Good Eve!
I would like to request your assistance in a project for a workshop I am attending. I am compiling a list of Ren-Fest Do's and Don'ts, and would very much like your input! I have a few, but I am very interested in what you all would include. (The catch is that my paper is due tomorrow morning, so I'm in a bit of a hurry :/ )
Thank you in advance for any and all suggestions!
(Please excuse me if I posted this in the incorrect place)
Lot of stuff here...
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=15555.0
Well I would put this one out there. If you are not a performer, then I don't care how wonderous your garb is DO NOT WEAR A CROWN TO TOP IT OFF. As to the King To steal a line "there can be only one"
Honestly, if yer not a performer, wear whatever makes you happy. Yer paying to be there, after all.
It's a courtesy thing. We have the freedom of speech but would you really cuss up a storm in front of a group of 5 yr olds? :o
It is definitely a courtesy thing. It is rather like going to a Henrician Faire as Queen Elizabeth. Sure, you've paid to get in and you can wear what you want, but it is really disrespectful to the performers at that festival. So go for it if you want to, and the performers (if they are professional) will still interact with you and be pleasant. That doesn't mean that they aren't privately thinking about and discussing amongst themselves backstage how disrespectful it is. They would never say anything to you about it, or treat you rudely in the lanes, but it still isn't a cool thing to do.
I vote with wearing whatever you want to wear. It's a Renfaire, not a medieval town. Fantasy rules. If others can wear fairy wings, pirate hats, horned helms, kilts, and furs, then anything goes. It isn't the SCA. Anyway the "king" isn't a king, but is probably a computer programmer. If a person wants to join a group that has a hierarchy of rank, they can obey the rules there, but they shouldn't try to make rules where there are none.
That's right fantasy rules. and in that fantasy there is a King, and yes outside the gate I am a computer programmer, but inside the gate I am the King. It's not an ego thing, but what I get paid for. And I find it very discouteous to have some bumpkin coming into the faire in Royal robes and crown and anyone who does not know better thinks he is the King. To carry your thinking further what if we had half a dozen Kings roaming around your faire, how would you feel. I mean WTH they all paid to get in, let them come in stark naked if they want to right They paid to get in.
Unfortunately, courtesy is much a thing of the past... for the record, I'm with Lys and Blakduke on this. An analogy might be a heckler trying to upstage a performer. Basically, it's the same concept.
Do tip the performers, both on the stages and in the lanes!
Some are paid little or nothing and depend on passing the hat to make up the majority of their pay. Don't get up and leave a show right before it ends so you don't have to tip.
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 02, 2012, 05:52:52 AM
Do tip the performers, both on the stages and in the lanes!
Some are paid little or nothing and depend on passing the hat to make up the majority of their pay. Don't get up and leave a show right before it ends so you don't have to tip.
This is so true! I try and give something even if it's my last $1 or $2.
I know that some would prefer paper money for tips, but I use the gold dollars. There is a practical side to this: I know many performers who use tip baskets-and seen tips go flying when an errant gust of wind kicked up. I still tip paper if they are passing the hat, and can control the cash.
I also tip even if I only catch part of the show.
I save the paper for food and trinkets...or to buy a CD.
My contribution:
If you bring your pets, particularly dogs: Clean up after them, and keep them off the costumes, away from the fox tails, and control them around performing animals.
I remember trying to listen to a falconry demo with a chihuahua barking non stop next to us through the whole show. The woman holding him was on a scooter, and kept laughing loudly at the dog. No one wanted to say anything to her, and she ignored the frequent pauses that the narrator was making to point up the fact that she was interrupting the show.
Naked......Would that not qualify as the Emporors new Clothes? there we go again with extra royalty. I do agree that garbing as King or Queen at a fair is in bad taste unless you in character state to patrons that you are visiting royalty but then staying in character would be a must all day, but even then I think a crown would be pushing it. Just not a class act. Tipping is very important as has been mentioned I pay my performers the best I can but rest assured not what they are worth. My best piece of advice would be ask questions and educate yourself by the other playtrons and cast members and interact as this also gives the lane and stage acts feedback and something to play with so they too know they are on the right track.
