I'm both a Rennie & a SCAdian. My Bristol Ren Faire Elizabethan persona is also my late period SCA persona. Yes, there is a lot of education in the SCA. But it can be very social as well. I meet with SCA friends every single week for sessions of sewing, calligraphy/illumination or needlework. And I have a lot of fun at SCA events just hanging out with friends as well as taking classes. And there are a lot of bards & dancers & musicians around, so there is plenty of entertainment. One of my good friends is a period magician who performs at most Chicago-area SCA events. It's all what you make of it. And the sewing ranges from simple t-tunics to elaborate Tudor & Elizabethan gowns, so your garb doesn't need to be perfect.
If you would like more information about my experience with the SCA, feel free to contact me.
Kerri-Ellen Kelly a/k/a Lady Margrett Norwoode, AoA (SCA) & Margrett Norwoode of the Guilde of St Lawrence at Bristol Renaissnace Faire