Other Royalty?

[MariaChristian]

In the 10 years that I had been a cast member of the Michigan Renaissance Festival it was made clear to me that as a fellow performer visiting another festival it was protocol to contact the Entertainment Director(s) and find out the rules of play etc. Now this was in keeping especially when traveling as a group and being in "character".  There were many instances when performers from the Michigan cast visited upon the Bristol cast and not only did we ask about the rules of play but we offered our assistance wherever it may be needed.

Since then as my role as an Entertainment Director I have had performers from other festivals call and offer the same to me. It fosters a great working relationship as professional performers. Even when visiting other Mid America festivals we contact the ED's first. Former cast members of the Michigan festival contact me and ask for permission to play with the cast.

If I were to visit another faire, I would contact the ED of that faire and let them know of my visit. It doesn't mean that I'm asking for preferential treatment, it means I'm being respectful of their stage.

I also have to note that when Silverleaf cast visited Michigan a few years ago, they did not come in character. They were definitely a bunch of characters but not their festival characters.

I suppose that when you are "young" in the business of renaissance festivals you are apt to make foolish mistakes. Often the need for attention outweighs clear judgement. And the belief that "any attention is good attention" may warrant a second thought.

As they saying goes... "I don't swim in your toilet so don't piss in my pool"

Maria Christian

[erzherzogin_sybella]

Also, I've seen members of the original Vulgarian group back hanging out with official castmembers recently in pictures posted online, too.  Just food for thought.

True, but they're present on the agreement that they'll be helping out the new brood of Vulgarians since we're rather shorthanded.

Well, when cast members aren't treated right, they tend to quit--that might account for this constant "shorthandedness" I keep hearing everyone talking about out at Mirf.  More food for thought. Meh, everyone needs to lighten up and go out there just to have fun, not to for the purpose of causing a scene.

[Dark Wolf]

Dear Cast, Crew, Rennie, Patron, etc, that was at the Michigan Renaissance Festival on Labor Day Monday.  I am writing this post so that those of you that will read it and believe that it is the truth will hopefully help with any questions. I have been giving this a great deal of thought all day and feel confident that what I am about to say will be well met.

Approximately 2 weeks ago I made a suggestion to my wife about King Henry VIII and his court coming to the Michigan Ren Fest on the Day of Wrong.  It was intended to be in line with the Day of Wrong.  It was to be King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeths father, coming back from the past, checking up on her and see how she is doing.  Once again, DAY OF WRONG. 

After we had seen her at court we were disbursing.  Some of us had to leave because of family obligations.  Some were changing into other attire.  And some were just going to spend the rest of the day at faire as we always do.  But when we were turned away at court and proceeded to sit down on the back side of the castle we were approached by the Jailer with warrents.  The concenus of us all is we would go along with it.  After being walked around the castle two times, we had three people that due to medical reasons fell out.  One of them had low sugar.  One of them had a asthma attack and the third had a very serious muscle spasm that paralized her right leg temporarily.  All three of these people know there limitations.  But due to the circumstances they were unable to take care of themselves.

You talk in your posts of how we were inconciderate to Holly, the Cast and Crew, the Rennies and the Patrons.  But not did one of you ask why we were there.  Not one of you knew that three of our people had medical issues that worsend because of the situation they were put in.  After we were able to leave from in front of the castle, we walked out to our cars, had lunch, changed, those that had to leave left, those that remained, came back in in small groups to enjoy the rest of the day.  But  it still wasn't over.  Several times during the afternoon, we had been watched by security.  Why?  I do not know.  But what ever the reason was, they must have had one. 

Again, I would like to express my deepest apologese to everyone at Holly for offending.  My intent was never to have anyone upset with our actions and my idea. So if there are any fingers to be pointed, any comments to be made,  make them to me and not to the members that were present on that day.  Hopefully this clarifies anyones misunderstandings of Labor Day Monday, DAY OF WRONG

[Dark Wolf]

As for the misconception that we "took over the show" at Mayfaire. Obviously the story line was not being followed.  From the opening of the gate, to the end of day song, our court was asked to participate in Mayfaire for the entire run for several reasons.  First of all to kick off what they hope to be an exciting event next year called the "Cloth of Gold Event".  It is where they will be inviting the Royals from all festivals from all over the US and Canda to be apart of their festival.  King Henry VIII and a very few members of his court was there to help them announce the exciting event.  Second, parts of the MMRF cast were involved in the Royal Wedding that took place on the last day.  Some of the skits that led up to the grand event had to have them there every day.  Again I hope that this clarifies any misunderstanding.

