Entertainment
Journey through time as our stages burst to life with continuous, day-long entertainment. Witness gallant knights on horseback vying forKing Jame’s favor in thrilling jousts, the clash of swords, and indulge in the grand feasting. Our realm is brimming with arts, crafts, musicians, and playful games. Discover the excitement of our performers and entertainers who bring history to life! Get to know the talent that will grace our stages this year.
The roster of 2023’s stellar entertainers is available below, and we’re gearing up to refresh the lineup with 2024’s captivating performers. Stay tuned for updates on the array of talent that will be joining us in the new year!
Knights of the Realm
In the World Tournament Of Champions, Knights of the Realm, an international troupe of skilled horsemen, archers, and swordsmen bring the games and jousting of 16th century Europe to life. The clash of steel rings throughout the Vale as each Knight brings passion and prowess to defend the honor of their home country. Feel the ground tremble with pounding of hooves, lend your voice to cheer your favorite Knight to victory, as they vie for the favor and honor of Her Majesty, Mary Queen of Scots!
Dora Viellette
***NEW THIS SEASON*** Dora Viellette will take you through time with an intriguing array of music on the hurdy-gurdy. From classics of the Medieval and Renaissance to traditional Celtic and Folk favorites, her blend of sounds and songs will tempt your ears, make you want to stay for a spell, and leave you wanting to hear more.
Fakespeare
Fakespeare featuring Patrick Hercamp (of Sound and Fury) performing the Bard’s work like you’ve never seen it before! This award winning vaudevillian comedian condenses some of Shakespeare’s best loved tragedies, energetically illustrating all the key points, characters, and iconic dramatic moments in 30 minutes or less. This show is for Shakespeare fans and total illiterates alike. There’s something for everyone to enjoy with Patrick’s “Fakespeare”, and if you’re not careful, you just might learn something!”
Supernova the Strongwoman
Tera “SUPERNOVA” Zarra is a professional strongwoman, hand-balancer, and aerialist. She has performed for Nike, Google, Intel, Yelp, Game of Thrones, Red Dead Redemption II, and thousands of national and international venues.
Join Supernova as she bends steel, smashes stone, and demolishes expectations. Thrill as this world-class force of nature brings her daredevil acrobatics, superhuman strength, and family-friendly comedy to Dunrose!
Piccolo Puppet Players
The Piccolo Puppet Players presents The Punch & Judy Show! Done in the traditional British style. Prepare for lots of color, laughter and audience interaction. Mr. Punch is a light hearted anti-hero who gets himself in and out of trouble by the use of his wits. He meets many colorful characters throughout the show: Judy, his wife; the Baby; Joey the clown; the Constable, who never fails to misapprehend Mr.Punch, the Crocodile who swallows his stick and many others! Join us at the Oakwood Puppet Pavillion!
Lynx - Daredevil of Oddities
The Lynx Show is a unique blend of magic, sword swallowing and comedy. Lynx is a veteran when it comes to performing at Renaissance festivals across the country. Not only is there audience interaction and participation but a strong positive message at the end. From death defying feats of amazement to bewildering moments that just can’t be explained, The Lynx Show is sure to thrill you! So, don’t miss out and be part of the fun!
Cirque du Sewer
Cirque du Sewer- the acrobat with rats and cats! As seen on ABC’s “The Gong Show”, physical performer/ rope walker Melissa and her trained animals perform stunts together that will change your ideas of what rats and cats are capable of!
Robin Hood and Maid Marian Present!
Join Robin Hood and Maid Marian for magical storytelling! Six members of the audience star in these high-energy, interactive retellings of “St. George & the Dragon” and “The Tales of Robin Hood”! Heroes, villains, cheering, screaming, and hilarity ensues!
The Minstrel Darius
After studying mandolin under the tutelage of a wise master deep in the desert, the minstrel known as Darius set forth to share the gift of music. From street corners to the queen’s court, an eclectic blend of medieval, renaissance, and celtic ballads and dance music is sure to delight Lords, Ladies, and Fairies of all ages and walks of life.
MooNiE the Magnif'Cent
Adults and children alike have loved The MooNiE Show for over 20 years! An immersive silent comedy experience that brings the audience in using whistles and gestures to put everyone in stitches. Adding to the comedy is MooNiE’s mesmerizing balancing and juggling skills, creating an enjoyable family-friendly show that has something for everyone. Stick around for his final show of the day when MooNiE teams up with the edgy sarcastic Broon for the largely improvised MooNiE and BrooN Show. A perfect double act, clashing and complimenting to create the ideal recipe for painfully good comedy where no one will know what they’re going to do next, including them.
