Opening day observations

[Miranda]

when up close, nothing and NOONE fits into a box or stereotype or genre.  everything is unique just as everyone is unique.  so when u get to know someone or something intimately, u realize that all ur stereotypes were off.  when at a distance, u can summarize.  but when close, u must pay attention to the details.

How many people, though, actually get past those initial assumptions and stereotypes?  How many people just continue to assume that their first analysis was the correct one?
Even when one does get past the initial characterization it will, more than likely, continue to color any future interactions.

I've never heard the opinion that the word "mundane" was at all derogatory.  I've only ever heard it used as a description of the normal world, i.e. my mundane job, my mundane clothes, my mundane life, and then those that enter fair still in their real life are mundanes by default.  But I guess that's just me.

Mundane can also mean common; ordinary; banal; unimaginative, none of which seem to be remotely positive attributes.

I've used the term in the past but I am making strives to break myself of it.  Kind of like my asking people to find a nicer term to replace garb Nazi.  Most people mean no harm in using such terms, but out of context or to someone who doesn't understand, it may come across as patronizing or insensitive.

A more neutral term I heard for one's "real life" is "my life in sooth."  It's also useful because it allows one to speak of one's day to day, without breaking character.

[Morrigan]

Anthropologically speaking, things tend to get derogatory when we "other."  When we refer to people as "mundanes," we're "othering" them - looking at them as separate and distinct.  It's much easier, then, to deride someone "other" than our selves/group; they're different.  It doesn't matter what term we use, though - it's kind of *all* derisive when it's "us vs. them."

I think MadamNina made a good point - after all, "Rennies" and "Playtrons" pay to get in, same as "Mundanes."  I "participate," but I "patron"ize the vendors, same as everyone else.  I dunno - I'm the last person to consider anyone I don't know personally as my "extended family," but I don't get all of the stratifying. It seems kind of clique-ish (in person *and* over the internet).  We're all drawn to the same place for *generally* similar reasons, right?

Just my two cents. 

werd.

[Blue66669]

When did this conversation go from "what you observed on Opening Day" to "what group are we tossing ourselves into"? This conversation is silly, as it doesn't matter what we're called. We all love faire, we all spend our time and hard earned money, as well as months of effort just gearing up for "the Big Show". As for not approaching "playtrons", you may as well say that you don't interact with a certain race of people because they don't respond to you. Or hell, it's like not giving good service to teenagers in a restaurant because you think that most of the filthy little buggers don't tip worth a damn. Does that make any sense? Of course not. And what would our agenda be anyways??? We just came to the faire, like EVERYONE ELSE, to enjoy the magic. That INCLUDES cast interactions. Danes are just playtrons that haven't caught the bug yet, plain and simple. And maybe our dearest performance company wouldn't mind playing with US sometime as well. I know I would appreciate it!

So, any observations from SECOND weekend???

[Livia]

Just an observation.  From everyone's posts here, I guess I'm not a true rennie.  I enjoy faire and camping.  I go to escape from all the crap of everyday life.  To relax, enjoy some live music, meet new people, etc.  I've been around people that use the term "mundane".  Most of the time they are using it in a derogatory way.  Little do you realize that you are discouraging people that really enjoy faire, to feel like they do not belong.  It's kind of like elitism of the Rennie World!   Can't we all just get along? 

[LadyElizabeth]

FYI - I have removed all my comments from this thread.  I never meant to be offensive to people.  I only meant to share my "Opening day observations" as this thread is titled.  Not all my observations were taken in context or were seen for what they were, observations and not meant as judgemental.  

[Morrigan]

We just came to the faire, like EVERYONE ELSE, to enjoy the magic. That INCLUDES cast interactions. Danes are just playtrons that haven't caught the bug yet, plain and simple. And maybe our dearest performance company wouldn't mind playing with US sometime as well. I know I would appreciate it!

So, any observations from SECOND weekend???

Oh dear.   Either you took the worst possible interpretation of that, or I didn't express myself clearly.   I'm MORE that happy to play, at any time, with any patron who wants to play with me.   And when a patron makes eye contact, with an open expression, I consider that an approach, and never intentionally rebuff just because a patron is garbed.  All I was trying to convey is that when I am scanning a crowd, targeting my next "mark", I invariably choose a person/group who is either in civvies, or in an obviously patron costume.   This is the easiest and quickest way to make sure I'm actually approaching a patron, and not someone who is working.  I certainly didn't intend to imply that I would hide behind a tree if I saw you coming!

