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NorthEast => Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival => Topic started by: Terry Griffith on August 26, 2008, 09:50:36 PM

Title: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: Terry Griffith on August 26, 2008, 09:50:36 PM
As we recouperate from opening week at PRF, it would be good to reflect on our impressions.  What did you like?  What didn't you like?  Did you have a good time?

As a stage act, I am always interested in the opinions of the audience and I'm sure the cast and management are wondering as well.

A few opinions have been expressed on other threads on this forum but here we can have them all together and discuss.  I'll copy some of them to new posts on this thread.  If you haven't posted yet about this weekend, please sound off.  Overall grades will be adjusted to the curve. ::)

Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: Terry Griffith on August 26, 2008, 10:19:22 PM
Quoting Marilou:
   Ab-so-lute-ly excited! Though only a visitor, I've waited a year to repeat the grand experiences of Faire.

    The PTB may create/own/run the venue, but you wonderful people make it the amazingly entertaining time that it is. (she writes as she tallies her shopping list and tipping monies)

Quoting Lady Celynn:
I am a playtron and have to say that this weekend was incredible.  We (my daughter and husband) had so much fun.  There was just so much positive energy with the terrific cast, wonderful performers, fun shop keepers and of course the family of other Renn enthusiasts.  I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed the PRF more.  If opening weekend is any example, then this will be the best year ever for our Renn Fest.

BTW the shire has never looked better.  All the new shops and building add a lot to the atmosphere.   The only less than gushing note would have to be the food, it's still boring and bland.  (sigh)

Quoting Scarlet:
What a fun opening day!  The new wooden structures (noticeable from their fresh wood) are lovely and definitely enhance the look of the shire.  We spent some time topside playing games, eating, and shopping, but the lack of shade had us continually going down into the glen.  It would fabulous if JP extended the lattice & stand up tables to run the length of the upper part of the faire.  Cheap too, I'd imagine in comparison to other structures. 

It was amazingly crowded.  The advertising paid off.  I hope attendance continues to be high for the rest of the run, bringing money into the faire for further improvements.

Quoting Countess Westmoreland:
Oh, what a wonderful 2 days I had!  It was so much fun seeing all my friends, playing with people and, Professor, you made the most excellent escort for the joust and the dance. 

I enjoyed seeing all the pictures Ralf put up.  They are excellent as usual.

I can't wait until the marathon weekend next week. 

Jan (Margaret Tudor)

Quoting Kilted One:
Well as a new addition, I will have to say, I had a blast.  Granted, I screamed my voice into oblivion, but still it was great fun.  I am hoping to have even more fun this weekend.  Thank you to everyone that helped and had fun with me as well!!!!!

Quoting Bershokwench:
I know there already been alot of grumblein on here but now I'd like to put my two cents in. I am not a vendor, I am not part of the cast, I am a person who likes to come in costume and interact. I love our local performers, they are the ones I interact with. I like to interact with the vendors that I have seen in recent years. I would like to know if our local talent will be returning because this faire is the only chance I get to see these people. For example, I am friends with Cameo from the Wicked Wenches only because we met at the faire and then I recognized her when I saw her out of costume and character. It would be nice to have them back in the faire, as it would be nice to also have Aaron Bonk aka El Bonko back in the faire. He also became a good friend but the only time I ever saw him was at faire. I have no problem with new talent coming in, just keep old favorites in there too.

Quoting Mistress Charlotte:
I have to say.............I LOOOOVED the ducky lady!!!  You could tell she had got up at the quack of dawn to prepare for faire!  I'm glad we didn't have any fowl weather, so her first weekend was nice.  Welcome Amelia. (not Emelia)
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: Terry Griffith on August 26, 2008, 10:28:39 PM
Since I opened my mouth, I thought I had better say what I thought of opening weekend.
Some years, the faire takes a few weekends to really get polished and come together.  This year, we took up where we left off last year and I was amazed at how comfortably everyone settled in to their rolls.  Not only the cast but the stage acts and the playtrons too.  It's almost as if we never left last year.
I have to agree about the food and about missing people but the energy level was up from cannon to cannon.
Congrats to all who participated and I can't wait to do it all again and again and again.
For those who didn't make the opening weekend, you have a great deal to look forward to.
Oh, yeah, and the coffee and tea and frozen drinks were wonderful as well.  The new vendors were a great addition too.
See you all soon.
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: kilted one on August 26, 2008, 10:33:05 PM
I will have to second these thoughts.  Starting new with the festival, I was very nervous, as was Heather (Rose Singer - The Seamstress).  We had not really gotten to know many people until last year and then it seemed that we met everyone.  Seeing a lot of negative thoughts going around here and hearing how unfair management was made me once again seriously think about trying out.  Since doing this (albeit, one weekend) everyone has been very nice and caring (losing my voice and honey sticks).  Thank you to all the cast, the shows, and the patrons who bring so much to the festival.  I look forward to a few more weeks of craziness and fun!!
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: Marilou on August 27, 2008, 09:54:22 AM
   Opening day lived up to ALL my expectations!

