06/07/2026
God Save The Queen!
Introducing Eileen Earnest as our Queen Elizabeth I
And now a word from Eileen....
The year was 2004. The place: Mount Hope. I had never been to a Renaissance Faire and I arrived during a Blast From the Past Weekend. I drove along an unpaved road following the directions on a hand drawn map. I texted a stranger to let them know I had arrived and they said to "come on up." I met my future colleagues in character: Joan Baez, Cher, the Tupperware Lady, Bob Dylan, The Roller Rink DJ, and Elvis. I remember calling my mother that night to tell her I had landed in a foreign world that also felt...just like home. I would go on to spend 3 seasons as a Wailing Banshee, 2 seasons as Della Dillingham in Gift of the Magi, 2 seasons in the cast of Poe Evermore, and 2 unforgettable summers as Siren and Dance Mistress May Frolic. This is where I learned how to improvise AND interact together. I found the magic of collaboration and worldbuilding in the shire, and I made lifelong friends with the most talented humans and artists who love make-believe just as much as I do. To return to a place that helped build the foundation of my performing career is both exciting and nostalgic. I can look back on how much I gained here and how much more I needed to learn. I have had wonderful adventures in my career. Those adventures have now led me back to Mount Hope. The place is familiar but not the same. A sentiment that holds true for myself as well, thank goodness. As I begin my first season as Queen, I look so very forward to sharing in the traditions that I remember and creating new memories for us all.
Eileen is based in Cincinnati where she resides with her husband, Scott, and two turtles Ren and Kohl. She wears many performance hats as an improviser, actor, and director. Her favorite colors are green and pink, she loves Peppermint Patties, and when she isn't performing she enjoys running. No, really-she does. To keep up with her work and play: http://www.eileen-earnest.com/