Don't ask the guys in kilts about what may or may not be worn under them; it just annoys them, and you'll likely never get a satisfactory answer....
Don't sit in the front row at the mud show. Save that place for virgin 'danes.
DO!
Smile! As a 'Dane, you will feel less awkward! Enjoy, truly let your cares melt away. You really shouldn't feel out of place when you're within arms reach of an elf, a Dragoon, or some sort of combo of both. If you are in garb, you will simply lighten the air around you with your attitude.
Sample the food! If you can't pronounce it, buy it! Barring any allergies of course ; this is how I found out I love alligator and whatever that noodle dish is at a Greek stand is at TRF is -heaven-
DON'T!
Hold yourself back. If you see something/someone that you have a question about, please ask in a polite way. Don't just shout out " What are you?". Engage in the history around you!
Forget to tip/buy true handmade items! A great many of these artisans make their living off of what they make, so tipping or just buying something that strikes your fancy will go a long way, I assure you. However, be wary of people just selling "wholesale" stuff.
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on August 03, 2012, 06:52:58 AM
Don't sit in the front row at the mud show. Save that place for virgin 'danes.
LMAO!
True, but some of the savvier ones pay attention to the 'mud shadows' (splatter patterns on the benches) the indicate that the clean places were where where the last virgins sat....
Bring sunscreen and comfey shoes.
Plan ahead to tip performers as many rely just as much on your tips for income as servers at a restaurant do.
Be prepared for the possibility of cell phone outages at large festivals as often the cellular carriers don't have the capacity to handle the crowd, so don't rely on phones to coordinate things with your friends or family.
If weapons are part of your costume, know the weapons policy at the festival you're attending and plan for it.
Realize that not everyone in costume is on cast, and just like anywhere else you may encounter some people who are, how shall we say, not especially concerned about how much fun you are having.
Ladies... Ask before you kilt check.... ;)
Quote from: Laird Fraser of Lovatt on August 03, 2012, 11:59:14 AM
Ladies... Ask before you kilt check.... ;)
Spoilsport ;)
If you bring your kids, watch them! If you buy said kid a one of those sword and shield kits, buy it on the way OUT!
Well, Blakduke, I agree to a point. Instinct tells me, and I assume it would tell 99% of all patrons, that it would be bad taste to dress as a king, and that I'd also probably be taking on a bigger role than I'd be prepared for. But, on the other hand, I wouldn't care if there were a dozen kings roaming the grounds. I'd give them all the same amount of respect.
You'd never know it to look at my mild mannered, bespectacled self, but I'm one of those people who just can't bring himself to bow the head to a Renfaire king, or to SCA crown wearers, even though I know they've often earned their positions through superior skills. I always keep my opinions to myself, so as not to spoil anybody's fun, except for this one time, but I just wanted to get up and say that there are some like me out there who enjoy the Faire, but don't like even the appearance of being lorded over.
Quote from: daggrim on August 03, 2012, 10:49:02 PM
Well, Blakduke, I agree to a point. Instinct tells me, and I assume it would tell 99% of all patrons, that it would be bad taste to dress as a king, and that I'd also probably be taking on a bigger role than I'd be prepared for. But, on the other hand, I wouldn't care if there were a dozen kings roaming the grounds. I'd give them all the same amount of respect.
You'd never know it to look at my mild mannered, bespectacled self, but I'm one of those people who just can't bring himself to bow the head to a Renfaire king, or to SCA crown wearers, even though I know they've often earned their positions through superior skills. I always keep my opinions to myself, so as not to spoil anybody's fun, except for this one time, but I just wanted to get up and say that there are some like me out there who enjoy the Faire, but don't like even the appearance of being lorded over.
If your king is awesome at his job, you shouldn't feel that way.
