The Dancing Witches

Witches magic!

“The witches’ dance was a spectacle of shadows and light, a celebration of the night where each step was a spell, each turn a connection to the ancient powers of the earth. They danced not just with their feet but with their souls, weaving magic into the very air, turning the dark into something sacred, something alive.”
-Charles DeLint


Underneath the silver glow of the moon, a coven of witches from the mystical realm of “Dancing Witches” gathers. Cloaked in shadows and starlight, they twirl and leap, their movements a blend of ancient spells and modern beats. Each dance is a ritual, with steps that weave magic into the night air, their laughter echoing like a spellbinding melody. From this enchanted circle, found at the heart of their online sanctuary, they share their dance with the world, inviting all to join in the celebration of life, magic, and the wild, untamed joy of movement.

Come and behold the dance of Witches! Watch them circle, spin, dance, and cackle! Perhaps you might even decide to join their ranks!

When Witches dance, the Wise tremble!

Witches of all ages are invited to come and join the terpsichorean pursuit!

Goblin Trainin’

Goblins!

Goblin School at our Faire, where mischief and magic meet education in the most unusual way. Here, young scoundrels can embrace their inner goblin for a day of fun, learning, and perhaps a bit of mayhem.

The Setting: Goblin School is set in a rustic, overgrown part of the faire, where makeshift huts and a tangle of vines create the perfect goblin lair. The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of cackles, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional clatter of mismatched cookware.

The Curriculum:

  • Goblin Speak: Learn the rough, guttural language of goblins, including how to sound convincingly mischievous or scheming.
  • Sneaky Skills: Master the art of sneaking, hiding, and ambushing. We’ll teach you how to move silently through the underbrush or how to blend into the shadows.
  • Practical Pranking: From harmless tricks to elaborate schemes, we’ll explore the fine art of pranking. There will be workshops on making simple traps, disguises, and understanding the psychology behind a good prank.
  • Goblin Crafts: Turn trash into treasure with lessons on creating goblin gear from found objects. Think of it as alchemy but with less gold and more… creativity.
  • Mischief Making: Classes on how to sow just the right amount of chaos, teaching the balance between fun and folly.

The Experience: Participants will dress up in goblin attire, complete with pointy ears and ragged clothing, fully immersing themselves in goblin culture. The day ends with a ‘Goblin Graduation’ where each student receives a badge of mischief, marking their new status as an honorary member of the goblin tribe.

Come to Goblin School, where learning is as wild and unpredictable as the creatures themselves.

Princess Training

Princessing.

Join the magical journey of our Princess Etiquette Classes, where young maidens can learn the charm and decorum of medieval nobility.

The Setting: Set within the enchanting walls of our castle-like venue, surrounded by the beauty of nature, these classes will transport you to a time of chivalry and grace.

The Lessons:

  • Graceful Movement: Learn how to walk, sit, and curtsy with the elegance of a princess. We’ll practice until these movements feel natural.
  • Proper Speech: Master the art of speaking like nobility, with lessons on clear pronunciation and engaging conversation, preparing you for royal discourse.
  • Dining Etiquette: Discover the intricacies of eating like royalty, from the correct use of utensils to the graceful handling of a goblet, culminating in a mock banquet.
  • Dance: Step into the world of medieval dance, learning dances like the pavane, enhancing your poise and social grace.
  • Crafts: Engage in noble pastimes, such as embroidery or the art of illumination, giving you a taste of a princess’s daily life.
  • Dress and Appearance: Learn about medieval fashion, including how to wear and style hair in ways that would befit a royal lady. There will be a fun dress-up part where you can try on period clothing.

Join us to live out an hour or two in the life of medieval royalty, where every lesson is a step closer to your own fairytale ending.

The Mad Masquerade

Masquerade.

“Masquerades disclose the reality of souls. As long as no one sees who we are, we can tell the most intimate details of our life.”
~Salvatore Laccona

In the twilight of the forest, where shadows dance with the light of the setting sun, faeries emerge to spin and whirl in a ballet of ethereal grace. Their laughter is like the tinkling of silver bells, floating on the breeze, as they weave through the trees in patterns too intricate for mortal eyes to follow. With each step, they leave a trail of shimmering dust, their dance creating a symphony of nature, where leaves rustle in rhythm and flowers bloom with joy. This is no mere dance; it is the very essence of magic, a celebration where time itself seems to pause, allowing the world to witness the pure, unbridled joy of faeries at play.”. Adorn your finest mask and mingle with a cast of intriguing figures – from the playful Jester who spins tales of laughter, the thoughtful Philosopher pondering life’s great mysteries, to the mischievous Puck, stirring up fun at every turn.