[Dark Wolf]

Maria, I have just one question for you.  When you stopped us after we had come in threw the gate, why did you not ask or tell us that we needed to disburse, change our garb, or ask us why we were there?  Just curious?

It was never about attention or promotion.  It was about the Day of Wrong.  But you never asked.  And if you had, we would have gladly told you.  But did you?  Did you ask us?  I think not, now you are just like all the others, blowing this way out of purportion.  This is a faire, like the others, where people gather, have a good time, be with their friends, go see the enterainment, do a little shopping, go to the pub.  That is what faire is all about.  Not making assumptions, which we all know what that means.  Would it have made any difference if we were from a Klingon War Ship, all made up by a professional Hollywood make up artist?  And looked better than anyone there? We would have stollen the show and if I remember my history correctly, there weren't any Klingons during the Renaissance Era. 

Why didn't you ask why we were there?  Why didn't you ask what our intent was?  You just assumed that we were there from another faire to create problems?  To promote our faire?  To what?  And if you had asked and we told you what our intent was, which was to have some fun with the Day of Wrong, you could have let us know at that time that it was not proper, that we did not follow YOUR rules of protocol.  I would also like to know if these "protocols" of yours are so important, why then have they never been mentioned before by any of the festivals that we have talked to?

If I had the opportunity to be involved with making of plans at a faire and a visiting court came unannounced, I would not make them feel as bad as you made these people.  And I mean that.  If another faire came to the one that I was involved with to do positive things, to have a good time, to be apart of the scenery, to promote Renaissance Festivals everywhere.  Instead of turning them away or making them feel like they aren't desired, I would most definately make them feel appreciated.

[Shadbolt8]

Heyo.

Couple of things

First off,

I meant Henry the VIII, not Henry the VII (Heck you think I'd know this since I yell it out every weekend when yelling at our Dear Queen Lizzy)

Second off,

As the mastermind behind Trollapalooza in 2007 we came out in force as Trolls, not as a visting faire or it's resident cast as Maria has mentioned.

Course I also brought in the tourist invasion of 2001ish, and the pajama group after that....SO....However

Had I decided to bring out the SLRF cast I would have confirmed with the front office (Maria) just as has been the policy since I can remember before I knew anything about anything in regards to renaissance faires or protocol or common courtesy.

All in all day of wrong or not, a presence of that size without any advanced warning or ability for management to prep for it threw the entire cast off guard. While we know how to react to each other, when a visting set of royalty or cast comes to visit we need to know how to act and react so that the show has continuity and fits for the patron base.

Anycase, just my two cents as an invasion organizer and current MiRF employee, previous Ren Faire Manager etc.

[L Dale Walter]

Just a quick note:

The "Day of Wrong" is not an official event.  It appears on no schedule I have ever seen.

It then becomes much like the Knights of Iron joke of "Punch Jack Sparrow Impersonators In The Face Day". Yeah we can say it, but if we DID it I bet there would be problems.

So claiming you did something due to a nonexistant, self proclaimed 'day' doesn't really make the basis of an arguement.

L. Dale Walter

[Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman]

Dale brings up a good point.

While I can recall, way back in the depths of history, times when the cast took part in Day of Wrong, to what ever degree, it has been faded out of any sort of official event. In fact, the majority of the people who still take part in it, myself included, are either those who remember it from ages past, or have been told about it by those who remember it from ages past. It is an infinitely small handful of people who actually dress up for day of wrong.

And, as I have always seen it, Day of Wrong is meant as a bit of comedy that would normally not be appropriate. It's a Storm Trooper in a kilt, a historically accurate gown made out of Hello Kitty cloth, or a hairy man in drag.  It's something to look at, shake your head, laugh, and say 'That is so wrong!'

