Out of the Woodwork Productions
As part of its community outreach program, OOTW has established activities to promote the exploration of life in Elizabethan England. The 16th Century in England was considered a Renaissance, a time of growth and rebirth. Although children did not always receive formal education, Elizabeth was well educated by her tutors in many different subjects including numbers and letters, arts, languages, and dancing. She expected those who surrounded her to be well educated as well. In the spirit of the Renaissance, OOTW provides opportunities and activities to enhance a student's education.
OOTW offers various activities suitable for adults and children at the Faire or at home that can supplement areas of study from the school curriculum to learn about life during Elizabethan England. In addition, demonstrations, presentations and interactions at the Virginia Renaissance Faire enhance the knowledge of the historical world during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
As a historical focused organization, our staff and cast research the life and history of our historical period. OOTW makes available as references many of the books and links to web sites used for our research.
The Reading Club, open to elementary school students, encourages consistent reading and analytical skills.
The Writing Contest, open to elementary through high school students and adults, provides an opportunity to showcase writing skills by writing an Elizabeth sonnet.
The Art Contest, open to elementary through high school students and adults, provides an opportunity to showcase artistic skills by designing a family crest or sign using Elizabethan themes.
The Staffordshire Quest, open to all ages, is a guide for our patrons as they wander through the Towne of Stafford. The activities in the quest provide a way to learn about the townsfolk that live in the Towne of Stafford and their visitors that have come to see Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
The Apprentice Quest, open to students of all ages, consists of activities that will allow the participants to try new skills and progress through the ranks of Apprentice and Journeyman. Although intended as an accompaniment for a visit to the Virginia Renaissance Faire, many of the items can be performed individually. The Quest is designed to allow students to complete it at their own rate, either during a single visit or over multiple visits to the Virginia Renaissance Faire.