The Mad Masquerade is actually surprisingly sedate. Sure, most of the inhabitants are mad, but that’s not terribly abnormal around these parts.

Dance under the stars to music that seems to have drifted from the forests of Mirkwood or the halls of Rivendell or the song-houses of Tenafly, New Jersey. Step into a realm of enchantment at our Simple Faerie Masquerade, where every face tells a story of magic and mystery. During our Fairy Night, we invite you to embrace the spirit of the fae, whether you bring your own masque or choose from our collection of handcrafted masks.

Our masquerade is an ode to simplicity and whimsy, featuring masks that evoke the essence of woodland spirits, ethereal fairies, and mythical creatures. If you’ve brought your own, your personal touch adds to the tapestry of this magical event. If not, our stall offers an array of masks—made from materials like leather, feathers, and silk—each one designed to transform you into a character from a fairy tale. Or buy a masque from one of our talented vendors!

The event begins as the sun sets, casting long shadows where the boundaries between the human world and the faerie realm thin. Dance to the tunes of medieval flutes and lutes, engage in playful games, and share in the lore of the faeries under the starlit sky. Whether you’re here to dance, to mingle, or just to soak in the ambiance, your mask is your key to a night of anonymity and adventure.

(You can bring your own or buy one at the event, as you prefer!)

Join us for an evening where everyone can be a faerie, if only for a night.

This is your chance to meet fascinating people, share in the joy of the dance, and perhaps find yourself in a story you’ll never forget. Don your mask, set your spirit free, and let the night’s enchantment unfold at “The Mad Masquerade.”

The Jester of Storm and Sense

A jester!

“I was battered and bruised, but the king was amused, and before the siesta, he made me his jester.”
-Danny Kaye, “The Court Jester”

The Jester of Storm and Sense emerges as a central figure, an enigmatic character who dances on the edge of chaos and clarity. Clothed in the traditional motley, with each step accompanied by the tinkling of bells, this jester personifies the essence of medieval revelry, a maestro of merriment whose antics serve both as entertainment and enlightenment.

The Jester of Storm and Sense is a mountebank, a weaver of tales, engaging the crowd with spontaneous acts that blend physical comedy and ridiculous jests. Their performances are a whirlwind of acrobatics, sharp satire, and incisive commentary on the events of the day, keeping everyone from dignitaries to commoners on their toes with their quick wit. Whether in the grandiosity of the royal court, where they dare to mock the vainglorious with their clever tongue, or in the bustling marketplace, where they might host a mock trial or an impromptu magic show, this jester’s presence is both felt and cherished.

Yet, beneath the surface of their japes lies a deeper purpose. The Jester of Storm and Sense embodies the historical role of court jesters, who held the unique privilege to speak truth to power under the guise of humor. Through their performances, they offer not just laughter but lessons in resilience, the art of wordplay, and the importance of questioning the status quo. Their acts are a dance of duality – both revered for their wisdom and ridiculed for their folly, inviting all to momentarily escape the burdens of reality through the timeless magic of laughter.

Tea Dueling

Tea Dueling!

“The board is set, the pieces are moving. We come to it at last, the great battle of our time.”
~J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Return of the King”

We no longer permit most Wizard duels within the premises of our event, as no one wants to reexperience the Plague of Wombat.

But we do permit Tea Dueling, with proper precautions.

Deep within Wonderplace Alpha llies a curious and delightful spectacle known as tea dueling. This unique event combines the elegance of tea with the competitive spirit of a duel, offering participants and spectators alike a blend of amusement, strategy, and a touch of historical whimsy.

The Basics of Tea Dueling:

Tea dueling is not your typical affair. Instead of swords or pistols, the weapons are delicate porcelain cups, and the battlefield is a table adorned with the finest teapots and saucers. Participants engage in a contest where the objective is to be the first to consume a set amount of tea, but with a twist – the tea must be drunk in such a way that upon finishing, the cup must be placed upside down on one’s head. The first to achieve this without spilling a drop wins the round.

The Rules and Strategy:

  • The Pour: A neutral party, often the “Tea Master,” pours the tea for both duelists. The pour must be fair, equal in quantity, and served at a temperature that, while warm, won’t scald the participants.
  • The Drink: Duelists must drink their tea in a manner deemed proper by the event’s standards. This often involves holding the cup by the handle, pinky out, and sipping without sloshing.
  • The Placement: After drinking, the cup must be placed on the head in one swift motion. The precision here can be the deciding factor; a cup that falls or spills disqualifies the participant.
  • The Duel: The duel can be a series of rounds, with each round’s winner advancing in a tournament-style competition. Sometimes, additional challenges like reciting poetry or answering trivia while drinking are added for complexity and entertainment.

