The year is 1593. Queen Elizabeth rules the mighty English empire after defeating the Spanish Armada. Now it is time to celebrate, and the Queen processes to the Shire of Mt. Hope to enjoy a festival thrown in her honor.

The festival: otherwise known in these parts as The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

Now they're looking for folks to step into the roles of the characters.

All lords, ladies, pirates and peasants are invited to perform their way through auditions for the 2012 season at The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, in preparation for its 32nd performance season of "jousting knights and royal delights," is looking for professional and semi-professional actors, independent performers and stage crew members.

Auditions are set for February 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. on Saturday and Sunday in the Mansion at Mount Hope Estate & Winery in northern Lancaster County.

Looking for some acting experience? Audition for the apprentice acting company, “The Blackfryars.” This group is comprised of 50-80 volunteers who help bring the working Tudor village to life.

The Blackfryars begin their training every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from late April through August.

Performances are Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday throughout the 13-week performance run. Blackfryar auditioners must be 15 years of age or older, and have the desire to work and learn in a professional theater environment. Theatrical experience is not required, only a sense of fun and teamwork.

All auditioners should bring a recent photograph, resume of any theatrical experience and prepare a one-minute monologue and 30 seconds of an a cappella song.

If you play an instrument, please bring that as well. Callbacks will be held the same day.

Additional audition information may be found at www.PaRenFaire.com. Call for appointment: (717) 665- 7021 ext. 120.

For those happier behind the scenes, the Renaissance Faire also needs an experienced production crew and interns for the 2012 season.

Applicants should have experience backstage either as deck crew or stage management, as well as familiarity with  working in a scene shop.

Employment dates are early May to Thanksgiving, with possible extension to Christmas.
Housing is provided on-site. Interviews are by appointment only. Call to schedule an interview: (717) 665-7021 ext. 124 or email Alison Peoples at Alison@parenfaire.com.

Mount Hope Estate and the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire are located on Route 72, ½ mile south of PA Turnpike exit 266, 15 miles north of Lancaster and 14 miles east of Hershey.

All cast members, together with a Renaissance village full of guildsmen and artisans, independent musicians, jousters, fire-eaters, sword-swallowers, and the like, perform for hundreds of thousands of patrons annually, transporting them back to the 16th century.