Well met my Texan brethren (and sistren)! My name is Michael Sheridan, and I am from Denver, Colorado. I attend the Colorado Renaissance Festival every year, and have worked down there for several seasons doing various different things, but mostly performing.
At any rate, myself and a few of my CRF friends are planning an excursion down to your neck of the woods for Memorial Day weekend (which may already be known to some, I'm not certain). Most of those coming with us have visited your faire before over the past several years, but I am a complete stranger to Scarborough. I'm ridiculously excited to be able to finally visit another festival outside of Colorado (other than my home faire I've only ever been to the Pittsburgh ren faire for one weekend, which sort of doesn't count, as it's owned by the same people), and I'm hoping maybe you guys can give me some advice for this trip.
As you no doubt can tell by my name and avatar, I got my start at CRF doing a Captain Jack routine. I realize there is a lot of irritation out there surrounding the good Captain (he's not remotely from the correct time period, he's not even period correct for HIS time period, and mostly, freaking EVERYBODY thinks they can do him, so he's become an almost ubiquitous part of ren faires across the country, etc.), but in my defense I was one of the first people ever to do the character (and I mean EVER - I started costuming Jack at Halloween 2003), and I would like to think I do a passable job at it.
Anyway, what I'm wondering is this: should I bring Jack to your festival? Of course, Jack is sort of my "signature role," if you will, but I have developed others, and I want to give them the chance to get out of the box and play a little (I too am a getting a bit tired of Jack Sparrow). I have a Robin Hood/woodsman persona that I absolutely intend to bring with me, and I am also thinking about doing a "filthy pirate gunner" character. Now, the tough part is, at this time I believe I will only be staying 2 of the 3 days of Memorial Day weekend, so that leaves me in a bit of a pickle. I know I am absolutely going to bring my woodsman gear, but I honestly can't decide whether to bring the pirate gunner or Captain Jack. If I end up staying all 3 days then my problems will be solved, but my question to all of you is, if I can only stay for 2 days, which one should I bring? The gunner or Sparrow?
As I've mentioned, Sparrow is kind of my signature role - the one I'm definitely best known for around here - and on some level I feel it would be a shame to leave it at home when I finally get to visit a new festival. I do love doing it (even if it does get a bit old after a while), and I think it will make a lot of folks happy. On the other hand though, I don't know how he will be received down there. Different areas have different attitudes towards this character, and from what I understand, your cast tends more toward the historical than the fantastical (I think?). Since I believe I will technically be down there in the capacity of a guest performer, will this not be looked well upon? Or is there maybe another gent down there who does the same role who might be offended if I brought my version? I haven't a clue.
I haven't done the gunner character yet, but it's something I've been cooking up for a while, and I think he would be fun. It would be great to give myself the chance to develop that one, but I'm not sure I want to do it at the expense of a character that is, in my opinion, my best performance. I would just maybe take both and then change halfway through the day, but changing into and out of Jack Sparrow gear takes WAY too long, unfortunately.
To give you an idea, below are a few pictures of me as Jack taken at a recent photoshoot:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/73930_583002895056796_159544930_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/555122_10152783627175424_1811478622_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/525331_10152783627220424_44699310_n.jpg
Any advice is greatly appreciated, and I can't wait to see you all down there! Cheers!
Do what you want. There are several Jack Sparrows on any given day down here, so yes, we are open to it. That being said there are several Jack Sparrows on any given day so you won't stand out and be unique, either. Personally, I like to try out new ideas when I visit other faires. I like to be able to test new items and gauge reactions before unleashing it in a faire where half the people know me.
You will not offend anyone by playing Jack... Heck, if you do it justice, people will probably love it! Most of the Jack's I've seen around are costume only, no mannerisms or anything like that that I have seen... So if you play the role well, you might actually stand out from the other Jack's
On pirate weekend we had possibly three Jack Sparrows? I don't think any thought it was irritating. Feel free to bring whichever character you prefer to our good village.
Only advice I can give you for that weekend... 3 things:
1) Texas
2) Memorial Day Weekend
3) Hot as Hell
It isn't like Colorado RF where you can simply walk into the shade and get cool. Just be aware. I saw you in Larkspurshire a couple of years ago...riding the elephant during parade, if I'm not mistaken. Very good characterisation of Jack!