Quote from: daggrim on August 03, 2012, 10:49:02 PM
Well, Blakduke, I agree to a point. Instinct tells me, and I assume it would tell 99% of all patrons, that it would be bad taste to dress as a king, and that I'd also probably be taking on a bigger role than I'd be prepared for. But, on the other hand, I wouldn't care if there were a dozen kings roaming the grounds. I'd give them all the same amount of respect.
You'd never know it to look at my mild mannered, bespectacled self, but I'm one of those people who just can't bring himself to bow the head to a Renfaire king, or to SCA crown wearers, even though I know they've often earned their positions through superior skills. I always keep my opinions to myself, so as not to spoil anybody's fun, except for this one time, but I just wanted to get up and say that there are some like me out there who enjoy the Faire, but don't like even the appearance of being lorded over.
Daggrim:
Don't look at as though you were being lorded over. In one of the previous posts I believe the word 'fantasy' was used and that is exactly what it is a fantasy. I play a King. Kings are supposed to be bowed to. If no one does it the fantasy is lost and you know suffers, not you, not me but the kids who came there with their families to see Kings and Knights is shining armor all making a big fantasy for them. It's for the kids, not you or me. So help keep the fantasy alive for them.
Ah Blakduke, I can completely agree with your views on this subject about one King. For the danes, the analogy is wearing white to a wedding. But moreso it is a courtesy thing for the performer in the role of King and a courtesy to the patrons who can become confused. And as I stress to our cast, it is also all about the Kid's. I take the time to try and meet all the children and make them feel special.
At our festival, we loosely play the Henry VIII line because that is what the owner wants, but he does not like the look of Henry VIII so we avoid that look(my avatar to the contrary is from another festival where I was part of a Henrician court). One year we had a patron that came dressed like Henry VIII and looked remarkably like Henry. I admit my feathers were a bit ruffled but not because he showed up looking every bit like Henry, but because the E.D. made a huge fuss over him and offered to comp him in on future visits. The E.D. couldn't see my concern over this. On his second visit to the shire, he began addressing the cast on the streets and asking why they were not bowing to him and showing him reverence as King of England. They told him that he was not their King. He also passed himself off to patrons as the King of the Festival and that was what eventually got the E.D. to have a long talk with him about not coming in that costume again.
While it certainly won't have an effect on major issues on the planet, I will support that it is in extremely poor taste to show up dressed as one of the reigning characters of the faire. If one wishes to attend as royalty, I would feel certain that no one would have a problem with a visiting monarch. But, as has been said before, "there can be only one!"
Also, if you pay in cash, don't use 100 dollar bills, please. Use smaller bills. We don't have a ye olde atm/bankbehind our booth.
OK, Blakduke, thanks for the response. I never looked at it that way...like we're a team working to keep the fantasy alive for the patrons. Maybe I'm taking my Viking persona too seriously inside the Renfaire. A crew of Vikings, when asked by a Saxon who their king was, replied, "Our king? We're Vikings, we have no king." So, I'll play along more.
Quote from: Kiss-me-Kate on August 20, 2012, 11:46:17 PM
Also, if you pay in cash, don't use 100 dollar bills, please. Use smaller bills. We don't have a ye olde atm/bankbehind our booth.
I check with the vendor before paying with large bills. Eventually it's going to get spent - just depends on who is going to break it.
On occasion, the ATM will toss you C-notes instead of $20s. I hate that. If I have to break a $100, I'll break it at a pub after they've been serving a while. I've been real careful about not getting stuck with a $100 bill walking into faire.
Daggrim, if you're a Norse character, there would be no reason for you to give allegiance to a king in England. If your country is on friendly terms with England, you can play it that way. You should pledge fealty only to your own "country's" leader. You know what I mean? The issue that Blakduke is talking about is about bringing a conflicting character to faire, i.e., trying to play Henry VIII at Scarborough when the real Henry VIII is already there.
Daggrim:
In a sense your statement is slightly incorrect. Vikings had kings. Sweden, Denmark, Norway where the viking all hailed from had kings, which they paid tribute to, look it up in the history.