I failed to see anything funny in another faires court showing up unannounced, and claiming that they weren't there to attract any attention.

PS: I do find it horribly humorous that you have managed to convince yourself that the entire fault in this lies in everyone but y'all.

[nliedel]

Several of the members who worked at MiRF know the rules about the jailors. They are NOT cast, rather their own group. If you do not wish to be jailed, you need merely tell the jailor you have a medical condition and they will let you go. It is not their intent to cause harm, rather make the Festival funny and interesting.

Further, since this was also done at another faire, besides Mayfaire (admittadly, I was told this, and did not see it with my own eyes), it is my belief this was a publicity stunt and a most offensive one to the patrons, playtorns and cast of MiRF.

I attended MMRF last year and was happy to do so. I went as another character and played as a patron does. One cast member treated me like I was still with them in my position at MiRF and insulted me, badly. They thought it was in good fun, but I was a non-disruptive, paying participant. It's over the damn now, but  I was shocked. I meant to just enjoy the day, and I did, very much, except for that one incident.

I am confused and hurt that this happened, and, "day of wrong," or no, which cast is instructed to not participate in (okay, I wore blue mascara), and several MMRF people know that, because they were on our cast...I am deeply dissapointed and for these reasons will no longer be a paton at MMRF. It's not out of spite, inthe least, but shame me once... I do not believe people I had respect did this. I attend other faires and festivals as I wish to. I pay full price and enjoy them. I see shows and spend my time shopping. I don't get a lot of time for that when working. Which is fine, I'm not there to shop and my favorite shows are up where I spend time. So, it all works out.

As for the treatment of cast...it's my second year. I've worked long hours, in horrible weather and had patrons make fun of me. It's not the greatest of fun to feel like you are drowning in a heavy gown, but we were all warned going in. Our cast is quite large this year and I am very excited about that. There will always be people who feel they are mistreated in every workplace imagineable. At every Faire and Festival in the country. Even MMRF probably has it's complainers. It's part and parcel of the job. If you're acting in a Faire or Festival for money...well, no matter which one you're in, don't expect to live in a mansion. LOL!!

[Katie Bookwench]

Why didn't you ask why we were there?  Why didn't you ask what our intent was?  You just assumed that we were there from another faire to create problems?  To promote our faire?  To what? 

I think that's something many of your group needs to ask themselves first.

You can plainly see from the various responses - and NOT just from Maria-- that the group crossed a line.

Is there a reason why no one in the MMRF organization contacted Maria or the GM at MIRF, as is professional courtesy? Is it really because no one knew it should be done? 

And if you had asked and we told you what our intent was, which was to have some fun with the Day of Wrong, you could have let us know at that time that it was not proper, that we did not follow YOUR rules of protocol.  I would also like to know if these "protocols" of yours are so important, why then have they never been mentioned before by any of the festivals that we have talked to?

They are not just Maria's rules - as said before in a couple other posts, this is merely professional courtesy between faires.  This is not a new concept - many faires do this.

Traditionally, a Robin Hood storyline ends with King Richard returning to England and resolving the John/Nottingham scourge and rewarding Robin and Marian. But KOI knows that brining in a KING RICHARD OF ENGLAND would undermine the fact that Hollygrove has a monarch – QUEEN ELIZABETH OF ENGLAND – and it's pretty darn obvious that those two characters should NOT exist in the same show.

So perhaps if your cast of MMRF has come as say....Old King Cole, or King Ludwig von Hoofenstupper, there would not have been such an outcry of foul play. But to come as HENRY, KING OF ENGLAND was a bit over the top. And to come with the entire population of Hampton Court in tow? Two words: EPIC BALLOCKS.

You could have opted to come in to MIRF as a different set of characters, and still promoted your show – heck, if someone had cleared with MIRF Management, I'd be willing to bet you could have set up a booth somewhere and be permitted to hand out literature about it!