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 01, 2013, 07:22:51 AM
Only advice I can give you for that weekend... 3 things:
1) Texas
2) Memorial Day Weekend
3) Hot as Hell
This, yes.
For pirate weekend I had a giant marie antoinette wig- pretty m,uch everyone loved it, and appreciated it. There were a few who scoffed, but on the whole it was well received. And as for the patrons, well, they were in love. ;D I think you're good to go!
P.S your subject line was hilarious. :)
I don't think you'll find someone here who "discourages" you from being what you enjoy. (Unless you're in Starfleet uniform ;))
I have seen a few Jack Sparrow's at Faire this year, but as some have said, they are mostly costume and not really *well done*. Personally for me I would use this as an opportunity to reach outside your typical box. You'll be in a new place where people won't know that you're typically Cap'n Jack, so that persona won't be missed like it possibly would be at your home Faire.
Also, as our resident Wizard mentioned, it is typically quite hot, so I would recommend that you come in a persona that can accommodate the heat.
All that being said, I'd love to see a well played Captain Jack Sparrow, and my companion, another Pirate Captain, always enjoys a good pirate persona.
I will be there Memorial day Monday, and would love to meet you and see which you decide to go with.
I will chime in as well. I would love to see your Captain Jack but as everyone has said. It is HOT. and not normal hot, Its melt your bones fell like you can move hot. :P I would suggest a costume that would look good as you slowly take off layers. Or invest in some of the moister wick type under clothings they can really help.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 01, 2013, 07:22:51 AM
1) Texas
2) Memorial Day Weekend
3) Hot as Hell
I'll have to disagree with Merlin here... It's not as hot as Hell... it's HOTTER than Hell... That's kinda why the devil made his home in Hell, and not Texas... He says it's a much more pleasant type of heat!
The hotter than hell is right! Bring Jack, but make sure that he wears his lightest, coolest garb and stays hydrated! Can't wait to see you guys. Stay in touch as the time approaches. Safe travels!
Brother.... as a long time member of Scarborough and a member of the Queens Own Highlanders as well as one of Queen Margarets Magnificent Seven.... I say to you.... "Do as ye will, lest ye harm no one". (I stole that from the Wiccan religion)... However.... I have traveled to your WONDERFUL fair and was welcomed with open arms.... as you will be on your arrival here.
Please come to Row 12 for pre-canon tailgate ....food and drinks starting around 8:15ish.... and feel free to contact me with any questions.
"And shepherds we shall be, for Thee, my Lord, for Thee.
Power hath descended from thy hand that our feet may swiftly carry out Thy commands.
We shall flow a river forth to Thee and teeming with souls shall it ever be.
In nomine Patris, et filii, et spiritus sancti"
(I stole that from Boondock Saints)
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
By the way.... My AVI was taking at your home fair. Well.... actually on top of Pikes Peak...but at the same time
Quote from: Otwell Throckmorton on May 01, 2013, 09:34:53 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 01, 2013, 07:22:51 AM
1) Texas
2) Memorial Day Weekend
3) Hot as Hell
I'll have to disagree with Merlin here... It's not as hot as Hell... it's HOTTER than Hell... That's kinda why the devil made his home in Hell, and not Texas... He says it's a much more pleasant type of heat!
I agree with Otwell, it's
usually hotter than Hades here by Memorial Day. There was one year a few years back that it rained cats & dogs, and we had the Pecan Grove River, but that was an anomaly. I simply cannot stress it enough, that when you come, be well-prepared for the heat that you are not used to. As our good King VIII said on here once (and this may not be an exact quote):
1. Drink lots of water.
2. Drink more water until you pee.
3. Drink even more water until you pee clear.
Something that I do, as do many of us, is alternate mugs of water and Gatorade (or something with electrolytes.)
One thing you do NOT want to see st Scarby is the inside of the First Aid booth (although the cold room is...literally...quite cool! I only know that because I had to retrieve someone from it once.)
