Entertainment is My Passion
Whether it is a made up song, an impromptu dance (with or without hula hoops), doing dressage on a hobby horse in full court garb, or a quick quip, I employ both physical and linguistic humor to keep everyone laughing. I play a spicy, sassy character named La Serenissima Caterina Loredan, Dogeressa di Veneza. Learn what she (and I) can bring to your faire.
Let me bring my big smile and silly personae to your patrons!
Who is La Serenissima?
La Serenissima Caterina Loredan di Venezia is the wife of the Doge of Venice (La Dogeressa). La Serenissima is an honorific similar to “Your Grace” but unique to Venice. This spicy Italian (Venetian) character is quick on her feet (both physically and with words) and employs jokes, song, and dance in the lanes to keep patrons engaged and entertained as they make their way between stages or shops. She also has a (hobby) horse named Harry who goes with her everywhere who she proudly rides… often right through the biggest mud puddle we can find.
You have a crown in many of these photos. We already have a Queen.
Great! I am not out to take anyone’s throne. La Serenissima/Dogeressa is a non-royal title used by the rulers of the Republic of Venice for roughly 800 years, so I can come as an independent Venetian ambassador or join your court! Many of my photos simply come from the North Dakota Renaissance Faire where I do play the queen, so I am happy to join your cast in supporting any court or royalty you already have! We also firmly believe that Court/Royal characters do not look “down” upon or “act above” the faire patrons or other cast members.
Is This a Historical Character?
Once upon a time there was a woman named Caterina Loredan who was the Dogeressa of Venice… but other than her name this is a fictional character. I am well versed in Italian and European politics of the time period, so can easily fit into any court and bring an Italian viewpoint to diversify it (especially if you have many English folk already). I wear Italian inspired (but with heavy French influence) silk gowns that I have built myself styled from the mid 1500s and will change from weekend to weekend because even though the character is not royal we all know the Venetians were rich!
What Else Can She Do?
I have vocal training, so am able to join any singing, whether using the classical side singing folk songs or the musical theatre side belting Irish drinking songs. I also have a dance background that can join court dancing, belly dancing (yes, in court garb) or, if the occasion calls, I’m not afraid to bust a contemporary move in the lanes and get as many patrons to join me as I can! Personally, I am also an endurance athlete (xc ski racing/cycling) so she can go all day!
Yes, and?
In addition to directing theatre for 20+ years, I have both taught and performed improv in several settings. I have a BA in Theatre from the University of Minnesota (and a MAEd in Education from Hamline University). My favorite improv things to do are make up new words to children’s songs, misunderstand the English language (she’s Italian, after all), and make horrible puns. No joke is too low, no pun too terrible, and no dare too big.
Spicy Italian
Sí, parlo Italiano. I have a working knowledge of the language to give the dialect I use more authenticity. While I use a fairly thick Italian accent liberally sprinkled with Italian words I am careful to make sure that the audience can still understand what I am saying. Having an Italian around also can break up the monotony of an all English court.
Ultimo, ma non per importanza…
When hiring Nikki for a faire, you will get someone who is professional, punctual, and an innate leader. She believes in doing a job well, and if she sees something that needs to be done she will simply step in and do it from sweeping the stage to assisting other performers or organizing events. Nikki is also a small business owner, so she knows how important a good experience is for the overall success of your faire.
Parliamo!
Upsetti spaghetti you didn’t find the answer for what you’re looking for? Send me a message and I’ll give you a penne for your thoughts.
Contact La Serenissima
Press Kit for Images & Video
Visuals and video of Nikki performing as La Serenissima at various faires in the Midwest.
