The Nobility

Our Nobles are comprised of Mary Stuart, (22) Queen of Scotland, a few high ranking Scottish lords and ladies, a couple of foreign envoys, and Mary’s personal staff.  This small group comprises the hunting party that has been arranged as an informal progress around the country in order for Mary to see and be seen.  Mary has only recently returned to her native soil to assume her position as Queen, after having been raised in the Court of France and a brief period as Queen of France while married to Francis II (before his unfortunate and premature death).

During her absence, Scotland has been ruled by her mother, Marie of Guise, acting as regent on her daughter’s behalf.  Marie, as a Frenchwoman and a Catholic, has been very unpopular with the Scots as the country has adopted more and more Calvinistic attitudes in religion and a greater resentment of rule by a foreigner.  Marie’s recent death has hastened the need for Mary to return to Scotland.  It is hoped that Mary’s beauty and charm will win her subject’s hearts and minds, and make her return a smooth transition of power.  It is also the hope of some of the Scottish lords that Mary can be weaned away from the influence of the French, and perhaps to find a new husband more tied to Scottish (and Protestant) interests.

Among the prospective suitors we have: 

-Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, (19) a very young and brash, but charming man. Catholic, great-grandson of Henry VII of England, and Mary’s first cousin (The advisors to Elizabeth I have ‘suggested’ this match.        

 -James Hepburn, 4^th Earl of Bothwell, (28) coarse, arrogant, very Protestant (and also still married to Jean Gordon!)

-Sir John Gordon, (30) 4^th son of the Earl of Huntly (a very powerful Catholic presence in Scotland)

     Among the hunting party members accompanying Mary are:

     Lord James Stewart, (33) the Earl of Moray (Mary’s illegitimate half brother), opposes the Darnley marriage.

     Lady Jean Stewart, (30) the Countess of Argyll (Mary’s illegitimate half sister) and her husband Archibald Campbell, (32) the 5^th Earl of Argyll – an unhappy marriage and waffling loyalties

     Lord Matthew Stewart (48)/ Lady Margaret Douglas (49), the Earl/Countess of Lennox (Darnley’s parents), strong Catholics, pro-English

     David Rizzio, (31) an Italian musician, confidante, and secretary to Mary for French affairs

 __Possible other distinguished members of the Queen’s entourage might include:

       John Knox, (50) Calvinist firebrand and rabid opponent to Mary

Sir James Melville, (27) Scottish envoy to England

William Maitland, (19) Mary’s secretary, educated in France, on the promotional fast-track

Elizabeth de Valois, (18, but we cheat) princess of France and Queen of Spain (3^rd wife of Phillip II, 35, – after ‘Bloody’ Mary Tudor), childhood friend of our Queen Mary

Thomas Randolph, English ambassador (read: spy)

Mary Fleming, lady in waiting, later the wife of Wm. Maitland. (‘La Flamina’)                          

Mary Livingstone,lady in waiting (‘Lusty’)

Mary Beaton, lady in waiting, mistress to Thomas Randolph

Mary Seton, lady in waiting

Pierre de Bocsozel de Chastelard, (24) French poet and ardent admirer of Mary

Philibert du Croc, the French ambassador

Senor de Paz, the Spanish ambassador here to promote marriage to Don Carlos

Father Edmund Hay, Jesuit, and Papal envoy

Roche Mamerot, the Queen’s confessor, a Dominican

Lady Jean Gordon, (early 20’s) Lord Bothwell’s wife

  Character building: Factual or Fantasy?

In the realm of Renaissance/Medieval faires there are various schools of thought regarding characters portrayed under the heading of ‘Nobility.’   These are born from the minds of owners, entertainment directors, guild leaders, and the actors themselves.  Some shows have very specific regulations/expectations and others have next to none.  It all boils down to the desire of whoever is actively at the helm guiding the picture presented to the paying public and how well they train and regulate the actors.

