I got to work at the Arizona Renaissance Festival.
Now, the first question that I get anytime someone finds out I've been working at the Ren Faire is, how do you even get into something like that? For me, it's been a long and winding road.
One of my very good friends, who shall be referred to here as M'Lady, has worked at the Faire, with her entire family, since she was a youngster. They are among the actors and actresses who audition every year to be a part of the Royal Court, playing specific characters that entertain the thousands of revelers who travel down to Apache Junction every weekend during the season. I first met M'Lady in the eighth grade, and first was introduced to this fascinating world then. We remained friends throughout high school and even now, and every year, I wanted to work there with her. But between school and extracurriculars, I never had the time.
Until now.
Now, in order to be an actor with the Faire, you have to audition. By the time I remembered my desire to work there, I had missed the audition deadline by two months. However, they were still accepting applications for the Food and Beverage employees, so I filled out the application, dropped it off at the Main Office, and waited.
Waiting turned into a phone call, which led to an interview, which led to me being hired and becoming a Serving Wench (professionally known as a Cash Handler...could you imagine the looks I'd get if I put the former on my resume????)
I was given a costume and a role to play, and let me tell you, I had a freaking blast! I have an obsession with collecting accents, and I regularly employ them from time to time (much to the amusement of my friends and colleagues). I got to be sassy and cute and speak Cockney, and may I just say, I haven't had so much fun working in my life?! Yes, it was long and hot and difficult and I dealt with more drunken men than ever before, but I also got to let my freak flag fly and meet some amazing people along the way.
I met a guy from New Zealand named Jared who was back-packing his way around the world.
I met a big time CEO of a Fortune 500 company who liked to moonlight as a Viking on the weekends.
I got to say things like, "Try my delicious beef jerky! And 'allo, sir, you look like you desire to put your lips around the King's pickle!" (Jumbo Dill Pickles were $1 a piece)
Needless to say, I am sad that the time has come and gone. I know for sure that I'll be working there again next year. The only question is whether I'll return as a Serving Wench, a Lady of the Royal Court, or as a Groom to the Jousting Knights' most prized steeds.
Ah, decisions, decisions.
Well, I'm off! I've got finals to worry about. Best o' luck to ya! Pip-pip, cheerio!