If another faire came to the one that I was involved with to do positive things, to have a good time, to be apart of the scenery, to promote Renaissance Festivals everywhere.  Instead of turning them away or making them feel like they aren't desired, I would most definately make them feel appreciated.

In that case, I will take that as an invitation to myself and all my friends to make sets of sumptuous Tudor nobles, and come to your show as QUEEN ANNE BOLEYN OF ENGLAND, complete with an extensive Court, including characters already present on the MMRF Cast – I'm sure the actors playing the Queen, and those other characters won't mind a bit, right?    (*stage wink*)

And Dale? I think this is your cue to develop a new show for KOI based on Richard III, and bring your entire cast to MMRF as well – or maybe Henry VII?  No need to call ahead –according to this post, MMRF welcome you and your actors with open arms, even if your King would confuse the bejeebus out of their patrons when they see their Henry VIII.

After all, the Day of Wrong is a tradition begun by someone, somewhere – so who's to say I can't start a new tradition – a second Day Of Wrong, during MMRF, and that way, I'd have a handy excuse to come as a problematic character to the cast, just because I think that it would be fun for me, get me attention, and promote my new show.

[Thumper]

I did not mean to cause a stir.  I was just really confused to as why there were two courts that day.   

I have heard of the day of wrong, but I never knew what it actually was.

[WaywardWench]

Dear Dark Wolf,

I was all set to accept your apology. You made explanation of your mindset on how this debacle was conceived. You claimed responsibility and made apology.  All of that was appreciated and could have ended the discussion. Everyone makes mistakes; you learn from them and move on.  Mistakes can include excellent bits, well executed, rehearsed and all but still not be a good idea.  Sometimes bits go over the top and most of us have stepped in it at one time or another. 

However, then you continue to answer other posts proceeding to justify why you apparently still think what you did was okay.  I don't believe you understand any of the concerns that have been put forth as to why it should never have happened. Your feelings were hurt because the bit you thought of was not well received. You were unhappy with some of the reactions that followed it.

You attempt to cast fault on others and give that wide eyed three year old whine of "I didn't do it on purpose, I didn't know" when they are caught with the illicit half eaten cookie in their hand. <whine>I don't know why security is watching me. I don't know why this or why that.</whine> Oh, please. If you truly, truly are that naïve at your age then I feel sorry for you. I'll be happy to sit down and explain it to you in the simplest words I can muster.

I am still shaking my head. You and many of the others in your group claim to love MIRF and the people on the cast. Yet you never looked at any other side of this bit and what it might look like to patrons, or anyone else. I am amazed, in a group of adults, as large as you put together of playtrons, rennies and staff, that none of them put forth a concern that this was a bad idea and they all went along with you. So yes, since adults make choices and free will still exists, that is why they are included in the comments being put forth. They are not guilty of the bad idea; they are guilty in participating in the execution.  I am most sore hearted by disappointment. I think that's the worst part, so many people that I know took part gleefully and without thought of the ramifications to this show.

There are always consequences to actions. I will speak with my wallet. I will not be attending your show. There are other venues that will receive my support and my dollars, for Renaissance Festivals are a business. They are a business of fantasy and fun, but a business none the less.

God speed and fair you well.

[Lord Virgil]

Hmm... I can see the point of both sides of this arguement, but knowing those involved with MMRF I never once thought it was any kind of malicious intent.  All of those I know from MMRF are wonderful people, very kind, respectful and considerate.  

If, and I only say IF this truly was a "look at me" self promotion, then I say shame on you all.  If there is a known unwritten courtesy of notifying another faire of a visit of this type, then obviously someone in the MMRF group knew and should have extended said courtesy.

If it was a "day of wrong" thing (like me in my Scooby Doo oufit), then obviously by the responses, it was not a very well conceived one.