Thanks so much to everyone who has responded! I am very excited to head down there, and I think I'm going to have a great time. I will definitely consider bringing Jack, but I'm still torn about what to do if I can only make it for 2 days. Hopefully I will be able to make it for all 3, but I haven't figured out all the details yet. If I do, then I won't have a problem after all.
As for the heat, I actually do think I have an idea of what you mean. Here in Colorado we are lucky enough to have a dry heat in the summer, but even so it can sometimes reach in excess of 105 degrees in the shade on especially bad days at our faire. In addition to this, the only other faire I have visited (as mentioned above) was the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival back in August of 2007 - at which time they were having a record breaking heat wave. It was 100% humidity and over 100 degrees every single day I was there. The heat was like a physical force - when you walked outside from an air conditioned building it felt like you literally were being punched in the face by it.
Anyway, I appreciate the warnings, and I will do my utmost to ensure I have appropriately lightweight and breathable garb, and of course to keep myself well hydrated and properly nourished. If Jack becomes too much for me I may end up abandoning the dreadlocks and just "generic pirating" the rest of the day, haha. We shall see.
Also, thanks to Merlin the Elder for your kind words! I have enjoyed working there, and I'm glad to be able to finally see another festival (one not run by the same people at least). Oswyn: I'm glad you found it amusing, haha. And to Merlin (the Younger, I assume) I think we will indeed have to come by for tailgating before canon! Thanks for the invite mate!
My two cents.
This Florida gal is currently living in Illinois. So between those 2 states, I'm very used to hot, hotter, and muggy. Our home faire, Bristol, has been known to have temperatures over 100 degrees, with humidity of 90%.
We visited Scarby a couple of years ago the end of April. I wore a short chemise, bodice, and skirt. Plus a hat for shade and to keep my head cooler. However, while eating lunch, I keeled over, passed out, and fell off the bench due to the heat. Spent 4 hours in the air conditioned first aid tent.
When the other posters say hot, they mean hot! I can't imagine what it would be like a month later than we went.......
Expect punch you in the face heat, Though Texas has decided that it wants a spring this year we have had beautiful weather so far this year.
The weather has been shockingly wonderful so far this season . . . the cynic in me is not expecting it to last!
The Cynic in you?
Or maybe the rational/logical part of you? haha!
Quote from: Otwell Throckmorton on May 06, 2013, 10:54:31 AM
The Cynic in you?
Or maybe the rational/logical part of you? haha!
True that. I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. But even this coming weekend is only supposed to be low 80s with a slight chance of rain.
This weather has me so confused lol. Its colder now then durring winter. Skitter are you going to come see me this weekend? :P Cant belive i have not ran into you yet.
Quote from: Lady Kaalyn on May 06, 2013, 03:48:03 PM
Skitter are you going to come see me this weekend? :P Cant belive i have not ran into you yet.
YUSS! I will! I can't believe we haven't crossed paths either . . . it's kind of crazy.
Yeah, it's been a weird spring. Here in Denver it snowed on May 1st. I was none too pleased, heh.
Anyway, thanks again for the kind words and advice everybody!
Now for another question: what should I make a point of seeing/doing at your faire? Is there anything that I absolutely cannot leave without experiencing? I'd love any recommendations you may have!
These are my favorites History customs and manners lecture every sat and sunday at 11:30 and 4:30. I've never seen anything like it at any of the other faires I've visited. Scottish Court at 4 at the chess field, and the chess match at 3 same place. Pub sing at the sea Hag stage at 6. I've never been to the Colorado faire so don't know which acts at Scarborough are also there. I know when I visit other faires While I'll visit performers I know from my home faire I specialy look for new shows I've not seen before.
Iris and rose. Omg they are so dirty, I almost had hard cider go through my nose i was laughing so hard. I also like Tartanic but i have a thing for bagpipes. ;)
I will just second what SirRichardBear mentioned. Since the Chess match & Scottish Court are at the same place, and Tartanic plays just across the lane from the chess field, it's easy to knock out all 3 in 90 minutes. Simply try to arrive at the chess field about 10-15 minutes early to get a good seat. Cast In Bronze plays at 2:30, just prior to the match, and shares the seating area. (It's actually possible to catch all 4 shows between 2:30-4:30, if you like, but I know you have CiB at Colorado.) Then there's a Tartanic show at 3:30, then Court at 4.
