Cast Auditions for 2026 Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Schedule
Sat Jun 20 2026 at 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
628 N 126th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012, United States | Bonner Springs, KS
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Join the Magic Makers of Canterbury at the 2026 Kansas City Renaissance Festival cast auditions! The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is excited to announce the upcoming cast auditions for the 2026 season. We are calling all enthusiasts of magic, merriment, and Renaissance revelry to join us in creating an unforgettable experience for our guests.
Audition Details:
Dates: May 9, 10, 16, 17 and June 20 2026
10:00 AM–3:00 PM (May 17th 12-4pm June 20th 12-5pm)
Location: Kansas City Renaissance Festival Grounds, Queen’s Gate entrance off N. 126th St.
Minors are allowed to audition, with the following requirements:
Ages 14-17:
- A parent or legal guardian must be on site at all times during auditions, rehearsals, and performances
- The parent/guardian does not need to audition
- Parent/guardian is ideally in costume, but not required
Under 14:
- Limited participation hours: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM only
- A parent/guardian must be on site at all times
- The parent/guardian is required to audition, be in costume and serve as an active chaperone
All parents/guardians:
- Must complete a background check and the anti harassment training modules
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the long-standing tradition of our volunteer cast members who bring the magic to life at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.
Make a please read the below information before signing up to audition.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
In-person auditions are required for:
New performers (no prior experience required)
Returning cast creating a new character
New Buskers / Lane Acts
If you are returning with the same character, you will submit a video instead.
If you are looking for scripted or stage-only performance, this is not that.
However, this audition does help us determine whether to call you back for scripted or scheduled work.
All performers must complete this in-person audition step to be considered for any scripted opportunities.
LOCATION (READ THIS — FOLLOW STEP BY STEP)
Kansas City Renaissance Festival Grounds
Use GPS: 628 N 126th Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
When you arrive:
Enter through the main festival property entrance
Follow signs for Azura Amphitheater / Festival Parking
Continue to Queen’s Gate parking (this is where you want to be)
Park your vehicle
Walk toward the gate area--look for signage and costumed staff
Follow posted signs to the Tea Deck (audition check-in location)
Important notes:
This is a large, spread-out site--give yourself a few extra minutes to walk in
If you see the Queen’s Gate, you are in the right place
If you’re unsure, ask any staff member or costumed performer—they’ll direct you
Rule of thumb:
If you’re parked at Queen’s Gate and walking toward visible activity, you’re on track.
WHAT THIS IS
All roles are:
In character Interactive Patron-facing Sustained for full-day performance | You will be expected to:
Engage strangers comfortably Improvise in real time Stay in character under pressure Be part of a working, collaborative village
CHECK-IN PROCESS | WHAT TO BRING / WEAR
Bring a valid ID Complete a short form (contact + availability) Stay nearby and ready Auditions run in rotating waves—you must be present when called | Clean, presentable clothing (no costume required) Comfortable shoes Valid ID Headshot Resume (optional) A basic character idea (helpful, not required)
SUPPORT (USE THIS — IT HELPS)
Mentors are available on-site before your audition.
They can: Help you build or refine a character Give you a simple structure Run a quick practiceHelp you reset if you’re nervous
| No character idea?
You can borrow one for the audition.
You are not committing to that character—this simply lets us see:How you thinkHow you respondHow you interact
AUDITION FORMAT (APPLIES TO ALL TRACKS)
Each track is a different audition style, but they all follow the same core structure.
Your baseline task:
You will walk in as a character. Introduce yourself (who you are, what you do) State your purpose (why you’re there) Engage in a short interaction or playable momentExit cleanly | You don’t need perfect.
You need: Clear choices Full commitment The ability to play well with othersIf you can do that, you’ll stand out.
TRACKS (AUDITION STYLES)
STREET / VILLAGE CAST
Interactive Character Performance (5–7 minutes)
This is the purest version of the base format.Enter in character (immediate start)Establish identity within the first 30 secondsState your purpose (request, problem, business, etc.)Interact live with the King, Queen, or another performer Exit cleanly
We are evaluating: Clarity Commitment Responsiveness Sustainability over a full day |
BUSKERS
Music & Street Performance (up to 10 minutes)
This follows the same structure, but your “interaction” is a performance set.Enter in characterEstablish your hook quickly (this replaces your “introduction”)Perform one complete, strong pieceOptional second piece if time allows
Requirements: Original or public domain only No modern music or recognizable covers
You must also: Deliver a hat speech (your “purpose”) Maintain character throughoutExit cleanly
We are evaluating:Crowd controlEngagementClarity of act |
LIVING HISTORY
Trades, Skills, and Daily Life (5–7 minutes)
This follows the same structure, but your interaction is educational + demonstrative.Enter in characterDefine your role (who you are / what you do) Explain why it matters (your “purpose”) Present your demonstration plan (what you would do on site) Close naturally
We are evaluating: Clarity of information Audience engagement Repeatability of demonstration Integration into the world
BASELINE EXPECTATIONS | TRAINING & COMMITMENT
All cast members are expected to:
Provide their own costume (approval required) Provide their own transportation (and lodging if needed)Interact actively with guests Stay in character while on site Communicate and follow direction This is a team environment.
One person not pulling their weight affects everyone.
| New characters and 1st–3rd year performers participate in the Apprentice Program.
Minimum requirement: 40+ hours of workshops/rehearsals
This is where: Characters are built Costumes are approved Performance skills are developed The cast becomes a functional village
IMPORTANT NOTES
Some tracks fill quickly (earlier dates = better availability)
You may be redirected based on fit
Not all auditioners will be cast
Casting is based on:
Fit
Playability
Reliability
Commitment
Here's the sign up for auditions now link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4CACA622A7F49-63689380-kcrf
For more information email Entertainment Director at [email protected]
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Where is it happening?
628 N 126th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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