Just beyond the drawbridge, the Mask and Dagger club hosted its Renaissance Fair on April 18, echoing the sentiments of a centuries-old world focused on vibrant arts, clashing steel, and human potential.
Students and teachers worked hard to create a comprehensive experience while keeping admission free; the event focused on building community rather than being something you pay for.
Upon entering the front gate to the quad, the first thing to notice was the change in scenery. Props were a large part, with many created by hand.
The main courtyard was abundant with vines and flowers, creating a lush botanical scenery.
The benches were set up for arts and crafts, and booths were set up as well with activities like fortune telling, henna tattoos, and board games.
”Games Club [were] there playing games. We have students who built a ski-ball [and] a Plinko drop,” said Mrs. Bauer Spano, theater teacher and head of the project.
Food for the event was left to the Thundershack. Upon opening, it featured a new menu. Banners and tablecloths more tailored to the era were used for decoration.
Adding to the authenticity, students and teachers involved in the fair dressed up, putting their acting skills to use for entertainment. The cast for the royalty featured Carson Emery, senior, as the king; Annabelle Randel, senior, as the Queen; Aurora King, junior, as the princess; and two chivalrous knights, Andrew Altavilla, freshman, and Haven Grefka, freshman.
For the show’s duration, the two knights were given a quest. With a premise that a traitor to the country had escaped, the knights were to track him down. Actors approached guests and asked about the traitor’s whereabouts, allowing for seamless inclusion with attendees.
(Gabriel McDonald)
The coordination required to pull off an event like this is arguably impressive, considering the split activities between three different clubs. Beginning last year and still in development, future events may include even more. Next year, everyone should remember that the Renaissance never died and appears now and again in many different places, including Thunderbird’s campus.