One other show you don't want to miss is "Doktor Kaboom!". He's only here on Memorial weekend.
And of course I'm partial to the Star Dancers belly dance show, since I drum for them ::)
I'll be performing with them on the Ivanhoe stage on the last 2 Sundays, so please come by and say Hi :)
Iris and Rose is a must, and Queen Anne's Lace Tart Show at 5:00 is great as well!
I'm QUITE partial to Arthur Greenleaf Holmes... But his brand of humor is not for everyone
I'm also a HUGE fan of The Queen's Troupasaurs (Saturday's at 11:30 only) and Tartanic as well!
Do it, It'll add ammo to the Jack Sparrow game me and my friends play :-) Think "Slug Bug" but you yell "Jack Sparrow" instead 8)
Heh, yes... I've heard several people reference "SlapJack" over the years...
Anyway, thanks for the suggestions folks! We do indeed have Cast in Bronze here in CO, and we actually have Iris and Rose too. I am quite familiar with Roxy and Damaris. Fun fact: they're actually both from Colorado, even though they started the act at Scarby. Been looking forward to seeing them again, as I haven't in a while.
I've definitely got to see the chess match. Some folks have tried very hard to get a human chess match in CO for a while, but it's never gotten approved, because we'd have no entertainers left on the streets if we populated an entire chessboard, heh. Shame though, because I've always wanted to do one. At any rate, with all that stuff going on in the same vicinity, I think I may just have to make that a main stop for the day. Also, thanks to Sir Richard Bear for the suggestion of the History, Customs, and Manners lecture. That sort of thing sounds right up my alley, and I bet it would be a lot of fun (in a weird, super-nerdy sort of way, haha).
Just a quick update! I'm getting really excited to head down! According to various weather forecasting websites it should be in the high 80's to low 90's over the weekend. Which, given what everyone has been saying here, actually sounds like it could be somewhat on the mild side (even... dare I say... pleasant? ;) ), so that's always a good thing.
As it happens though, after much internal debate, and many changes of opinion back and forth on my part, I believe I have finally decided to leave Jack at home for this one. Ultimately, there is too much work I have to do on the costume to get it back to the point where I feel I could show it off at a new place. Also, it involves way too much prep time, and it's far too hot and uncomfortable. I think it's time to try something new.
Thanks a million to everyone again for their kind words and feedback! Can't wait to see you this weekend!
Great news that you're coming.
While the temps may be lower we still will have sauna like humidity. Please try and make it by our morning breakfast. Just look for all the flags in the parking lot.
Great to experience your faire, folks! Thanks for the warm welcome! I feel like I hardly was able to experience it at all really, so I'm thinking another trip next year is most certainly in order!
Glad to hear you had a good visit! I want to get back to your faire again. There were things we didn't get a chance to see.
It's always good to have visitors! We would love to have you! I can't wait to get back to Scarby again, myself!
Great to meet you CapnJack, even though you weren't Captain Jack!
Please come back and visit! It will give us Scabonites (?!?) more incentive to visit Colorado again!
Definitely will do! I was absolutely enchanted by your festival! Next time I'll try to ham it up a bit more, and maybe run some bits with your fine cast. Also, bringing more durable footwear might come in handy, heh. It was excellent to meet you, and you can bet I'll be doing my utmost to make it back at least once next year.
Incidentally, I'm having trouble finding any pictures of my companions and myself from the weekend. If anyone could point me in that direction, I would be very grateful!
Well met indeed, I believe I did see you and will be posting my pictures of the King and Queen on parade soon. I am going to be making my way to your wonderful realm of Larkspurshire for Celtic weekend the 24th- 4th and would love to see you in a show. What stage are you on this year? This will be my first time to Colorado and after catching the ren faire bug this year at Scarborough with a whopping 6 visits from Dallas, only 2 will be short and full of memories I am sure. A question for your majesty the King, can I be dubbed a Scarbonite? :) Huzzah!