When Pigs Fly
Now that her children are grown and her profession is done, Linnae likes to wander the world playing her fiddle at fairs, markets, and festivals. She thoroughly enjoys it!
Chaste Treasure
***NEW THIS SEASON*** Truly a treasure, but questionably chaste, Chaste Treasure is sure to delight all of your senses. This talented trio will entertain you with their tight harmonies, sassy shenanigans, and double entendre.
Faye the Living Statue
***NEW THIS SEASON*** Ellen DeSitter is an actress and circus performer from Chicago, IL. She has performed at various Renaissance Festivals including: the Bristol Renaissance Faire in WI, Michigan Renaissance Festival in MI, Blackrock Medieval Festival in MI, Stronghold Olde English Faire in IL, New York Renaissance Festival in NY, and the Brevard Renaissance Festival in FL. Ellen is very excited to make her west coast Renaissance Festival debut!
Raptor Events
Raptor Events’ master falconer showcases the captivating art of falconry, a favored sport of the nobility of medieval Europe. Majestic birds of prey soar through the sky as they beat their wings in pursuit of their quarry. Conservation and animal education are at the core of the Raptor Events mission. After-show activities include a meet-and-greet with the falconer and his feathered assistants. As part of their company of conservation ambassadors, Raptor Events also displays a variety of reptile species, offering an engaging experience for a wide range of animal enthusiasts.
Manis O’Tool
Witness the ‘Manis O’Tool and his Imperial Tibetan yak show’! Please note that on the very rare occasion that his incredibly trained yak, Clark, goes missing right before the big show, Manus will be forced to improvise – fortunately he’s got hilarious stories, jokes, some audience participation and maybe even a dangerous stunt or two that he can pull out of his sleeve in a pinch… Enjoy the show, and if needed, please keep an eye out for Clark.
The Seadogs
The Seadogs are a group of performers who perform Nautical music and songs, with a healthy injection of comedy and sailor-y theatrics. Several instrumentalists, along with an entire group of talented singers who perform a wide range of seafaring music…from old world shanties & work songs done in the traditional style, to more upbeat interpretations of classic sea-songs, to modern & original seafaring music. The Seadogs have been entertaining West Coast audiences for over 30 years, and have a strong background in entertaining audiences both young and old in nearly every conceivable venue.
BOWI
For years, Seattle based BOWI has been entertaining audiences with a blend of traditional Celtic music and unique energy. The BOWI sound encompasses a wide range of music including driving Jigs and Reels, exciting vocals, and beautiful ballads. An incredibly flexible and adaptive group, BOWI has performed at everything from Pubs and local faires, to private parties and weddings. Acoustic or “Plugged in”, BOWI has never failed to get the hands clapping and feet stomping.
Broon
Broon is a variety comedian who has toured all over the country for more than twenty years presenting a show of side-splitting laughter and amazing stunts. With a strong background in improvisational theater and street performing he has developed a spontaneous and edgy style that guarantees no two shows will be exactly alike. One part stand-up comic and one part sideshow performer Broon amazes with magic, fire eating, juggling, and bullwhips all wrapped up with a sardonic wit that will leave you breathless.
Baksana
Baksana music and dance ensemble performs colorful pieces inspired by eastern lands. Adventure, passion, and humor combine to tell stories through movements. “Baksana” is Turkish for “Hey! Over here!” which compliments their energetic and captivating presence. Swords, veils, assaya, cymbals, and lots of improvisation are used to create unique audience experiences
Mistress of Melody - Weekends 1 & 2
Samantha, the Mistress of Melody is a bard in the classic sense. Telling tales in song with her Celtic harp and her voice she entertains, recalling stories both old and new. Samantha is also a member of the Irish band, Possibly Irish, whom of which she plays harp with in the summers at the Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon.
Earl the Bard - Weekends 2 & 3
Earl the Bard wanders the land telling stories and playing music wherever he goes. His trusty Hurdy Gurdy evokes the magical feel of ancient music and lore and can beguile even stubborn feet to dance with its enchanting and ethereal sound. With a smile and a song, Earl the Bard charms guests of all ages by interacting directly with passersby as they explore the wonders of the festival.