Elizabethan Faire

Steward’s Elizabethan Faire, which took place on April 26 along the Colonnade, paid homage to William Shakespeare’s wit and wisdom. Upper School English Teacher Stephanie Arnold, who organized the event for the twelfth year with the help of the English Department, said the Faire was an opportunity to celebrate Shakespeare’s talent as a poet, playwright, and actor and make his works come alive for students. The Faire also commemorated the Bard’s birthday: The writer and dramatist was baptized on April 26, 1564.

Students across all divisions explore the wonders of literature throughout their years at Steward, and Shakespeare’s works are an essential part of that discovery. At the Faire, fifth graders displayed models of the Globe Theatre, Middle School students proudly wore Shakespeare-themed T-shirts, and Upper Schoolers illustrated that “all the world’s a stage” by sharing their knowledge of the Bard with visitors. 

Crowd favorites included a “fortune teller” who captivated Faire-goers by “predicting” the future, plus fun (and safe!) staged combat. A roving juggler delighted attendees, as did Ethan Dumeer ’24, who filled the air with Elizabethan music. At the costume table, Spartans donned colorful headwear, lined up to create paper crowns, and smiled for photos. Visitors to the Faire could also practice the art of calligraphy, make special “potions,” get their faces painted, play chess, and snack on Elizabethan desserts.

Kate Reed ’24, who shared her artistic flair at the face painting table, said, “I liked seeing kids get excited about having their faces (and their friends’ faces) painted!” Kate has had a keen interest in Shakespeare’s plays for some time, especially “The Tempest” and “Hamlet.” The Elizabethan Faire “allowed me to share my interest in Shakespeare and art with others,” she said.  

Ms. Arnold added, “Every year, the Elizabethan Faire provides a moment for our community to come together to celebrate learning about the era in a hands-on way. One of my favorite aspects of the Faire is watching Upper School students imagine the best ways to share their knowledge while making it exciting for our youngest Spartans. The event always makes me appreciate how everyone has something to teach and something to learn. ”