Medieval Fair

           The Medieval Fair, the biggest single weekend event in Oklahoma, continues to grow in numbers not only with the increase of visitors, but also an increase in cast members. Entertaining this large group of people takes a lot of preparation and planning. The Medieval Fair, which will be at the end of March, held auditions for cast members yesterday.

            This year, the Medieval Fair will be based on a market scene during he time of Edward III and his court. This is the first time in 6 years the Medieval Fair has changed courts. Previously, the cast has reenacted Henry I. Ann Marie Eckart, Medieval Fair Coordinator, said she is not only looking for new cast members, but also looking to add new roles to the fair, from the Rat Lady to a Pipe-Piper.

The Medieval Fair tradition began on the south oval of the University of Oklahoma 34 years ago with a group of about 100 students reenacting the medieval times. Now, the Medieval Fair has grown to host 375,000 people just this past year. It has not only been a strong tradition for OU, but many of the returning cast members told about how the fair has made a lasting impression on them. When the coordinator and director asked each person auditioning why they decided to try-out, over half a dozen people said once they experienced the fair, they were hooked. From then on they wanted to be a part of what make such a big impact to them.

 “I was the shy kid,” said Eckart thinking back on her childhood. She told about how one of her friends convinced her to make a costume and experience the Medieval Fair when she was 16. Even after she had her costume ready, it took her friend dragging Eckart out of the house to actually participate. Once at the fair, she played a servant without any speaking lines. She said she enjoyed the fair so much that she was completed hooked after that. Now, she says working with the different kinds of people every year is her favorite part of the fair. “I’ve grown up with the fair, and grown through the fair, so this is my chance to give back,” said Eckart.

            Every person who auditioned was invited to the first rehearsal. Eckart announced that she would be able to find a role for each person that wanted to be involved. However, during audition breaks the director and coordinator already began deciding who would play each part. “I’m looking for someone who can think on their feet because the fair is 95 percent improvisation,” said Eckart.

Following auditions, the cast will attend eight workshops. During the workshops, cast members will practice their improvisational skills by doing activities such as rotating three different people in a game. This game will consist of one person standing, one leaning, and one sitting down. “These games teach them how to multi-task as well as improvisational,” Cody Clark, director. They will also learn how to sew their costumes, learn the history of the fair, and speak their roles during these workshops. “I am very pleased with the turnout,” said Eckart. “We may have more auditions later on or people are encouraged to show up to the first rehearsal if they are interested.”

Photo: Kelsey Hightower Medieval Fair Coordinator, Ann Marie Eckart and Medieval Fair Director, Cody Clark discuss participants that auditioned.