Hear ye! Hear ye! The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is searching for a regal presence to don the crown as Queen Elizabeth I for its upcoming season. Aspiring monarchs age 18 or older are invited to step into the spotlight through a three-phase audition process that includes an initial submission, a virtual interview and an in-person callback. The chosen queen will bring history to life, commanding the court with wit, grace and authority as she reigns over the Faire's bustling village and lively festivities.

"This actor must be energetic, gracious, commanding and have a wry wit," said Blake Braswell, executive producer of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. "Our queen takes her role very seriously but is able to enjoy and find humor in whatever is thrown their way."

The queen is required to have strong comedic timing; be able to memorize lines, blocking and choreography; possess the ability to handle interactive moments with guests; and be available for all rehearsals and performance dates. Rehearsals will begin in mid-July; the Faire season will run on Saturdays and Sundays (as well as two school days) from Saturday, Aug. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 25, at Mount Hope Estate, 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim.

"The Faire scenario for the 2026 season is set in the year 1562, and our dear queen is a fresh-faced 28 years old," shared Caitlin Graci, creative producer. "That being said, we don't discourage any age from applying for the queen. Our stories and timelines always change from year to year."

Queen Elizabeth is a pivotal role at the Renaissance Faire.

"A role like the queen really is one that can have such a tremendous effect on people," Braswell shared. "People have pictures they took with the queen when they were little kids, and now they are here with their own children getting pictures with the queen. If the idea of adding to that legacy inspires you, you have the first thing you need to audition for the queen."

For the past five years, the same actor has played the role of Queen Elizabeth.

"Over the years, we've held auditions and at times trained up an actor from the previous season to step into the role," said Candace Smith, director of sales and marketing. "An opportunity like we have now to hold auditions for the queen allows us to meet so many new performers. Those fresh faces with fresh ideas are part of the magical formula of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire that keeps us evolving and improving."

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire features two companies, the full-time Bacchanalian company (which includes the queen) and the part-time Blackfryar company. Both are seeking people to fill various roles beyond the queen.

The professional Bacchanalian acting company consists of actors, singers and dancers from across the country.

"The Bacchanalians perform swashbuckling swordplay shows, Shakespearean comedies, interactive improvised scenarios and rollicking music and dance numbers while portraying Elizabethan characters," explained Graci. "The Blackfryar company (comprises) part-time experienced actors, enthusiastic novices with no prior theater experience, college students, senior citizens and everything in between! This cast is primarily responsible for bringing the working Tudor village to life by creating interesting and fun 16th-century characters."

Rehearsals for the Blackfryar company will begin at the end of May.

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire features interactive experiences throughout its 40-plus-acre English village. Guests can experience jousting, music and theatrical performances. More than 100 merchants sell their wares on-site, and a variety of food and drink options are available for purchase.

Anyone who is interested in being a part of the experience is invited to audition for a role, Smith said.

"The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is a place where both the most novice and seasoned actors can shine," she said. "There are so many different types of theater that we produce on the grounds that there is truly something for everyone. From singing and dancing to stage combat and Shakespeare, our actors get the opportunity to hone their skills and work on new ones. It is truly a place that encourages play, improvisation and creativity."

To learn more about the audition process, visit http://www.parenfaire.com. While the goal is to cast the role of the queen by the end of February, the auditions will remain open until the right person is found, Smith said.