Merlin is also correct, in that the Vikings would not pay Homage to an English king. However the faire is a place and time to come and be merry, have good food and drink, wassail, mead, ale all good viking drinks. So the object is to have fun and enjoyment. Also it might help if the reason for faires were more publicized. The faire was a place where merchants of foreign lands could come and sell their countries goods and wares, and to be able purchase the goods of the local inhabitants. You could not get Toledo blades except from Spain, Spanish wines as well. As such, good wool had to come from England, Scotland. Venitian lace had to come from Italy. Then there was the Spice and Silk roads to the orient. The faires were a way to bring all of these things together where no one would be assaulted, so the reigning monarch would establish safe conduct for these merchants and there were severe penalties on anyone caught robbing a merchant under the Kings protection.
As for my self I can fully accept a Henry the VIII at any faire that I am at because that is not who I portray. I am my own king,
KING ALLYN THE ONLY. The most forgotten king in English history. They even purged me from the history books. I even have a background story for the character. I would much rather play a fictional character than an historical one, it allows for more diversification. For an historical king you are too limited as to what you can do and cannot do.
Speaking of fealty... having a monarch was the gold standard. So even if you were in a foreign country you still understood and respected the monarchy. It was just good manners. ;D
Personally, I think it's great fun to play at all the bows to the upper class. I had a friend that became a lord at Bristol. We had know each other for years before this so we had a great time with the whole middle-upper class interaction!
Quote from: BLAKDUKE on August 21, 2012, 06:26:47 PM
I would much rather play a fictional character than an historical one, it allows for more diversification. For an historical king you are too limited as to what you can do and cannot do.
And how the public expects you to look. There are so many portraits of kings and queens that even the most casually educated Dane expects Henry VIII to look like Henry VIII. A tall, skinny brunette just doesn't look right, and you can only have a Cathrine, Anne or a Jane for Queen (I have seen one Henry with a Margaret and another with a Mary on his arm), or you risk being picked on like R2D2 at a Star trek convention ^_^.
That's one of the reasons why I like our (Scarby's) Henry VIII so much. I think he looks just like several of the famous portraits.
Talk about looking the part, Some friends of mine, my wife and I went to his majestys feast in Orlando some time back nd the The guy looked like Olivier in Richard III. God how dis-appointing.
Henry is probably the hardest to do, because he's the most recognizable.
We ladies have the same problem with Elizabeth I:
Danes expect to see a tallish, wasp-waist redhead in white face, hair piled high with tons of jewels, and a huge lace collar (which in period would not have been worn by anyone outside of court, much less a faire).
The wasp waist is a big problem, since even art historians admit the portraits were painted to exaggerate an impossibly small waist. Unfortunately, the Danes expect to see an 18" waist.
Elizabeth is probably the most inaccurately portrayed royal at faire. I have seen a slew of brunettes and a blond, and some interesting gown choices from a different century ;D. A couple even had Kings!
You're right about Henry VIII. But that is what is so perfect about our Henry. The physical resemblance is not perfect, but it's close enough to carry it off well. Some of the others that I've seen make me think more of Richard the Lionhearted than Hank8.
a big don't - don't outdress the royalty. i see it too often people who come in garb who's outfits have the colors of the monarchy and further outdress lord and lady mayor, king, queen, etc. It's like GET REAL, you are NOT royalty!!!!!
Good point. The cloth of golds, purples and whites, and furs, in particular, are what I think of when I visualize royals.
Most nobles can get away with a goodly amount of bling, but crowns and coronets are a definite no-no.
Unless you are trying to portray a King or Queen, or some well known noble who you know is already represented at that court, you should have no problem. Most of the larger faires have a 'year' and 'village' so that garbed visitors have some sort of expectation of the characters who will be there on cast. It would be rude to show up dressed as the Sheriff or a prince, but OK to attend as a generic visiting noble.
However, if a well dressed Playtron has never visited a particular faire before, and finds themselves better dressed than most of the court-I don't think that should be their fault.
