San Francisco, CA - July 27th, 2004 Renaissance Productions, an organization dedicated to the theatrical and authentically-astute development of quality Renaissance-themed events, will present the Golden Gate Renaissance Faire on August 28th and 29th, highlighting the history of Queens Jane and Mary Tudor, of Princess Elizabeth, England's struggle for identity, and for the crown and for the heritage of religion. Part of the proceeds of the event will be donated to a local San Francisco High School's drama program. The school will be chosen through a lottery process on Sunday afternoon.

The year is 1553. King Edward is dead and Princess Mary is on her way to London to pay respects to her late brother and claim the Crown of England. News from the Capital reaches her during her journey: the Duke of Northumberland pronounced princesses Mary and Elizabeth illegitimate and proclaimed Jane Gray, wife of his son and cousin of the princess', Queen, thus setting the stage for our faire.

"We have worked for over a year researching, staging, and bringing together an amazing cast from all over California to present this intriguing, entertaining and powerful time of Europe's history," said Marti Miernik, performance director of Renaissance Productions. "History judges Jane Gray and Mary Tudor harshly and Elizabeth I of England with favor. But what were the circumstances that contributed to their fate? We will investigate the lives -- and loves -- of three women by bringing alive the daily life of the times, let people experience what they experienced 450 years ago.

The cast of over 1000 actors and groups reaching four corners of California will be led by three talented and seasoned actresses performing roles of Queens Jane Gray and Mary Tudor and Princess Elizabeth. Queen Jane will be played by 16 year old Megan Fisher, resident of San Diego. Megan has been performing at Renaissance events for over three years as a member of St. Augustine Guild. Her supporting cast will be led by the CastleWood House performance troupe based in Sacramento. Liz Martin of Sacramento will play the Queen Mary Tudor. Liz' involvement in acting and Renaissance Faires spans more than a decade. In addition to acting, Liz also is the Guild Mistress of St. Mathew's guild and the producer of the Folsom Renaissance Faire. Her supporting cast includes members of the renowned English court guilds: St. Stephens and St. George.

Finally, the role of Princess Elizabeth will be played by Brooke Aiello, resident of Fresno. Brooke's acting and Renaissance re- enactment career spans over seven years. Brook has a BA in Theatre Arts with an Acting emphasis and has been involved in various Community and "Professional" theatre productions. Guild of St Henry's from Fresno and members of Studium Generale from Sacramento will make up her supporting court, tutors and household.

Some attend Renaissance Faires for the history, while others for the fantasy. Both groups will be entertained at this two day festival. The two days of interactive adventure will feature thrilling staged combat; spectacular entertainment; amazing variety acts; individual performers of all kinds providing music, song, dance, comedy and drama from the Renaissance Age. Some of the activities will include royal parades, a coronation ceremony, a joust and battle pageants; historical reenactments; plus a 16th Century marketplace filled with authentic crafts, period games, and hearty food and drink.

The faire will showcase the kinds of people you would meet, the food you would feast on, and the entertainment you would enjoy during the Renaissance - dashing knights and beautiful ladies, jousting and artisans, a myriad of foods and tankards of drink with which to wash it all down.

"We wanted to present something special, memorable and worthy of the City of San Francisco, combining entertainment with an educational experience for all ages," said Bill Watters, president of Renaissance Productions." Additionally through this event, Renaissance Productions has chosen to direct attention towards preserving arts programs as a part of the educational curriculum.

Mr. Watters continued, "California schools have already lost over $9 billion since the 2001-02 school year. Usually after hours programs and performing arts are among the first things to get cut when budgets get trimmed. History and the performing arts are among the most relevant of educational elements and serve to help teach a number of skills and to help build character, leadership, creative thought, and confidence. This is why we will donate a portion of the proceeds to help support and maintain San Francisco High School's drama programs."

About 15,000 patrons are expected to attend this year's Golden Gate Renaissance Faire. The faire will run August 28th and 29th. Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 5:00 on Sunday. Children under six will get in free. The cost of admission for children ages 6 to 12 and seniors is $10, and the adult admission cost is $15. For more information, and directions to the grounds, visit www.sffaire.com or call 415 354 1773.

About Renaissance Productions
Renaissance Productions is an organization dedicated to theatrical and authentically astute development of quality of Renaissance- themed events the serves as a network for entertainers, vendors and producers of these events. For more information please visit www.renaissance-web.net or call 1-415-354-1773