Students step back in time at Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Students from East Juniata High School’s AP Literature and Intro to Theatre classes joined Juniata High School’s Creative Writing class for a trip to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire’s annual School Days event. The experience offered a rare opportunity to blend history, literature and the performing arts into one immersive learning adventure.

Held at the Mount Hope Estate in Manheim, the Faire transforms its 35-acre grounds into a living 16th-century English village. During their visit, students interacted with costumed nobles, peasants and merchants, all eager to share their crafts and stories from the Elizabethan era. They watched live demonstrations by blacksmiths, glassblowers and herbalists, gaining insight into trades that helped shape the world of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

Beyond observation, students were encouraged to participate in performances and competitions throughout the day. The atmosphere of the village inspired many to think creatively about the connections between literature, theatre and history.

East Juniata High School has been attending the Renaissance Faire since 2011, the same year AP Literature and Composition was first introduced to the district’s curriculum. Each visit includes competitions where winners are invited back the following season to receive additional recognition and prizes from the fair, such as merchandise, free meals and entertainment tokens.

Teachers noted how the experience helped reinforce classroom learning. For AP Literature students, seeing Shakespeare’s world come to life offered valuable context for the works they study. Intro to Theatre students observed live, improvisational performance, while Creative Writing students drew inspiration from the vibrant characters and detailed settings around them. Teachers and students expressed appreciation to the Juniata County School District and the district’s school board for approving such a valuable educational experience.

The day concluded with cheers from the tournament joust and reflections on how art, history and performance connect across time. The trip served as a reminder that learning often extends beyond the classroom and can thrive in the heart of a Tudor village filled with knights, jesters and storytellers.