We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Anyone seeking out summer fun should consider this weekend's Renaissance Faire. On June 9-11, Montana Actors Theater (MAT) will be holding their Ren Faire featuring William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at the Eagles Campground in Havre's Beaver Creek Park. Chinook resident Chad Zuelke joins the cast as Andrew Augecheek. Event organizers are still seeking interested vendors, demonstrators, and activity hosts.
The Ren Faire will open on Friday, June 9 at 4:30 p.m. with a performance of Twelfth Night at 6:00 p.m. Directed by Jay Pyette, Shakespeare's story features Viola (played by Caroline Tuss) and her twin brother Sebastian (Dever Everingham) who have been shipwrecked; each believes the other to have drowned. Viola disguises herself as a young man and, under the name of Cesario, gets a job as a servant for Duke Orsino (Conor Burns). Eventually, Viola's brother surfaces with his friend and protector, Antonio (Charles Finn), who rescued him from the shipwreck. Confusion, trickery, and love triangles ensue until the truth is revealed. Elizabeth Morrigan will serve as the production's Stage Manager.
According to MAT Marketing Director, Andi Daniel-who will also serve as the show's Assistant Director-the play and some of the Ren Faire activities are free, but there will be food and drinks for sale as well as craft vendors. For example, The Singing Siren Tavern will offer libations, and Faire-goers can select from Ye Royal Sow & Cow and Aunty Em's for food on June 9.
Friday's craft vendors include Mersades Lodge, presenting handcrafted crocheted items; Hi-Line Hues, doing face painting; and Sagebrush Woodcrafts selling coasters, key chains, window ornaments, and spice and wine racks made from Russian Olive.
Among Friday's featured games will be horseshoes, corn hole, "sword" fighting, and ring toss.
Saturday, June 10, will highlight a similar line-up with some additions. The Faire will open at 2:00 p.m. with a performance of Twelfth Night again occurring at 6:00 that evening. Joining The Singing Siren Tavern will be Liquid Alchemy, which will have for sale specialty non-alcoholic drinks and Red Bull Infusions. Countess Olivia's Cremosa & Confectionery Delights will also make specialty drinks available.
Another weekend variation will be a Shakespeare Story Time during which the live reading of Shakespearean children's stories will occur, as well as a series of free children's crafts. Among these are Dress to Impress, Make Your Own Elizabethan Ruff (collar), Master of Disguise, Decorate Your Own Masquerade Mask, and Make Your Own Jester's Hat.
Additional vendors will also join the festivities. Anyone interested in a complete list of vendors or seeking more complete details regarding menu options can find those details online at mtactors.com/Faire.
The final day of the Faire will open at noon on Sunday, June 11 with a 2:00 showing of Twelfth Night. Most of the same food vendors will be present, with Havre High Minstrels joining in to sell nachos, fried Oreos, and popcorn.
Joining Friday's crew, craft vendors for the weekend include Audrey Demontiney with handcrafted beaded jewelry and Lady Flower Soap Company. Wendy's Wild Works will also be selling face resin, carved wood, painted livestock skulls, and other natural crafts; while Judith and Rosalie will display jewelry, woven crafts, baked goods, decorative coasters, paintings, t-shirts, and other items for sale.
"You can see a list of vendors and more details at mtactors.com/Faire," Daniel stated. "We are still accepting vendor applications, and those are available at the same web address. Last year we had about 500 people attend, and we anticipate similar numbers. We will also have some fabric available for vendors who are interested in dressing up their stalls."
Vendors and activity hosts are invited to set up tables and booths (stalls) to sell items or host activities, preferably with a Medieval, Renaissance, or Elizabethan aesthetic. Although vendors are encouraged to dress in period costumes and to decorate their stalls with these themes in mind, those suggestions are not required for participation.
