Join the Cast

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. 

Auditions Details

  • DATES: August 2nd
  • TIME: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • LOCATION: Kansas City Renaissance Festival Grounds (Queen’s Gate entrance off N. 126th St.)
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Important Information

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

Kansas City Renaissance Festival Grounds
628 N 126th Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
 
When you arrive:

  1. Enter through the main festival property entrance
  2. Follow signs for Azura Amphitheater / Festival Parking
  3. Continue to Queen’s Gate parking (this is where you want to be)
  4. Park your vehicle
  5. Walk toward the gate area–look for signage and costumed staff
  6. Follow posted signs to the Tea Deck (audition check-in location)
 
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.

Minors

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.

Check In

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

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 practice, or help 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 think and interact in character. 

Audition Format

​Each track is a different audition style, but they all follow the same core structure. 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 moment and exit cleanly.
 
You’ll need: Clear choices, full commitment, and the ability to play well with others! If you can do that, you’ll stand out.

Tracks (Audition Styles) 

​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 seconds, state your purpose (request, problem, business, etc.). Interact live with the King, Queen, or another performer. 


We are evaluating: Clarity Commitment Responsiveness Sustainability over a full day

Music & Street Performance (up to 10 minutes)

This follows the same structure, but your “interaction” is a performance set. Enter in character, establish your hook quickly (this replaces your “introduction”), perform one complete, strong piece. Optional 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 control. Engagement and clarity of act 

​Trades, Skills, and Daily Life (5–7 minutes)


This follows the same structure, but your interaction is educational and demonstrative. Enter in character, define your role (who you are / what you do), explain why it matters (your “purpose”). Present your demonstration plan (what you would do on site) and close naturally.


We are evaluating: Clarity of information, audience engagement, repeatability of demonstration, and integration into the world

Expectations, Training and 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, and the cast becomes a functional village.

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.  

For more information email Entertainment Director at brandi@kcrenfest.com