tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87079866525477442992024-03-13T13:59:08.533-07:00Jane the Phoole's TestimonialsJane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-6457711115505887262009-06-22T17:52:00.000-07:002009-06-22T17:54:25.992-07:00Intrepid Investigative Guy Bill Hageman Recommends Jane the Phoole!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; ">"Ann-Elizabeth is a detailed-oriented manager .... no, wait ... she is a fun, entertaining person who I highly recommend."</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">(Bill Hageman says he's the Morale Officer for the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/">Chicago Tribune</a>. Keep fighting that good fight, Bill!)</span></div>Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-49944032419843170172009-06-22T17:48:00.000-07:002009-06-22T17:52:30.542-07:00Evil Genius Ivanovich the Impossibilist Shows Mercy!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; ">"Ann-Elizabeth rolls the essence of street theater, stand up comedy, and wacky non-sequitur and tempers it with the ability to listen to each individual audience member and inserts a dash of humanity and comes up with the essence of Fool... She provides customized humor to cause the audience to laugh with her at life, and to look at themselves for what is right and fun. This skill is tragically short in today's world. <br /><br />"We need more fools like A-E. And we need to see A-E out there working for us more.<br /><br />"I can't recommend her highly enough."</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">(Chris Ragaisis is also <a href="http://chrisivanovich.com/">Chris Ivanovich</a>, master of the Impossible and of BLOWING YOUR MIND. His magic illusions will unsettle, perturb and rattle you. And you will LOVE IT! Ivanovich Ivanovich Ivanovich!)</span></div>Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-31868027941179271752009-06-22T17:41:00.000-07:002009-06-22T17:46:53.607-07:00Immense and Articulate Kindness from Patti Lahey!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; ">"Ann-Elizabeth has a keen sense of communication and is brilliant with language. Her command of vernacular phrases and ability to connect with the layman or the genius is a talent we can only hope to possess. I would recommend her for any public speaking engagement where you want to impress your audience. She is unique and genuine in both her work and personal life. Her administrative support is unparalleled do to her attention to detail and professional poise. Every city needs a spokesperson of her caliber."</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">(Patti Lahey is the very reason I began my career in interactive environmental theater. Without her encouragement, none of this would be happening. Thanks, thanks and ever thanks, Patti! Now to convince the City of Milwaukee that I mean them no harm...)</span></div>Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-8206609662965759742009-06-22T17:32:00.000-07:002009-06-22T17:35:31.014-07:00The Indomitable David Hoshko Shouts Out!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; ">"Ann-Elizabeth was always a joy to work with. She always brought the 'funny' or at least knew where to call to get some. She's a performer who never knows when to stop, or even that she's allowed to from time to time."</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">(David Hoshko was a Production Stage Manager for the Bristol Renaissance Faire for many years. During Bristol's first Feast of Fools in 1997, he was immortalized when his surname was incorporated into this mad little battle-cry the Fooles bellowed constantly: "Bando! Fassl! Hoshko!" Many heartfelt thanks, David!)</span></div>Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-82037511586940179662009-06-22T17:27:00.000-07:002009-06-22T17:30:45.792-07:00Genius Stephanie Draus drops some science!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; ">"I have known Ann-Elizabeth for decades, and have had the pleasure of working with her on many artistic projects. She is a fount of creativity, able to birth new ideas and bring them to wonderful reality without visible strain. She is probably the hardest-working woman I know, eminently trustworthy, and unafraid to chart new territory. I hope to work with her again, and am inspired by her daily."</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">(Stephanie Draus is a teacher, dancer and naturopathic physician who owns <a href="http://www.stellarianaturalhealth.com/">Stellaria Natural Health</a> in Chicago, and she and I have been friends and sisters for about a hundred thousand brazillion years. Cheers, Drausie!)</span></div>Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-1126446487546799312009-06-22T17:24:00.000-07:002009-06-22T17:26:58.066-07:00Julie Perkins shares praise, and by the way, she is an Empress!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; ">"Ann-Elizabeth hands down is one of the most amazing people that I have ever met. Besides that fact that she is outrageously funny, she is smart, witty, creative and truly genuine! I have found that working with her, she is supportive and encouraging. She is a natural teacher, a great listener and a gracious performer."</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">(Julie Perkins is the Assistant Guildemistress of the Bristol Renaissance Faire's Guilde of St. George. She's an amazing, powerful woman who should pretty much be in charge of everything in the whole world. Thanks, Julie!)