We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Seana Lamothe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Seana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

After a hiatus from performing, I had returned to the world of community theater. I spent a few years doing local plays and musicals, going from my day job straight to rehearsals at the theater till 10pm. I loved it. I felt fed by it. I’d always been afraid to take a risk and perform professionally. Auditions are intimidating. There’s so much competition. But I knew that despite my anxiety, I was a good performer, even if I occasionally blew an audition. Once again, I considered the possibility of acting professionally.

I’d always been a bit of a fantasy nerd. Embarrassingly, I dressed up for the opening night of Lord of the Rings in a cloak and elf ears. I had gone to my first Renaissance Faire in college – and fell in love. I didn’t want to leave. But the only one I knew was across the state, and I had no idea how someone even started working at a faire.

A friend told me that they were starting up a local renaissance faire. I auditioned, rapping my way through a parody of “Gangnam Style” that I wrote called “Sherwood Style.” I was cast as a buxom renaissance faire wench, and asked to perform in a bawdy tavern sing.

It was there that I found my calling, dancing and singing in corsetry – songs filled with puns and double entendres. Soon, I was not only performing in the bawdy sing, but also writing and directing it. Some of my fellow wenches and I decided that we were having so much fun, we should try to take our show on the road. We began meeting at my apartment and singing together. I came up with a name, “The Harlot Queens,” a pun on the word “Harlequins” – a genre of character that is often exaggerated, cartoonish and also a reference to the famous romance novel company.

From these humble beginnings, fueled on chocolate and wine, we started to apply to faires around the Northeast, and now, in 2024, have a large troupe of talented wenches and a busy touring schedule that is taking us as far as the Carribean next year.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The Harlot Queens is a touring comedic renaissance faire act established in 2017. Singing a variety of songs, from bawdy originals, faire favorites, nerdcore anthems, and inspired parodies to traditional Irish and Scottish music, the Harlot Queens offer something for every palette. With their wit, charm, and captivating voices, these sultry sirens will regale you with tales of their colorful pasts, while luring you under their spell. Don’t be surprised if they pick your pocket, or convince you to pose for some “artistic” portraits. But don’t worry, it’s all in good fun!

For more information about The Harlot Queens, check us out on social media under @TheHarlotQueens, or listen to our music on all major streaming platforms. We are recording our first full length album this year!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The Harlot Queens hope not only to entertain, but also to help create an environment where ALL people feel comfortable and safe expressing their sexuality and gender identities. In our music and in our shows we actively take back many of the words used to negatively refer to people comfortable with their sexualities, or people who have worked in the sex industry. We use humor both to normalize and to equalize, as our fans run a broad spectrum.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Even though we are a group that tours throughout the Northeast, most of the members of our group hold down full time jobs. Or both full time and part time jobs. Some of us parent on top of our jobs. Working so much to be able to survive can leave us little to no time for creating fresh material. To collaborate. To hone our skills.

Society should value the arts as much as sports. As much as the military. Artists inspire and bring joy to life. Why are we not earning enough to support ourselves, despite a robust touring schedule and appreciative fans? Support your local artist. Purchase their albums. Buy merch. Go to shows as much as you can. Support artists directly rather than large businesses.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theharlotqueens.com
• Instagram: @theharlotqueens
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theharlotqueens
• Twitter: @theharlotqueens
• Other: We are on all major streaming platforms and on tiktok under The Harlot Queens

Image Credits

Nicole Newell-Marcus, Christina Rosario,