As far as observations from THIS weekend...   Crowds were great, very receptive and playful, and the weather couldn't have been better. Did anyone see the noon proclamation on Sunday and get a glimpse of the little girl who won the Scavenger Hunt???   They just don't come any cuter.   Oh, and I got TAGGED.

[SirRichardBear]

I had a nice litte titotat with one of the French cast opening weekend.   She started it by dropping her mug and asking oh were oh were is my mug.  Sad to say I'm really bad with names so can't remember the character name she introduced herself with.  We had fun playing for the patrons about the ole allance and the best why to annoy King Henry.  Also about her Queen who was sister to my Queen and both sisters to Henry.   First time in a number of years I've had a chance to play with a cast member at TRF. 

We'll coming back this weekend for all Hallow Eve and I plan on watching out for her and asking how Queen Mary is and how the ole allance is holding up in France.

[Blue66669]

Oh dear.   Either you took the worst possible interpretation of that, or I didn't express myself clearly.   I'm MORE that happy to play, at any time, with any patron who wants to play with me.   And when a patron makes eye contact, with an open expression, I consider that an approach, and never intentionally rebuff just because a patron is garbed.  All I was trying to convey is that when I am scanning a crowd, targeting my next "mark", I invariably choose a person/group who is either in civvies, or in an obviously patron costume.   This is the easiest and quickest way to make sure I'm actually approaching a patron, and not someone who is working.  I certainly didn't intend to imply that I would hide behind a tree if I saw you coming!

As far as observations from THIS weekend...   Crowds were great, very receptive and playful, and the weather couldn't have been better. Did anyone see the noon proclamation on Sunday and get a glimpse of the little girl who won the Scavenger Hunt???   They just don't come any cuter.   Oh, and I got TAGGED.

Oh darling dearest- I guess I'm just a little off because I'm not one for "pigeonholing", and that is what this thread has turned into. NO thanks. I'd love to share a moment with you in the lanes sometime, that is, if the master lets me out of my hole

Hi, my name is Blue, and I'm a Ren-aholic...

[Sootikin]

And if there is a member of the performance company behaving innapropriately, that needs to be known too.

Man, you are just not gonna let us have ANY fun, are you?

Or do you wish to be informed so you can join in?

[brier patch charlie]

Hello, I'm Charlie and I too am a Ren-aholic

[Tudor-Diva]

And if there is a member of the performance company behaving innapropriately, that needs to be known too.

Man, you are just not gonna let us have ANY fun, are you?

Or do you wish to be informed so you can join in?

I'll decide when I see it thankyouverymuch!  *smoochies*

[KiltedPrivateer]

Just thought I'd add a note.  First weekend I got to play for a short moment with a cast member in the french quarter.  One of the french ladies hollered at me as I passed "ANGUS, WHERE ARE YOU GOING ANGUS...".  I was of course dressed in my highland garb.  It was a pleasant and fun exchange.

Pirate weekend we had the opportunity to be visited by the King as we sat around one of trees between the sea devil and the arena.  Ole Broadsides was there with us as well.  The King was hilarious. 

I kinda wish there were more interaction between cast and playtrons, (the lack of probably due mostly to my own avoidance). I'm not as quick witted as many of the cast.  Most of that wit I'm sure just comes from the experience of playing the characters.  And I can't do an accent worth a darn.  But its fun none the less.

All in all it was a great time.

[Taarna]

Just thought I'd add a note.  First weekend I got to play for a short moment with a cast member in the french quarter.  One of the french ladies hollered at me as I passed "ANGUS, WHERE ARE YOU GOING ANGUS...".  I was of course dressed in my highland garb.  It was a pleasant and fun exchange.

Pirate weekend we had the opportunity to be visited by the King as we sat around one of trees between the sea devil and the arena.  Ole Broadsides was there with us as well.  The King was hilarious. 

I kinda wish there were more interaction between cast and playtrons, (the lack of probably due mostly to my own avoidance). I'm not as quick witted as many of the cast.  Most of that wit I'm sure just comes from the experience of playing the characters.  And I can't do an accent worth a darn.  But its fun none the less.

All in all it was a great time.

This is why I am happy my character does not speak. I have spoken to the King before and he does have a great personality. I love interacting with cast! Papa Elf is REALLY GOOD at adlibbing with other characters. As was a French character with a big fan (I think he name is Voice Box) as he does not speak either, but he is great at comign up with exchanges simply by using sign language... and the general audience thoroughly enjoys such shows, especially if you can in some way involve them in your improv skit.

I can't wait till Thanksgiving weekend!!!