[gypsyqueenie]

Boom - cannon fire - ahem
Alrighty then most have tossed in their two pence....
- problem identified - explained - opinions entered - apologies received - now let us call a truce

White flag please

Now let us enjoy the next four weekends as we should as friends and aquaintences should - for we may or might never all meet here again - drinks all around

[Lady Gwyndolyn]

It was, admittedly, a MISTAKE.  When it was presented to the cast, never was it brought up about having to call ahead to let it be known that the court was coming.  I have personally never been apart of the cast or crew at any festival until this year when asked to participate with MMRF at Mayfaire. Nor during the many years of research had it ever been mentioned from all of the Management that was spoken to, including but not limited to Ohio, Kentucky, Mayfaire, Silverleaf, Wisconsin, and many many more.  As Maria said, this particular event is very very young.  Very new to running a festival, and Michigan is 31 years old. 

How many of you were there in the beginning?  How many mistakes were made when it was first established?  Were any of you there in the beginning?  Do any of you know all the mistakes that were made when Michigan was first established?  All this is is a mistake made by a baby festival.  The apology has been made. 

Trust me, he feels bad enough as it is.  Hollygrove was his home.  He had spent over 10 years in the lanes at Hollygrove.  He has found a place where he felt at home and with the best people in the world right there in the lanes of Hollygrove.  We have all found ourselves in with a group of people that accept us for who and what we are, that allow us to be ourselves, even when we aren't ourselves.  Can't we just be happy that there are 4 more weekends where we get to do this?  Or do we have to hurt everyone involved with this baby of a faire because one person made a bad decision?  The entertainment, the merchants, the non profit organizations, the children that would so enjoy seeing you there.  I can't say that I had ever thought of any of you to be so shallow or of such bad taste that you would hold so many people to blame for one mans mistakes.  I am hoping that I am still correct in my perceptions. 

Is there a reason why no one in the MMRF organization contacted Maria or the GM at MIRF, as is professional courtesy? Is it really because no one knew it should be done? 

Being as I am the one that would have contacted Maria, I can honestly say, NO, I didn't know.  Again, I am new to this position as well as to being apart of a festivals court.  And when speaking with other festivals, it was never mentioned about having to let them know if we were to come and visit, individually or as a whole.  So for this, I do apologize. 

They are not just Maria's rules - as said before in a couple other posts, this is merely professional courtesy between faires.  This is not a new concept - many faires do this.

so does this mean that not all faires do this?  Like the smaller fairs.  The ones that don't pull in 20,000 people a day like Hollygrove, Bristol, Minnesota, Ohio, and Silverleaf do? 

Several of the members who worked at MiRF know the rules about the jailers. They are NOT cast, rather their own group. If you do not wish to be jailed, you need merely tell the jailer you have a medical condition and they will let you go. It is not their intent to cause harm, rather make the Festival funny and interesting.

I did tell them, as did many others, and it was repeated time and again that they were under the "Queens Orders".  We did have a couple of people that absolutely refused from the very beginning and one of them even crossed his arms in front of his chest.  The jailer wadded up the warrent and stuffed it into his arms.  What made it worse what when all 3 of the Ladies had fallen out, they are still very insistant that the progression continue with everyone except those three. 

nliedel I am sure that if any of the owners found out that you were treated badly by any of the cast or crew of MMRF there would have been something done.  I know for a fact that there are a couple of cast members as well as entertainers from last year that are not welcome back this year because of their actions.  So don't think that they would take something like that lightly, they do not. 

It was never done for a promotional purpose.  We weren't handing out fliers and the name of MMRF was never mentioned. If it was, would people have thought we were from Bristol?  We wanted to spend as little time in there as possible as a group.  We waited in the parking lot for hours.  We were to progress to the field of honor, present the gift and disband.  That was all we were there for.  There was a gift that was going to be presented to the Queen, and that was all.  The gift never got presented, and probably never will.  Those of the cast and crew of MMRF that have met and know the Queen of Hollygrove have the utmost respect for her.  A good portion of us still tremble when in her presence.  She has a regalness about her that cannot be duplicated. 

I'll end my rant with this.  A mistake has been made.  Lessons have been learned.  The person (s) that made the mistakes have apologized.  In my opinion however you shouldn't punish the patrons, the entertainers, the merchants because a couple of people made a mistake.  It was just that, a mistake, and if there is anyone at all  here that has never ever made a mistake, I would like to know who they are and meet them. 

*bringing out a large white flag and waving it*