FANTASY FAIRE, JUNE 25 & 26
WHEATONARTS TO HOST RENAISSANCE-THEMED FANTASY FAIRE ON JUNE 25 & 26
MILLVILLE, NJ (June 6, 2016) – Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center is pleased to announce that Fantasy Faire will be held on Saturday, June 25th and Sunday, June 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. In partnership with Mystic Realms, Inc. ®, this annual event features traditional theatric skills with live-action role-playing that creates an interactive experience. Strolling costumed characters, portraying historical and mythical figures, interact with each other and WheatonArts visitors throughout the campus during both days of Fantasy Faire.
Role-playing has been referred to by many as a form of performing arts, with some elements of improvisational theater present. Performing arts, often defined as art forms of creative activity performed in front of an audience, such as drama, music, and dance, is another form of expression that intersects with the WheatonArts mission to engage artists and audiences in an evolving exploration of creativity. At Fantasy Faire, historic fact from the Medieval and Renaissance periods is blended with mythology and contemporary popular fantasy. Visitors should expect to watch and engage with a variety of family-friendly characters. From kings to elves and gypsy dancers to famous characters like Robin Hood, the whole family will be immersed in an interactive day of performing arts.
Highlights include:
- The Kingdom of Wheaton’s Grand Tournament of Prosperity in which the Baron’s champions fight for glory and honor
- Story Book Grove, where characters like Cinderella, Prince Charming, Beauty and the Beast, and the Pied Piper share stories and delight audiences
- Renaissance and folk music performances, including the musical stylings of the “The Misplaced Pub” band
- The raising of the Spring Pole and Wrapping Dance
- Demonstrations of medieval combat by Phoenix Swords and Mystic Mercenaries of Philadelphia, Renaissance dancing, textile production, arms and armor, archery, and other Renaissance-related activities
- At the Court of Miracles, children can meet Esmeralda and other characters from the Hunchback of Notre Dame and watch dancing and drumming demonstrations
- Grymm Witches family-friendly and funny storytelling
Vendors will offer a variety of unique products including jewelry, medieval and fantasy costumes, leather goods, and psychic readings. Also the gaming area, centered around a pirate theme, features games such as a beanbag toss for kids and ax/knife throwing for adults. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Visitors receive a detailed program of activities each day.
The Fantasy Faire is included in the price of admission to WheatonArts. Ticket prices are: adults $10.00, senior adults $9.00 and students $7.00 and children five and under are free. For more information about WheatonArts, call 1-800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit online at wheatonarts.org. Please submit requests for press images to wheatonartsnews@wheatonarts.org.
For more information about Mystic Realms ®, call 856.430.0716 or visit mysticrealms.com.
WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Please provide two weeks notice for additional needs. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey Cultural Trust. WheatonArts receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State, and is supported in part by the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
About WheatonArts
With a history spanning four decades, WheatonArts has earned regional, national and international recognition for its unique collections and programs. The Museum of American Glass, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, houses one of the most comprehensive collections of American glass in the country…from the first glass bottles made in America to celebrated works by Dale Chihuly and other contemporary artists who work in glass. Visitors experience the art of glassmaking, ceramics and flameworking in the Artists Studios. From April through December the Museum of American Glass and Gallery of Fine Craft present special exhibitions. WheatonArts also offers traditional and multi-cultural programs, classes, workshops, performances, and weekend festivals. The award-winning Museum Stores offer traditional and contemporary art and craft in all mediums.
About Mystic Realms ®
Mystic Realms ® is a theater company incorporated to organize events that create interactive drama through role-playing. Events use the Mystic Realms ® Live-Action and Dice-Play rules systems and encourage the development of characters within realistic, thought-provoking game settings. Mystic Realms ® was created in the early 1990s and has expanded, since then, into many new and exciting game worlds.
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Click for a PDF of the Fantasy Faire news release.