   I loved that the cast and acts interacted beyond the stages, to the point of my tip pocket being empty at the end of the day as planned. Well worth every pence! Exceedingly entertaining all! Yes, an extra shout-out to Amelia...Stupendous! A thank you to all the games keepers! Just knowing I can throw an axe with deadly accuracy is a bonus! To those paying patrons in garb and character who add so much to the ambiance of the shire, kudos to your marvelous sense of Faire (and your courage)

   The physical 'changes' spoken of were hardly noticeable. A tribute to the designers. Indeed, I'm thinking of the 'cobblestones' for a side patio at home. A bit more shade up top, perhaps extending the pergola as mentioned, would be welcome. I'm still recovering from sunburn on places that, well, haven't seen the sun in years. Perhaps a vendor of Faire related media? One booth for music and maybe movies? Or did I miss that? Oh, and maybe raking the stones from the paths would be a good idea? My only mini-rant would be that they could have allowed the kegs to settle before tapping them and/or adjusted the pressure accordingly. So long a wait for a beer, sigh, that I was tempted to demonstrate how to pour a beer (but understanding the fiasco was no wench's fault)
 
   Of course, I'm there for the fantasy and fun of it and not the historical accuracy (after overhearing some snide comments at Faire from a very few snooty patrons) I've convinced several of my customers to try Faire this year! Looking forward to more fun-filled days (I forgot to get honey! Need to see tartan samples from Skip! and soo much more!)

   Now, if only evil could prevail in the joust just once. Always root for the black and gold!   
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: kilted one on August 27, 2008, 10:16:37 AM
Quote from: Marilou on August 27, 2008, 09:54:22 AM
   
   Now, if only evil could prevail in the joust just once. Always root for the black and gold!   

Hey, I lost my voice cheering on Sir William!!! ;)
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: Countess Westmorland on August 27, 2008, 02:44:13 PM
I know I posted a brief message earlier about the opening weekend but now I have had time to catch my breath.

AFAIAC, It was fantastic, wonderful and the best ever!  Oh, that's right, I am a bit prejudiced!  Seriously. although I watched the buildings grow, it was seeing them for the first time with all the wares inside and all colorful that was breathtaking. It really feels like a village now instead of some encampment with tents.  It makes me feel like if you pass through the woods you will arrive at some little cottages with people living in them.  I liked the look of the "cobblestones" in front of the parapet.  There is enough of a mix of new acts and old acts to appeal to everyone.  I don't want to single out any particular act because they are all friends, but there are some amazing ones this year!


Marilou, as far as Historical Accuracy like you mentioned you overheard, we were told early on last year 'Remember, this is the Renaissance Festival, not the Renaissance!"  We are having fun with it and I love watching the little ones' eyes light up when they as if I am a queen and I tell them yes and sit and talk to them.  Watching the little girls when our Prince Charming pays attention  to them.  Seeing little boys swell to bursting when our Good King knights them in front of a crowd of people.  Watching Good Queen Anne posing with them and fussing over them.  Everyone is loving what they do and I hope it shows.  We have a great street cast, eager to play with everyone.  This is my second year on cast and I can't think of anything I would rather do with my weekends

And the new coffee, tea and smoothie vendor is just wnat we needed, espicially the frozen lemonade on a miserable, hot day!  YUM!  ANd I am sure we will see more changes throughout the season, I know of a couple that are coming.  And next year we can anticipate even more.  Things do change, otherwise we would still be living in caves.

Jan (Margaret Tudor)
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: Professor M on August 27, 2008, 03:04:40 PM
We certainly seemed to hit the ground running this year.  The new cast members have been amazing!  The Lord High Mayor (and innkeeper), Rose the Seamstress, Angus the Butcher, and that crazy girl who's apparently Kip's sister, have all demonstrated how professional they are.  There are others, too, but the ones I mentioned are the ones I had the chance to work with.  Of course there are also many returning actors who are first-class performers.  What an amazing group of people!  Although I play a character who is rarely, if ever, humble, I really feel lucky to have the opportunity to associate with such talented entertainers.

The new structures look great and add to the special feel of the place.  The new shows are fun and have raised the excitement level by several degrees.  Enough of the popular favorites have returned to give visitors a sense of continuity and a chance to revisit their favorite shows.  The place has a great vibe going for it!

It seems to me that each year we, the actors, set out to portray a village, and we end up becoming a family.  It usually takes a few weeks for that to happen, but it's happened to me already.  I'm emotionally attached to several of this group, and the separation will be painful five weeks from now.  But for the time being, it's one heck of a ride.
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: anne of oaktower on September 02, 2008, 09:04:59 PM
Well, weekend two is in the bag...only four more to go.  I get to watch a lot of interaction down in the glen, and from my vantage point I see a lot of smiling faces.  Paytrons and Playtrons alike seem to really be enjoying this season so far, and everyone on cast had a smile on their faces most of the weekend. 

I am honored to be part of this crazy family we have formed and I'm having a great time playing with everyone.   Can't wait to see everyone again soon!
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: kilted one on September 07, 2008, 08:54:31 PM
Enough with these weeks, it is only 2 more weeks until.......until........the KILT is BACK!!!!!!!!!










Well at least for one weekend
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: Kip on September 09, 2008, 02:02:55 PM
Well its been while since i have been on here. But three weekends in the bag. Wow are cast is just great!!!!!! I must say my sister Mip is alsome to work with. I cant wait until we meet in the streets again. She is even starting to sound like me.  LOL  It sure is nice to be back with everyone this year.
Title: Re: Thoughts on week one of PRF
Post by: Terry Griffith on September 09, 2008, 09:32:32 PM
It's great to have you back, Kip and your sister, Mip, completes your bit.  You are both a necessary part of Morlandshire.

See you on Sunday.