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