The Etiquette and Atmosphere:

Tea dueling, while competitive, maintains an air of civility and humor. It’s not uncommon for duelists to engage in witty banter or for the audience to cheer and laugh at the participants’ antics. The setting is often decorated to enhance the historical feel, with vintage teapots, floral arrangements, and perhaps a string quartet playing softly in the background to set the mood.

The Appeal:

What makes tea dueling captivating is its blend of skill, strategy, and humor. It’s a test of not just one’s ability to drink tea quickly but also of grace, poise, and sometimes, sheer luck. It appeals to all ages, turning a simple act of drinking tea into a theatrical event, where everyone from the participants to the onlookers is drawn into the drama and excitement of the duel.

In essence, tea dueling at Wonderplace Alpha is more than just a deadly battle; it’s a celebration of the quirky, the historical, and the communal spirit of the Faire, all served up in a delightful cup of tea.

Genoveva Rossi

Genoveva Rossi

 “Genoveva Rossi is one of the best-known cult film stars in the world.”
~Clare Nixon of The Digital Dead (UK)

Genoveva Rossi has carved out a distinctive niche within the horror genre, earning her the revered title of “Scream Queen.” Her appearance at various horror-themed events, conventions, and film projects has not only solidified her status as a cult icon but also highlighted her versatility and deep connection to the horror community.

Rossi’s journey as a scream queen began with her love for horror from a young age, which naturally transitioned into her acting career. Known for her roles in films like “Herschell Gordon Lewis’ Bloodmania,” “Apocalypse Kiss,” and “Death House,” she has portrayed a wide array of characters, ranging from gypsies and witches to fortune tellers and soldiers. These roles showcase her ability to dive into the dark and macabre with authenticity and passion, traits that make her a beloved figure in horror circles. Her deep, sultry voice is often cited as one of her trademark characteristics, adding layers to her performances, whether she’s playing a psychopathic killer or a troubled mother.

Her guest appearances are events in themselves. At conventions like Scare-A-Con or the Birmingham Horror Con, where she has been a guest, Rossi engages with fans through activities that blend her acting prowess with her other talents. She has been known to perform tarot readings, leveraging her professional background as a psychic reader, which adds a unique dimension to her public appearances. Her involvement in such events also includes Edgar Allan Poe readings, further cementing her status as a multifaceted horror enthusiast.

Rossi’s visual style at these events is as captivating as her performances on screen. Often seen with dark, dramatic makeup and costumes that reflect her characters or pay homage to horror classics, she embodies the spirit of horror. Her love for the genre is visibly expressed through her attire, which can range from gothic elegance to outright terrifying, fitting perfectly with the atmosphere of horror conventions. Her interactions with fans are marked by her warm, engaging personality, contrasting yet complementing her on-screen personas

Her contributions extend beyond acting; Rossi is also a writer, contributing to horror magazines like UKHorrorscene.com and The Digital Dead with features titled “A Life in Blood: Tales of a Horror Queen” and “Genoveva Rossi’s Screaming Corner.” These writings give fans an intimate look into her life and the experiences that shape her work, from her adventures in horror to her reflections on the genre’s impact on her life.

Rossi’s presence at any horror event is a testament to her dedication to the genre. She not only entertains but also educates and inspires, often sharing insights into her craft, her love for horror, and her journey from a fan to an icon. Whether she’s discussing her roles, sharing stories from her acting career, or engaging in her other creative pursuits, Genoveva Rossi’s appearances are a celebration of horror’s enduring allure and its community’s passion. Her work continues to influence and inspire a new generation of horror fans and creators, ensuring her legacy as a scream queen will resonate for years to come.

Strolling the Faire: The Great Promenade

Strolling.

This is the most simple and most comprehensive of pleasures: beginning there and ending up here. Come, dress in your (finest? strangest? farthest away from normal? …everyday clothes? Whatever you want) and come meet the artisans, creators, tricksters, collectors, entertainers, gamesters, warriors, pickle-salespersons, small furry creatures from Alpha Centuri, witches, builders, con artists, peasants, fools, knaves, and others who make up our show!

Explore! Explore! While Humans and adjacent species are able to create extraordinary buildings and sculpted landscapes, sometimes the most enthralling thing about any area is the fascinating uniqueness and proud peculiarity of its excited and participatory denizens!

Some of the enjoyment is in participating, if you choose; you get more out of your experience the more you put into it. I, myself, am writing this in a cafe, listeing to Aliyah and wearing a t-shirt. It’s not a bad life. But I wouldn’t mind if I were hanging out at the Wonderhenge right about now, discussing graphic design with a couple of snarky Elves.

