Coined in the late 20th century by American stunt performer Kent Shelton, the term "theatrical jousting" refers to a form of live entertainment in which a medieval jousting

Jousting

Jousting is a martial game or hastilude between two knights mounted on horses and using lances, often as part of a tournament.Jousting emerged in the High Middle Ages based on the military use of the lance by heavy cavalry. The first camels tournament was staged in 1066, but jousting itself did not...

 tournament is recreated in conjunction with a scripted performance. Beginning in the late 1970s, this type of performance has become very popular at various Renaissance faires in lieu of strict historical re-enactments.

Typically a three-act affair, the theatrical joust consists of (1) a display of skill; (2) a mock battle which results in a verbal challenge; and (3) an armed joust on horseback, often "to the death." A variety of colorful characters, either villainous or heroic, give the audience (which is usually divided into sectors based upon the number of "knights") a particular person to root for or against.

As the show must be repeated on a daily or weekly basis, all fights are carefully choreographed and rehearsed repeatedly. Horses must be trained to withstand such peculiarities as the clatter of steel weaponry, the occurrence of a rider being knocked from the saddle, and the roar of large crowds. Special makeup and/or property effects are often incorporated into the performance to provide the illusion of violent death or shattering equipment.

The Hanlon-Lees Action Theater

Hanlon-Lees Action Theater

Hanlon-Lees Action Theater is an American entertainment company credited with the development of theatrical jousting. The company was formed in 1979 by partners Kent Shelton, Robin Wood, Richard "Dikki" Ellis, R. Vincent Park, Taso N...

 is credited with developing the theatrical joust format in 1979; its first appearance was at the New York Renaissance Faire

New York Renaissance Faire

The New York Renaissance Faire is a Renaissance faire located in Tuxedo, New York off New York State Route 17A. As of 2011, the faire is in its 34th season. The faire comprises permanent structures and has twenty stages and more than 100 shops...

in Tuxedo, New York. In later years, the increasing demand for "knights in shining armor" led to the further refinement of the program so as to more closely resemble a true 14th century joust.