The History of Faire Wynds Entertainments
Faire Wynds Entertainment was co-founded in 1994 by Eric Scites, who poured his talents and boundless energy into building a company devoted to historical entertainment. Armed with a degree in Opera Performance from The Ohio State University, Eric discovered that while opera feeds the soul, historical entertainments help pay the bills.
Founder, leader, and our Great Tawny Prince, Eric became known for his portrayals of the classic Sharper, Faulkner, and Flying Stationer—characters delivered with wit and theatrical flair. So honest was his rogue that he would cheerfully warn you in advance that you were about to be cheated.
Historical Entertainments .....Yes, Even Yesterday Counts!
Faire Wynds Historical Entertainments revives the fine and questionable traditions of itinerant showmen, quacks, conjurors, lecturers, and musical marvels from centuries past — because someone has to keep history properly entertained.
Our performances draw inspiration from Renaissance streets, colonial fairs, 19th-century medicine shows, dime museums, and the golden age of traveling variety acts — that noble era when a good hat, a loud voice, and absolute confidence were considered proper credentials.
Yesterday, you may have seen:
A Medicine Show dispensing cures of dubious efficacy but undeniable enthusiasm.
A Flea Circus featuring astonishing feats of microscopic athleticism (the fleas are highly trained; the management less so).
Curiosities and oddities in the grand dime museum tradition — proof that people have always paid to be amazed, puzzled, or gently deceived.*
- Magic, juggling, feats of balance, and spectacle, all rooted in historical performance practice and presented with a straight face whenever possible.
- Music! And at the heart of Faire Wynds, the luminous music of Virginia Scites on the Glass Harp — coaxing celestial tones from crystal goblets in a manner so refined that even the rowdiest fairground tends to fall respectfully silent.*
- Every program is family-friendly, historically grounded, and adaptable to festivals, schools, museums, and events of nearly any description. Because whether the year is 1626, 1826, or 2026… people still enjoy being astonished.*
- And as the journey continues, you will also find these traditions carried forward through Scoundrel’s Alley and Parson John — kindred endeavors devoted to bringing history to life with learning, laughter, and just enough mischief to keep it honest.*
Educational? Certainly.
Entertaining? We make every effort.
Entirely sensible? That was never the goal.
*Visit to learn more about The Glass Harp, Scoundrel's Alley, and Parson John Living History.