</span></div>Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-12026350828549106072009-03-06T07:13:00.000-08:002009-03-06T07:22:22.601-08:00Mighty bushels of kudos from Efry Ayala!"Ann-Elizabeth, or AE, as we often refer to her, is quite possibly the most energetic, motivating, and passionate entertainer and teacher I have ever had the chance to work with. While being engaged with work as a costumer and actor at the Bristol Renaissance Fair, I first came into contact with AE as a student of hers. Her activities and coaching were critical to my success, but really it was her highly engaging entertainment style that makes every student be attracted to her a mentor and leader. I am a Corporate Trainer professionally and the skills she taught me for acting have also greatly influenced my professional classroom style.<br /><br />"Her biggest quality by far is that of being a larger-than-life entertainer. AE's ability to transfor a miniscule hitorical character into a regional celebrity is fodder for legends. She is never one to miss an opportunity to engage a patron, especially big and little children, or a fellow actor. Her presence is so bombastic that even if all the lights were to go out of the world, her laugh, physcial characterization, and persona would light up the room, theater, parade, or forest preserve she performed in. One never knows how the world will turn when interacting with AE, and that is the best part."<br /><br />(<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/efrain%20%22efry%22/ayala">Efrain "Efry" Ayala</a> is the Senior Learning and Development Specialist at <a href="http://www.panduit.com/index.htm">Panduit</a>, and he's also the Founder, Designer and Dressmaker at AyalaMurano, Inc.)Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-18973522453157868892009-02-23T08:14:00.001-08:002009-02-23T08:14:48.792-08:00Ginger Breo Heaps On Niceness!“Saying that Ann-Elizabeth is an exemplary fool sounds unintentionally like an insult; it could not be further from it. In a world that disdains the ridiculous, A-E transcends the mundane and raises foolery to an art form. She has frequently made my sides hurt in the best way; if laughter is indeed the best medicine, then she is my general practitioner of fun.”Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-61432393734830977512009-02-23T08:12:00.000-08:002009-02-23T08:14:13.057-08:00Designer Bob Stotts Gives a Shout-Out!“I'm an artist and designer who, for several years, had the good fortune to study, and then perform with, Ann Elizabeth at the Bristol Renaissance <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Faire</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ren</span> F<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">aire</span> is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">extraordinary</span> entity; a, primarily unscripted, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">continuous</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">free-form</span> participatory play which provides a fertile and challenging ground for performers to hone their skills and, of course, provides unique entertainment for the many thousands of visitors every year. Joining the troupe allowed me the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">opportunity</span>, happily, to participate in a lengthy and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">rigorous</span> training with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ensamble</span> player cast prior to actually performing for visitors. The directors of the F<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">aire</span>, not surprisingly, entrusted Ann Elizabeth with, probably, the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ethereal</span> and challenging part of the player's training, and something for which she is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">bona-fide</span> expert-the creation and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">development</span> of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">characters</span> that we would bring to our "stage". <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">A-E</span> was the natural choice for this as she was (is) universally regarded as one of the most gifted, focused, and professional of the great many fine performers at the F<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">aire</span>. It is actually a funny thing for me to be writing a "recommendation" for a performer of her caliber. As someone who has the good fortune to be a professional in the arts, and fully enjoying a life that revolves around the cultivation of my craft, I have a great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">appreciation</span> for the passion the Ann Elizabeth brings to her "fools business". Therefore, I unhesitatingly recommend Ann Elizabeth to perform for you or your group, though, I feel confident in saying that few (aside form those that, themselves, do such <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">improvisational</span> acting) will fully appreciate the nuance and quality that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">A-E</span> brings to the performance of her alter ego, Jane the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Phoole</span>. Prepare yourself for a rare treat.”Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-31559252266359591432009-02-23T08:09:00.000-08:002009-02-23T08:15:28.083-08:00Zesty Sentiment from Barry Wightman!“It's as if a strange warp in the fabric of time bounced A-E's alter-ego Jane the Phoole from 15th century England onto our doorstep by way of the Marx Brothers and the Summer of Love. Fly Phoole Airways...gets you there on time....”<br /><br />(Barry Wightman is the Managing director of <a href="http://www.soundandscript.com/index.php">Sound and Script LLC</a>!)Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-2007625460763084492009-02-23T08:07:00.002-08:002009-06-22T17:31:37.102-07:00Zingy Love from Jim Farris!“Ann-Elizabeth Shapera is a fool! And I mean that in the most professional, entertaining, energizing, intelligent, literate, life-affirming way possible. Through her character, "Jane, the Phoole", Ann-Elizabeth has given life and meaning to the "fool" in all of us. She embodies a carefree spirit, who is at the same time aware, responsible and caring for the thousands of people she has encountered over the years. Never mean-spirited, "Jane" can often put us in our place, but with a smile ... and the smile is ours! I highly recommend Ann-Elizabeth, and "Jane", for any circumstance where good humor and sparkling wit are called for.”<br /><br />(Jim Farris directs interactive educational theatrical happenings at the Kenosha Civil War Museum, <a href="http://www.kenosha.org/civilwar/index.html">http://www.kenosha.org/civilwar/index.html</a> , and was one of the great forces behind the heyday glory of the Guilde of St. George at the Bristol Renaissance Faire.)Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-77735751613503959162009-02-23T08:07:00.001-08:002009-02-23T08:07:38.927-08:00Gigantic Niceness from Ron Scot Fry!“In her work as Jane the Phoole, Ann-Elizabeth defines character. This is how she does it. def. 1 character: a distinct, entertaining persona created for the purpose of delighting and fascinating an audience. "Jane the Phoole is a 'character' of renoun at any event where she appears." def. 2 character: a being who is extreme, unusual, original, and possibly eccentric. "That Jane the Phoole is quite the 'character', what?" def. 3 character: the sum of human qualities that includes integrity, intelligence, determination, dedication, sensitivity, honesty, and grace, frequently mentioned by parents as the desired result of eating vegetables or otherwise undergoing 'character building' adversity. "Ann-Elizabeth is a performer and human being of tremendous 'character'." I have had the privilege of working with many of the greatest talents in the Renaissance Faire and New Vaudeville world. Ann-Elizabeth ranks with the best of them. I recommend her whole-heartedly.”Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-42389513423791678172009-02-23T08:06:00.000-08:002009-02-23T08:07:11.587-08:00High Praise from Susan Scot Fry!“Ann-Elizabeth is a visionary performer and leader and manages to create great consistency in the extremely high quality of her work. She is always in growth and has established herself as a valued mentor. If I am seeking pure energetic brilliance, I know it's a phone call away.”Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-77081024209214221292009-02-23T08:05:00.001-08:002009-02-23T08:06:24.967-08:00Kind Words from Guilde of St. George Member Becky Dutton!“Ann-Elizabeth is a master of her art. She is dedicated, hard-working, and always perfecting her performance. Just watching her in action affords others to learn how to improve their own interactions with playtrons at Bristol Renaissance Faire. I have had the privelege to learn from her in workshops, and watch her at faire. She is a wealth of talent and knowledge... Plus she is a really a really nice person!”Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-29465658589242998502008-10-13T10:23:00.000-07:002008-10-13T10:25:44.161-07:00Nepotistic Praise from Serious Artist Tom Charney"I keep thinking about how awesome you are with the audience. You are extremely rare in your abilities with the crowd. Your sense of comic timing is astounding! And so is your ability to read people and groups. You know exactly what to say and how to react. I am in awe of how skilled you really are! I think [since I'm your husband and live with you,] I get to see more of the self-deprecating A-E and less of the skilled professional improv artist that you are which makes those 'Jane' moments so impactful!"<br /><br />[Tom is my husband, but he's also a brilliant performer and artist himself, so his testimonial should definitely count.]Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-51396479686595653882008-10-12T18:48:00.000-07:002008-10-12T18:51:28.940-07:00Wicked Shout-Out from Improv Wizard Deanna Antony"I was just thinking about how electric it was to run into you and Tom Charney with guest. I think I became borederline obnoxious on the ride home with my friend Christie, as I said different variations of 'That was so crazy cool we ran into them' about every 15 min. I was replaying that moment and every other magical moment you are attached to in my thought-feeling memories on constant loop. This is the over due thanks. Being someone in my life saga, who rattles and shakes and indents on areas I wasn't even aware of. Someone who sticks around in your cells long after the time has past and reminds you of how everything is connected and how much fun life is/can be if you let. it.Thanks for being magical. I hope you are having many adventures of the very best kind."Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-45801118374653564292008-10-12T14:29:00.001-07:002008-10-12T14:29:58.646-07:00Smashing Compliment from Patron Dean Ogren"Was my first time at the Faire and I had a marvelous time, in part I am sure due to you. Thanks for the nice pin for my shirt. I now have it in my office in New Jersey. I was also delighted to see that you are hawking tasteful togs, I bought a raglan sleeve shirt for myself and my friend who is a great fan as well. You were famous with him. We are waiting for the results, and I have reminded him that he made a promise to you to send a copy. Be watching for it. And finally we love the smoking dress. Smashing."Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-91887414397423496002008-10-12T14:25:00.000-07:002008-10-12T14:28:08.854-07:00Extreme Kindness from Phoole Friend Jamie Grado"I just wanted to let you know how much that we enjoy all that Jane the Phoole does to enhance your faire; here is a copy of a letter that I sent to her personally not so long ago: 'Jane, I just want to thank you so much for participating with the letterboxers; I want to thank you so much for treating my daughter and others with such wonderful kindness; you are a real sweetheart and adored by many, you stay kind and take of yourself always!' Ya know, we are usually in the parking lot each day of faire when Jane comes to the stage on top of the gate, and my daughter's face lights up every time and says, 'Comeon comeon! There's Jane! Hurry!' Thank you so much for taking the time to read my letter."Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-50044600841796788092008-10-12T14:24:00.000-07:002008-10-12T14:25:07.193-07:00Generous Niceness from Patron Jim Dohr"Jane the Phoole is THE BEST! Every time I saw her she was not only entertaining, she was down-right funny. Her bubbly personality makes her a joy to be around."Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-27514937352667810652008-10-12T14:21:00.000-07:002008-10-12T14:23:13.904-07:00Sweet Somethings from FeastOfFools.net's Miz Ronnie!"I will be recording a show on Wednesday, and it will be on the web on Thursday again, <a href="http://www.feastoffools.net/" target="_blank">www.feastoffools.net</a>. I would like to thank you so much for your cooperation (you came across the camera beautifully)! It was wonderful meeting you; you have such a Beautiful energy; interviewing you was a pure joy, so Thank you for being so giving...Please stay in touch and if you're ever in Chicago, please let me know; we would love to tape a show with you!"Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-53684215053808807532008-10-12T14:19:00.000-07:002008-10-12T14:20:20.295-07:00High Praise from Patron Carole Burns"Dear Jane, I just want to tell you that you are my idol. I have been involved in theater since 3rd grade and have done everything from act to direct - yet I can't bring it upon myself to do improv. My son, James has been in the St. Michael's guilde for the past 2 years and really wants me to become a part of the faire - but I could never live up to the fantastic people he works with. I really enjoy attending the faire and have become quite the 'jane stalker' because I love watching your antics and am amazed at how easy you make it seem. Thank you for being such a wonderful person and reminding me to live 'outside the box' again! Someday I will return to my love - the theater - but until then I can enjoy living in the walls of the faire and watching my idols rule the day."Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-72227737575484193182008-10-12T14:13:00.001-07:002008-10-12T14:13:56.758-07:00Kind Words From Bristol Renaissance Faire Patron Jacob Staven"You are a wonderful actress, Jane. You are also a great performer. You are a true person."Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-20503909832887595122008-10-12T14:11:00.000-07:002008-10-12T14:12:37.186-07:00Mighty Kudos from Bristol Renaissance Faire Performer Mary Hough"You are so brilliant with the audience and your interactions that it really is Jane the Phoole up there. That may sound weird, but you have created the ultimate character, which is why you're so tired at the end of the day. You do more in one day than most of us do in a season or several seasons, and you should be really proud of what you bring to the show. I just wanted to let you know I appreciate your creativity and energy."Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-68725996612068353942008-10-12T14:10:00.000-07:002008-10-12T14:11:01.923-07:00Generous Compliment from Bristol Renaissance Faire Patron Kurt Magoon"I wanted to send a quick note of praise for you and all of your cohorts at Bristol. We have been there twice this year and completely enjoyed ourselves both times. Being an actor, I can imagine how difficult it is to perform for such long stretches. I don't know if I could be 'on' all day long like that. Keep up thy great work."Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707986652547744299.post-43536153317216757972008-10-12T14:08:00.000-07:002008-10-12T14:09:11.888-07:00Tremendous Praise From Design Genius Andrew March"Watching her perform was like watching rain fall from leaves in a forest - elemental, unstoppable, elegant, entrancing and effortless all at the same time."Jane the Phoolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050310955375093717noreply@blogger.com0