Entertainment Application

Talented performers of all kinds—musicians, dancers, actors, comedians, guilds, and street performers—are invited to apply to perform at Whidbey Ren Faire 2026.

Whidbey Ren Faire is a family-friendly, immersive Renaissance and fantasy event celebrating creativity, community, and live entertainment. We welcome performers whose acts are engaging, professional, inclusive, and appropriate for audiences of all ages.

Applications will be reviewed by our Entertainment Team and may be approved, rejected, or waitlisted. Approved applicants will receive next steps and any applicable scheduling details. Not all entertainment roles are paid, and not all approved participants will receive a contract. Paid performance opportunities, when available, are limited and handled separately.

Whidbey Ren Faire Performer Terms & Conditions
Performers must adhere to the following terms to ensure a safe, professional, and successful event for all participants and patrons.

Professional Conduct & Performance Content:
Performers are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times while participating in Whidbey Ren Faire. Performances must be family-friendly, inclusive, and appropriate for audiences of all ages. Performance dialogue, gestures, interactions, and content may not include modern political messaging, discriminatory or othering material, or content that could reasonably make patrons feel unsafe or unwelcome.

Whidbey Ren Faire maintains a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that disrupts event operations or compromises the safety, well-being, or experience of participants, staff, or patrons. If a performer or any member of a performing group engages in behavior that interferes with event operations or jeopardizes the success or safety of the event, Whidbey Ren Faire reserves the right to require corrective action or to immediately dismiss the individual or group from the event. Such dismissal may result in forfeiture of any compensation previously agreed upon.

Dress Code & Presentation Standards:

While visible to the public during event hours, performers are expected to remain in costume and present themselves in a manner consistent with the family-friendly Renaissance and fantasy theme of Whidbey Ren Faire. This is a family-friendly event. Nudity, partial nudity, sexually explicit attire, and adult-themed props or materials are strictly prohibited.

Required safety, medical, or performance-specific gear may be worn as needed, provided it is integrated as discreetly as possible. Whidbey Ren Faire reserves the right to require costume or presentation modifications that do not comply with published policies or event standards.

Arrival & On-Site Presence Requirements:
All performers must be on the fairegrounds no later than 8:00 AM on each show day. Due to traffic congestion and restricted access during event hours, late arrivals may be denied entry and may forfeit scheduled performances and compensation.

Performers are encouraged to stay on-site in the Participant Village when possible. Free primitive camping is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability. Camping is not guaranteed and requires submission of a separate camping application, which must be completed in advance by performers who wish to camp.

Scheduling & Attendance:
Approved performers are expected to arrive on time for scheduled sets, check in as directed by the Entertainment Team, and perform all assigned appearances unless otherwise approved in writing. Failure to appear for scheduled performances may result in removal from the event and forfeiture of compensation.

Check-In Requirement:
All performers are required to check in at the fairegrounds with Whidbey Ren Faire staff no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, May 22, 2026. Failure to check in by the required deadline may result in delayed scheduling, reassignment, or removal from the performance roster.

Group Size Limits & Compensation Responsibility:
Performing groups may include no more than 20 individuals total, including all performers and any support staff, assistants, handlers, technicians, or other personnel associated with the act. This limit is a firm cap due to space, safety, and operational constraints and is not negotiable. Groups exceeding this limit may be denied participation or required to reduce their group size prior to approval.

Compensation, if applicable, is issued per performing group, not per individual. Payment will be made solely to the primary point of contact (POC) who submits the application and enters into contract with Whidbey Ren Faire. Whidbey Ren Faire does not issue individual payments to members of a performing group and is not responsible for internal payment distribution.

IRS Compliance (if compensation applies):
If compensation is issued, it is subject to IRS reporting requirements. A completed W-9 may be required in order to comply with federal tax regulations. If total compensation issued to the POC exceeds $600 in a calendar year, Whidbey Ren Faire will issue a 1099-NEC as required by law. A blank IRS Form W-9 is provided with the application materials for performers who anticipate receiving compensation. Failure to provide required tax documentation may result in delayed or withheld payment.

Equipment, Costuming & Props:
Performers are responsible for supplying all equipment, instruments, props, and costuming necessary for their act unless otherwise specified in their contract. All equipment and props must be safe, well-maintained, and appropriate for a public, outdoor event.

Safety & Restricted Activities:
Performers must disclose any use of fire, weapons, blades, whips, projectiles, aerial elements, animals, or other potentially hazardous performance components in advance. Approval is required for any such elements, and all applicable safety requirements must be followed.

Background Checks & Child-Focused Programming:
Performers assigned to child-focused areas or programming, including but not limited to the Children’s Realm, may be required to successfully complete a background check prior to participation. Whidbey Ren Faire also reserves the right to require background checks on an as-needed basis based on role, performance context, or operational considerations. Failure to comply with background check requirements may result in reassignment or removal from performance schedules.

Age Requirements & Alcohol Service Areas:
Performers assigned to perform within designated alcohol service areas, including taverns (beer gardens), must be 21 years of age or older. Any performing group that includes minors must fully disclose the presence and ages of all minors in the application. Whidbey Ren Faire reserves the right to restrict performance locations, modify schedules, or deny participation based on age-related requirements or alcohol service regulations. Failure to disclose minors or comply with age restrictions may result in removal from performance schedules without compensation.

Insurance:
Insurance is required only for acts or participation that present potential hazards or include animals, and must name Whidbey Ren Faire as additionally insured. Proof of insurance must be provided prior to final approval when required.

Regulatory Compliance:
All participation is subject to Whidbey Ren Faire’s General Terms & Conditions, including compliance with all applicable local, county, state, and federal regulations. Performers agree to comply with any required modifications imposed by governing authorities without liability to Whidbey Ren Faire.

Enforcement & Removal:
Whidbey Ren Faire reserves the right to require modifications to performances or to remove performers whose conduct, content, or actions conflict with event policies, safety standards, or the event’s mission. Removal may result in forfeiture of compensation.

Photo & Media Release:
By participating in Whidbey Ren Faire, performers grant Whidbey Ren Faire the right to photograph, record, and use images or recordings of performances and public participation for promotional, archival, or informational purposes without compensation.

Agreement:
Submission of this application and signing of any issued contract constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions governing participation in Whidbey Ren Faire.