Howard Patterson

Howard Patterson

Author: Dan July 3, 2026 Duration: 1:25:47
In this podcast, the speakers, who are host Dan McLauglin and Flying  Karamavov Brother founder Howard Patterson reflecting on Howard's career, discuss his journey from college to becoming successful jugglers and entertainers. The conversation highlights his experiences at UC Santa Cruz in the early 1970s, where he began juggling and performing at Renaissance Fairs. He emphasize the importance of audience interaction and timing in their performances, which evolved from street shows to theater productions. The speaker recounts how he developed his comedic style and the significance of audience feedback in shaping his act.

They also discuss what it like to see others do thier material and how his parents reacted to his running way and joining the circus,They also touch on the broader impact of his work on the New Vaudeville movement and the evolution of performance art at Renaissance Fairs. This discussion is important as it illustrates the transformative power of performance and the creative processes behind engaging with audiences, showcasing how their experiences contributed to a shift in entertainment culture. The podcast serves as a reflection on his artistic journey and the legacy he created in the performing arts. He also talks about his book.

Ever wondered what happens when the final curtain falls at the renaissance faire and the costumes come off? Faire Folk at Work pulls back the velvet rope to explore the real lives of the performers, artisans, and entrepreneurs who build that world of weekend magic. Host Dan sits down with people who have not only lived at the faire but have taken that unique spirit into their daily careers and creative pursuits. These conversations delve into the practicalities and philosophies of building a life outside conventional paths, blending stories from the stage, the craft booth, and the small business ledger. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of navigating the intersection of art and commerce, the challenges of sustaining a creative practice, and the unexpected ways faire culture shapes approaches to community and hustle. This podcast is a deep dive into the resilience, ingenuity, and often hilarious reality of making a living while chasing a particular kind of passion. Each episode offers a candid look at the work behind the wonder, revealing how the skills of performing and connecting with an audience translate into entrepreneurship, artistic discipline, and a different perspective on society itself. It’s about the lasting imprint of a temporary kingdom and the ongoing journey of its citizens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Faire Folk at Work
Podcast Episodes
Gregory (Propst) Brown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:13
Imagine listening to a Faire weekend workshop taught by someone who has thought about Faire and how it can work. Also hear what David Sprinhorn, Luisa Puig and Adam Long have in common.
Taliesin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:51
He's challanged patrons at Faire as a Puritan, a Soaked Bloke and as a serious Shakespearean actor. He is simply, Taliesin and he shares stories drawn mostly from the streets.
James Bohlin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:49
James was trained in the uber School of Method Acting taught at UCLA and also has had years of street acting experience at the Renaissance Faire, and somehow mixed the two together successfully. Hear how.
Kaylasue Aarons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:07
She was a servant at court who noticed things including Danese and Luisa.
Doreen Wiley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:15
Doreen shares with Dan what she admired about performers such as Luisa Puig, Kevin Brown and David Springhorn and how Faire helped teach respect for the audience.
Marilyn Letchworth (part 1 the teacher) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:31
In part 1, Marilyn, who has taught and performed for over 40 years) discusses the importance of teaching theater to children and techniques to get them excited, especially in Commedia. While geared to children, these are…
Marilyn Letchworth (part 2 the performer) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:21
In Part 2, Marilyn recounts various what happens when a fellow actress "forgets" she has a joint in her bag when she has a show in a prison (short answer, she assumes another role, quickly); when stage design and lightin…
John Copeland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:59
John talks about creating, and sustaining realities as varied as Elizabethan England, The Old West and the future recreationally and professionally all while retaining the interest of an entertained audience.
Jim Letchworth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:33
Jim, master commedia mask maker and performer talks abouth some the of legendary women of faire he has worked with such as Peg Long, Judy Kory, Phyllis Patterson, and his equally legenary wife Marliyn.