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Mr. Mysterrio and Miss Direction

Mr. Mysterrio and Miss Direction!

“Magic is the art of creating false (but funny or beautiful) cause-and-effect relationships.”
~Teller


Welcome to the spellbinding world of Mister Mysterrio and Miss Direction, where magic meets mayhem, and every moment is a marvel waiting to unfold! Picture this: the lights dim, the crowd leans in, and suddenly, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Mark Mysterrio, the maestro of mirth, has been dazzling audiences for over three decades with his unique blend of magic and comedy. Known as “The Funniest Magician on the Planet,” Mark brings a touch of Chris Farley’s wild energy and Nathan Lane’s sharp wit to every performance, making each show not just a spectacle but a riotous journey into the absurd.

His partner in trickery, Miss Direction – Taylor Lanick – adds an enchanting twist with her mastery of close-up magic and mentalism. With a flick of her wrist, she transforms everyday objects into portals of wonder, leaving audiences both baffled and delighted. Taylor’s Northern charm and quick humor make her the perfect foil to Mark’s antics, creating a dynamic duo that’s as unpredictable as magic itself.

Together, they are not just entertainers; they are creators of moments that linger long after the final bow. Their performances are a whirlwind of interactive magic where you might find yourself part of the act, holding a card that vanishes or guessing thoughts that only you should know. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a corporate gala, or a community festival, Mark and Taylor tailor each event to make it uniquely unforgettable. They’ve graced occasions from St. Joseph Community Festival to Halloween in Stroudsburg, embedding laughter and magic into the heart of these celebrations.

But their magic extends beyond the stage. Mark and Taylor are award-winners at the Brad Ross It Factor Live, showcasing not only their performance skills but their savvy in magic marketing, ensuring that their magic resonates far and wide. Their commitment to community and joy has seen them at the forefront of local events, turning everyday gatherings into extraordinary experiences.

And when they’re not pulling rabbits out of hats or making your watch disappear, they’re exploring new horizons. Mark, with his ownership of Amazing Cruise Vacations, invites you to embark on magical journeys beyond the stage. This duo doesn’t just perform magic; they live it, breathe it, and share it with a passion that’s infectious.

So, if you’re ready for an adventure where the line between reality and illusion blurs, where laughter is the magic word, and every moment is an opportunity for wonder, then step into the world of Mister Mysterrio and Miss Direction. Here, magic isn’t just seen; it’s felt, in every gasp, every giggle, and every magical moment that’s waiting just for you. Welcome to a place where the impossible is possible, and the mundane becomes magical. Welcome to our world.

Megan Joubert, Phototapestry Architecht

Megan Joubert.

Megan is from Massachusetts. Most people assume that this is the place in New England, and not the place in Atlantis. That’s probably true.

As Megan says of herself:

“I am a bisexual artist and photographer, originating from and currently residing in central New York (NY), US. In 2016, I received my BFA in Photography at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt).

I use digital and film photography to make one of a kind, handmade photomontages. I am inspired by cubism, surrealism, and fiction/fantasy literature. Using imagery ranging from floral to figurative, I build new worlds by cutting and reconstructing photographs, which I see as a palette of sorts.”

Megan’s grandiloquently enthralling photomantages are probably not portals to other Universes. (Okay, we’ll be honest: they are, but none of us quite knows the magic words. Do not buy them on this basis. They’re probably destined to be inherited by your grandchild who saves the Universe, or used in the case of cosmic emergency.)

Until such time, Megan’s work ought generally be purchased, not for its mystical properties, but for their visual sorceries.

So, again, we’ll reiterate: This is totally part of a game. Do not attempt to walk into one of the photographs. You will bump your nose and damage the art.


Lore of Megan

Imagine a world where every photo tells a story and each image is imbued with a touch of magic—that’s where Megan Joubert comes in. As a celebrated phototapestry architect, she weaves the art of photography with enchantment, creating breathtaking visual tapestries. Joubert’s unique technique involves capturing the essence of the moment and infusing it with elements of fantasy and wonder. Her work often features mystical landscapes, ethereal beings, and hidden symbols that invite viewers to look beyond the surface and uncover deeper meanings. Joubert’s phototapestries are not just images; they’re visions of the essence of a thing.

Darkling / Fable

“Everybody has a secret world inside of them. I mean everybody. All of the people in the whole world, I mean everybody — no matter how dull and boring they are on the outside. Inside them they’ve all got unimaginable, magnificent, wonderful, stupid, amazing worlds… Not just one world. Hundreds of them. Thousands, maybe.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 5: A Game of You

Megan’s magic captures and opens worlds.

Visit her for strange, odd, magical, eventide knowledge.

Also, buy all of her things.

Ars magica.