If the faire is good sized you would expect the court would look like a court, and typical noble garb should blend right in. This is part of the fun, and is welcomed in most places as long as the visiting nobles behave accordingly.
It goes without saying that the acting Royalty should be easily recognizable as such too. IMHO, If they have to be pointed out to you, then they aren't dressed or acting properly for the part.
They can wear crowns, or in the absence of obvious rank regalia, they should always be surrounded by fawning entourage, including heralds if needed.
I strongly recommend building your own character, rather than trying to emulate one. Little chance of two anythings walking around the same Faire that way, forget about two kings. Ever seen two Captain Jack Sparrows run into each other? Uncomfortable - then one always comes off looking like their garb is lacking in the inevidable comparison. I'd much rather see a bunch of unique pirate captains with their own personality traits.
On the royalty side, I have seen visiting royalty at Faires - but the characters were really different. One playtron was a period-ish Russain Czar who was awsome in character with accent and everything. He was of Russian decent, so he chose to use that. If you want to be visiting, be visiting from another area, not easily identifiable royalty from another era.
If you are in garb, try to create a character, and think about staying in that character. You are part of the beautiful tapestry of the Faire. Mundanes don't know that you aren't paid to be there, and may be disappointed. I try not to disappoint anyone who may err and hold me in a high regard. Keep the fantasy alive.
Enjoy yourself. There aren't that many people, realatively speaking, who go to Faire. Think about how good you have it to go and have this much fun, to feel as good as you do with friends and the Faire surrounding you.
kcdcchef...neither is the "Royalty", really.
Interesting subject. One question, though - what's a $100 bill?
Quote from: floater on September 20, 2012, 03:00:41 PM
Interesting subject. One question, though - what's a $100 bill?
A rarity...
Quote from: Ms Trish on August 21, 2012, 04:24:55 PM
Quote from: Kiss-me-Kate on August 20, 2012, 11:46:17 PM
Also, if you pay in cash, don't use 100 dollar bills, please. Use smaller bills. We don't have a ye olde atm/bankbehind our booth.
I check with the vendor before paying with large bills. Eventually it's going to get spent - just depends on who is going to break it.
You are cirrect, my dear pet. If you have a 100 dollar bill, and you are buying a four dollar item, check to see if it can be broken first. Cuz we want your money!
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on August 03, 2012, 06:52:58 AM
Don't sit in the front row at the mud show. Save that place for virgin 'danes.
THIS! LOL! My husband has been going to the festival for six years now with me but this year was his first time going to the mud show and we had our 4 year old son with us... he kept trying to insist we go to the front so our little one could see. I had to put my foot down on that one that it was absolutely NOT smart to sit in the first SEVERAL front rows. He was wise to finally listen to me and quickly realized why.
One of our first faires was TRF in `89. We went to the mud show and stood BEHIND the benches. Nimue's white blouse STILL got splattered.
And just this weekend I sent my 10 year old grand nephew to sit front row, center. ;D
Hey, it's a guy thing. It was a bit chilly so the mud guys didn't get real sloppy, but Kai had a belly laugh going the whole time anyway. I think he was actively wishing he would get spotted.
Most faires seem to allow smoking outside the tents. A pet peeve of mine is when smokers smoke just outside a vendor's tent with a breeze blowing it into the tent, or smoking near any fiber items that might soak up the smell. Ditto with smoking near someone's garb, especially with skirts and scarves blowing around.
Don't: Dress as a science fiction character such as a stormtrooper or Starfleet persona.
Don't: Stand in plain view and talk on a cell phone if garbed.
Do: Belt out a hearty "Huzzah" if you appreciate a good performance or act!
Do: Try to speak w/ an appropriate accent if garbed.
#1 used to not really be an issue at the small/medium sized faires. We never used to see people dressed as sci-fi and video game characters; probably because they knew they would likely be the only ones there in non-ren garb.
I'm not really sure how renaissance characters are supposed to, or can, interact with them.
Do we ignore them? Stop and stare?
