreciated.
You will meet great people and have wonderful experiences. Let us know how you want to be a part of the organization by Contacting us.
