Welcome Kirk Simpson, Our New Artistic Director



The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is preparing for the upcoming season with the highly anticipated appointment of Kirk Simpson as its new Artistic Director. After many years of working at the Faire, Simpson is truly excited to gather his years of theatrical experience and share his vision of the Shire of Mount Hope, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

Simpson has performed in Renaissance Faires since 1985, including those in Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, playing peasant to king, villain to hero, stage to street, as well as director and actor. Renaissance Faires opened doors to Musical, Regional, Dinner and Children’s Theater. Kirk worked for Wizard Studios , a world-wide corporate theme production company in Clearwater, Florida both as Lead Actor and Entertainment Director for many years creating interactive characters for corporate and fortune 500 events. Simpson’s passion lies in the “street,” creating a diverse array of interactive characters no matter what the theme. Kirk came to the Pennsylvania Renaisance Faire in 1997 as an actor playing the still-popular big buttocked puritan, Ignatius Glutbottom and returned in 1999 to play King Henry VII in the Faire’s War of the Roses. From 2000-2007 he wore many hats at the Faire as Graphic Designer, Assistant Director of Operations, Gift Buyer, and Entertainment Director.

The Season’s Artistic Vision

Simpson’s vision is a simple one. Inviting each and every guest into a historical fantasy where they feel like they can be a part of the comedy, drama, and wonder that unfolds throughout the day. Whether as spectator or active participant, every guest becomes a part of the magic that is the PA Renaissance Faire. While other entertainment venues simply entertain their guests, Simpson’s goal is to make you feel like you are PART of that fantasy. A child or simply a child at heart, there’s something for everyone at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

Simpson adds, “We have grown to a faire serving tens of thousands of people sometimes each weekend. We are now a theme park, but now more than ever do we need to preserve the illusion. We don’t want to be just another theme park. People come to the Faire for a reason. They come to escape into a 16th century village and it’s our job to keep that magic going. Touching each and every guest every time.”

With a passion that never ends for interactive theater, entertainment and ultimately creating an illusion for each and every guest, Kirk is ready to take on the challenge of Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire!