Suggestions for Terre: Ideas and Suggestions for Future TRF Development

[Tudor-Diva]

Regarding mead...  I posted several weeks ago about the daily Mead Tasting in the Taverna di Vino.  We showcased 8 meads from around the US and Poland, and the show proved to be quite successful. We even sold out of some of the meads we were using in the show and had to scramble to make substitutions the last three weekends.  The goal is to make this show on par with our wine tasting and we are looking to have an even wider variety of meads available next year.  I believe we had 10 meads available in the shop this year and shop owners must have clearance to sell the items they do.  The Dragonslayer is not the only shop selling mead at TRF.

I was unaware of the mead tasting as I frequent this forum irregularly. I am glad that there will be a larger selection of mead next year though as I traversed to many different shops to find good mead and was usually met with poor results. I look forward to next year in this regards.

The Taverna di Vino, it's across from the Glassblower's Shop.  Stop in next year and inquire about the mead tasting.  DO IT!

[Merlin the Elder]

....When were you a performer and what were you doing?

I'm not sure who that question was aimed at, but if it was aimed at me, I have never been on cast anywhere.

Since I have not been to TRF for so many years, I cannot speak knowledgeably of its current status or conditions. I have been to other faires where there was almost no cast, or at least it appeared so with parades that were over almost before they began. The pageantry of Scarborough's parade is extremely impressive, and the standard upon which I base opinion of other parades, and estimate of cast size.

[Chris B]

My only general comment after walking the fair for four days during season is that it is too quiet.  What I mean by that is that most of your large musical acts are dwindling.  With the loss of Wine and Alchemy now (before people comment, Mark, Neil, Alex and Jake left the band on their own accord and for their own reasons so this is not TRF's decision), there are not that many powerful musical acts anymore.  You really only have Tartanic and Cast in Bronze.  I know there are several other smaller acts like Crannog, Istanpitta, Etc., but they are better suited for smaller stages and just do not draw the crowds like larger, more energetic bands.  (Modification:  Just to clarify, I do like these smaller acts.  So I am not suggesting replacing them at all.  I just think that they do not have the stage presence to draw in larger crowds of people or the sustained energy to keep the average person's attention.  I personally have bought their music and enjoy their talent.)

I hope that the fair is planning on bringing back or finding some new music with energy behind them.  Think the Wine and Alchemy or Circa Paleo level bands.  As a musician, that is what has always drawn me to TRF along with the historical elements like the armory (which is also not anywhere near its former glory now).  I also know many patrons were telling me the same thing after they went this year.  I am not trying to be insulting to the other acts, but more people I talk to seem to enjoy music more than anything else.  Music also draws people into the areas of fair like the German area and Sherwood.  I think the average person catches music on the air and follows it more quickly than a stage act.  For the first time ever at the fair, I felt bored after five hours into the day and for me, it is because of this fact.  Just my two cents after spending a few days out there.

I did notice all the improvements.  The Globe Stage is amazing.  I just hope that in the rush to expand the infrastructure, you do not lose the soul of the fair.  The improvements may make the place visually stimulating, but your cast and acts bring it to life...

[Tudor-Diva]

Merlin, that was for tiberiusflynn.

[PollyPoPo]

Second what Chris B said about lack of music hearable in the lanes.  I didn't realize it at the time but knew something was missing - it was the music.

It's a fine line to walk having music that carries throughout the faire without stepping on the sounds of the smaller, more intimate groups.

[Sir Martin]

The TRF Performance Company interacts with patrons in more than one-on-one scenarios.  I've seen dozens of people entertained at a time by the antics of the various courts.  The "spontaneous" fights between members of the various courts have been known to draw hundreds of patrons.  The cast does a great job making sure people in the general vicinity know that a conflict is about to take place, and you need to get there soon (or be as tall as Valt) to get good pictures.     The fae court (Fantasy Realm) entertain several children at a time while their parents take photos.  I've seen members of the German court running around with kids for several minutes at a time.  The Barbarians are always up to something and the peasants do bits over a large area of TRF (I think they are allowed to roam).  These folks (as well as the courts I have not mentioned) entertain several passers-by at a time.  I'm sure they are doing their best to greet patrons with a bit of fantsy during their day at New Market Village.

Anyone who has not witnessed the Royal Celebration (I think it is also known as Evening Proclamation) is really missing out on a treat.  Performance Company members, after many hours of entertaining the crowds, gather to put on a grand show filled with skits, dancing and singing.  Then on to a final performance after the fireworks.

Jeff and Stacy do a great job with the cast.  I hope TRF management will see our comments and increase the size of the Performance Company this next season.

[Endestroy]

With the loss of Wine and Alchemy now

Are you sure they're leaving? I knew Mark was, but just two days ago they were posting on their Facebook confirming they'd be at Sherwood. Turnover can be quite high within renfaire groups, but often the group itself continues.

[Chris B]

With the loss of Wine and Alchemy now

Are you sure they're leaving? I knew Mark was, but just two days ago they were posting on their Facebook confirming they'd be at Sherwood. Turnover can be quite high within renfaire groups, but often the group itself continues.

I know that Roxanna is going to try to continue as "Wine and Alchemy", but none of the men will be there anymore.  It is basically her starting over.  Mark has left the circuit all together and is taking some time off to pursue other things.  Neil will be working at the Henna booth at Sherwood and TRF, but has no plans to perform anymore.  Alex has returned to Cantiga.  Jake IS playing with her at Sherwood this season, but then he is travelling with Circa Paleo after that.  

We shall just have to wait and see what Roxanna does, but whatever results will not be the same band.  I have no idea what she will do on her own as she is just getting started.  Her plans are to continue the "Wine and Alchemy" name, but she has already left Scarborough.  I am not sure whether she will elect to return to TRF or whether TRF will elect to renew a contract with her knowing that the rest of the band is gone.  Time will tell.

Having played with them and having a better understanding of the workings of the group and behind the scenes, I just do not see the same energy/passion within the group that was there before regardless.  There are other musicians out there that are very talented, but it will never truly be W&A again.  With all that said, I will definitely be out at Sherwood to support my friends and see what she comes up with.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

There's interaction if you know where to look...




*I wasn't worried about the sword... it was the brick Warcat had, under her dress, i was waiting on!*

[KeeperoftheBar]

I have never had a problem interacting with the cast.  Of course, StudMuffin does draw people to him.  One year Anne Bolyn proclamed him "a Noble Steed".  Another year King Henry even commented on him.  Then there was the time the Transylvanian Court wanted to eat StudMuffin.   I have even had cast member drop out of the procession briefly for a greeting.  Of course, after 20+ years, maybe I am being recognized.  (Fame or infamy?)
But, even when I went as a 'dane, the cast was always friendly.  One time a Lady of the Court gave me a mission to carry her favour to the Captain of the Kings Guards (Took most of the day but I had a ball tracking him down). 

I suspect the cast will interact with a person if they see it would be welcome.  Looking like you are too busy or hurrying elsewhere would make it less likely.  Same thing at Scarby.

[tiberiusflynn]

When were you a performer and what were you doing?

I last worked at faire back in 2001. I was a hawker and performer for Arsene. Actually the only male he's ever been able to fit into his sword box, haha. I was a scotsman back then. THe next year I was hired on as one of the King's Men, but for certain reasons I could not continue on that year.

[*Teach*]

*I wondered why you looked like death warmed over, Sunday...*  

It's my fault.  

Sunday I was just exhausted from the extra faire day.
As it stands I have not had a hangover in over 20 years.
Had one then, didn't like it. So I just don't have them anymore.

That being said I will admit to still being a bit tipsy EVERY morning of faire. And yes Tudor Diva... it was ALL your fault.

*nothing to do with the rum at camp each night after faire*

[ravic]

When I first started attending in '77, there wasn't so much music because the place was still newish. By the time I started workinh there in the '90, there was music everywhere providing a wonderful background. Wyndnwyre, I Madrigali, The Corsairs, & a whole host of others. Slowly, they have left or been forced out, & the place has grown quieter. Some of the newer groups I have never seen because their stages are too far from my shop to get to on break. Lately all I have heard is the wonderful Gypsy Guerilla Band & the Pirate Pub sing. Like I said, quiet.

[Zardoz]

I certainly hope Wine and Alchemy continues is some format, I also fervently hope Circa Paleo comes back to TRF

[AngieT]

I was actually quite impressed with the cast interaction that we saw and experienced, especially considering the ratio of cast to patrons.  We were there merely five minutes, and a magician stopped to us and talked for a good 10 minutes, telling us about different pubs and shoppes and the overwhelming sights around us.  He was pleasant, and in no hurry; and he made it seem like he had nothing better to do than to sit with us all day long and chat.  My husband was stopped by the French King and one of his court, and soundly thrashed for not holding my hand.  Again, we conversed and joked with them for awhile.  We watched the Transylvanian court interact with tons of people... we were in that area for awhile.  We also spoke with a few other members here and there, from various courts.  And everywhere we looked, even if we weren't directly interacting, someone was.