- What is it that you do ?
We run a small Theater company called HAPPENSTANCE THEATER. We are an ensemble of 5 performers who create all aspects of our productions ourselves. Mark Jaster and Sabrina Mandell are the Artistic Co-Directors and also have a number of duo shows they perform together, including FOOLS NAMED ‘O’ & LA!LA! Since the pandemic we have performed some of our duo pieces virtually for school and assembly programs, released many of our archival performances online and we have also created some new content: QUARANTINE CINEMA, DIZ & IZZY ASTER HOPE POSTS, A ROSE FOR ERGENSBURG, a short film inspired by Fairy Tales and Hard Times and THE JUXTAPOSE TENEMENT is a theatri-virtual website collage in action inspired by the shadow boxes of Joseph Cornell.
- Where are you located?
ROCKVILLE, MD
- When did you start selling or performing? In general or at renaissance fests?
Last year would have been Mark Jaster’s (A Fool Named ‘O’) 35th year at the MD Renaissance Festival. It would have been my (Sabrina Mandell aka La!La!) 15th. We have been making theater for as long as we can remember.
- What was your local faire or home faire?
MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
- How are you compensating for this strange time we are in now?
We are trying to use this time to continue making things in other contexts, like our garden and studio. We have also ventured into some film making. The compensation is really just finding alternative outlets for our creative impulses.
- What advice do you have to give to others that are just starting out in this business? Or how to stay in this business?
DIVERSIFY! Don’t be afraid to try things that don’t seem to directly relate to theater or performance. You will be surprised how much a variety of experiences are applicable in this realm. It will also allow you to earn a living if you don’t immediately find paying performance work. STAY CURIOUS! And practice humility. There is so much to learn and every circumstance offers lessons. Also believe in yourself and take risks. Life is short and no one gets out alive, so don’t hesitate! LIVE!
- What do you miss most about faire?
Interacting with so many humans. Making people laugh. Sharing unexpected moments with a crowd. Being in the laboratory that the festival offers. So many performances, for so many people, is the perfect opportunity to hone skill and practice listening.
- Do you think that there will be faires in the future or what steps we should be taking next?
There will always be faires. There will always be performance. As long as there are humans, we will find ways to gather and entertain one another.
- Why Renaissance Faires or theme? What is it that made you so interested in this period?
We are interested in many time periods. As theatrical clowns we love to look at the variety of historical models and precedents. The Renaissance Fool/Jester is such an adaptable and relevant character. They remind us to speak truth to power, to play, and to see the poetry in all things.
- Plug your website or fan page here (or both) http://www.happenstancetheater.com FB Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/92291180890/permalink/10159361291410891 FB Happenstance Page: https://www.facebook.com/HappenstanceTheater/ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/queen_and_fool/?hl=en
A/N Thank you so much for O and La!La! to let us feature them on our blog. The plan last year before COVID hit was for us to go visit MDRF, but le sigh, it didn’t happen. Mayhaps next year? I think I would love to visit this show for sure.
If you, your troupe, your group would like to be featured, please find us on the fan page http://www.facebook.com/renperfmerch and send us a message!
HUZZAH! Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!