In shows that try to be historically accurate the actors are cast as actual historical figures, whose job is then to do their best to research that person and portray them as true to life as they can.  Frequently these shows have scripted text taken from actual writings and speeches that have been recorded for posterity.  The actors may be cast not only for their acting ability, but also by age and physical attributes similar to the historical person they will portray.   Many times this type of show is presented in a ‘living tableau’ manner in which the audience is only asked to view events strictly as an outside observer. Done well, this can be quite impressive; done poorly it can be boring and alienating.

The flip side of this coin is the show arranged around a completely fictitious / fantasy group of royalty and noble characters.  These shows are done in the style of the period but without any pretense to portraying known people.  They are more concerned with being strictly entertainment rather than attempting to be historically accurate or educational.  Usually these type shows have a higher percentage of audience involvement tactics and may rely on thinly veiled re-writes of more modern theatrical scripts, styles, and character types.  When done well this type of show can be very entertaining and fun; but if only mediocre, they appear as a randomly flung together hodge-podge and offer no convincing ambience of the period:  merely a flea market with strangely costumed people wandering around.

 It is the intent of the Washington Renaissance and Fantasy Faire Nobles Guild (the Guild of St. Ninian) to follow a path somewhere near the midline between these two extremes.  A list of historical figures to be intentionally portrayed include: her Majesty, Queen Mary Stuart of Scotland, and a number of the people in her life that the actors involved may choose to audition to play.  The Nobles Guild maintains a list of possible historical figures and limited background information for them to choose from. It is up to the actor to decide whether to take on this type of responsibility or to create a fictional historical persona of his/her own that can be believably period in nature. Clarity and simplicity are crucial.

In choosing to create a fictional noble persona, keep in mind the following questions:

     What is my relationship to her majesty?  Am I literally a relative, a minor noble looking to advance, a favored friend, or perhaps a veiled enemy?

     Why am I with the entourage at this time?  What is my motive for traveling with her majesty and the others?

     How do I interact with the characters other than nobility?  With the audience?

      Is my character straightforward enough for the audience to quickly know who I am?  (The more detail you have to explain the less successful you’ll be)

      Do I have personality quirks/habits/traits that can be exploited in order to entertain? (This does not necessarily mean humorous in nature)

      In truth, these considerations are applicable to ‘real’ historic characters as well.

     Whatever your character, keep in mind that there are greater costuming expectations for the nobility.  This can be part of the fun as well as a responsibility.  No costumes are provided by the Faire – these are entirely yours to find either by building your own or through borrowing and/or renting.  The degree of elaboration is entirely dependent on the social rank of the character you choose.  When constructing your own it is sometimes easier on the wallet to start out as a minor, lower noble and work your way up as you have the time and/or money to invest in your costume.  There are plenty of people in the show that can be tapped for information, guidance, and inspiration concerning your costume.  Start with the Guild leaders and go from there.  The web site for the show also has costuming guidance and resources.

The Guild of St. Ninian and all noble roles portrayed by members are through auditions held in winter/early spring.  Once you have determined your character-to-be, when fictional, contact the Guild-master prior to auditions for approval.  This is necessary to make sure that there are no duplicate historical or conceptual characters as well as checking your costuming and/or theatrical ideas.  A short written description of your character and simple sketch of the costume you anticipate wearing will need to be be turned in as well.  Your guild-master is very willing to work with you to create a character that you can enjoy playing with as well as being an entertaining and integral part of the Noble guild.  Our goal is to make sure that our audience has fun; this can’t happen if we’re not having fun as well.

As of February first, the role of Queen Mary has been case for the 2003 show.  Most other parts are available at this writing. 

These are entirely volunteer positions and preference will be given to persons available for all three weekends when final cast list is determined.  However, actors with time conflicts for some dates may still be cast .  Please submit information on this site’s volunteer application form and send a photo of yourself to either the Entertainment Director at Amyfaire@AOL.com or the St. Ninian’s guildmaster (Nobles) at Mdemry1@yahoo.com.   If unable to email a photo please contact one of us for a mailing address.   Individuals will be notified as they are cast and a final cast list will be posted on April 1 or when complete – whichever comes first.

Those interested in playing a noble at faire should first look over the following sections, and then contact Amy Forsyth at Amyfaire@aol.com