I do know some of our Mudmen and Urchins will interact with them by way of making gentle fun of the costumes.
Once, a storm trooper was covertly stalked by fairies-Reminded me of Ewoks spying on offworlders :D
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 19, 2012, 09:15:50 AM
I'm not really sure how renaissance characters are supposed to, or can, interact with them.
Do we ignore them? Stop and stare?
Perhaps you could use the "Want to try your fake laser gun against my real sword?" approach.
It would be interesting to see one of them get glitter bombed.....
As a Norseman, I'd just assume Klingons were trolls, and speak to them that way. Other humans I would assume were from far Byzantium, or even from distant Muslim lands...the furthest places I could conceive of.
I envy your composure ;D. I'm usually so dumbfounded I can't think of anything to say until after they they have passed by, LOL.
To everyone out there: Any good stories, one liners or amusing approaches to the 'time travelers' would be welcome. I want something new to try next season!
Perhaps a new thread...'Freaking the Storm troopers' or 'Confronting the Away team' perhaps?
Being part elf, I have heard the stories of how we came to this earth eons ago. Never could understand why humans believe first contact was with Zefram Cochrane. Where did they think mitral came from? Alchemists?
Also, knights in absolutely white armor must be from Italy or Malta; no Englishman would be caught dead in such ostentatious battle armor. Either that or their armor has been coated in fresh egg shells, though why a knight would do so is beyond me. Then again, they might just be in cloth garb to which the laundress has added too much starch -- way too much starch so as to turn it as white and hard as a Storm Trooper's uniform.
As for the strange ones in colored shirts and snug leggings. They have most certainly been in such a rush to get to faire that they actually forgot their outer clothing and are in their underwear!
Why not? It's all fantasy.
::)
Great! ^_^.
I think someone posted a while ago on here that they either did, or wanted to, hiss to the Trekkies in a stage whisper once they are inside the Faire:
"Star fleet directives specifically state that we blend in with the indigenous cultures...Where are the uniforms you were issued for this planet?" *pauses to look them over* "You're lucky the
locals haven't stoned you to death yet!"
The fairies sneaking up and knocking on Storm Trooper back armor was funny to watch. One mimed that he looked like a strange beetle. She held out her plastic bug, knocked on it, then knocked on his breast plate, then cocked her head for an explanation.
Oh, oh, the Trek away team.
Hiss, whisper, "you do know your cloaking device is malfunctioning, right?"
Wow, just had an image pass through my mind - Sheldon, in uniform with tricorder, at the convention being dropped in the middle of a big faire. In the center of the arena, full contact joust, pounding hoof-beats and all.
:o
RE: Trekkies & Klingons... I had posted the following in the "Steampunk Crossover" thread...
Arthur Rowan posted a reply to the "Steampunk at Faire" thread I started on the PaRenFaire dot Netters Forum. Arthur has worked as a performer/director at the PaRenFaire for 4 years and is currently a musician/performer with the musical duo "Rowan and the Rose". He mentions that he and Kelly Morris (Queen Elizabeth at PARF 2008-2009) will be performing at the NJ and the PA Faire this year. Below find Arthur's post, used with his permission. I find it great insight from the performer's point of view...
From a former performer standpoint, I LOVED playing with people in out of period costumes. I remember the day a fully-decked Imperial Stormtrooper showed up at opening gate, and within fifteen minutes at least three of us had demanded 'TK-421, wherefore are thou not upon thy post?'
On numerous occasions I've engaged Star Trek Away teams with a 'Good my lords in strange garb, prithee, approach...' then once they were near I'd lower my voice, drop all accent and Elizabethan character entirely, and demand 'What the hell are you doing breaking the Prime Directive by not blending in with this pre-warp culture?! I have been undercover on this research assignment for FOUR YEARS, and so help me God if you blow this assignment for me there will be HELL to pay back at Star Fleet command.'
Klingons are also a favorite... I welcome them openly and publicly as, clearly, Ambassadors from the Dutch, and then I tell the crowd how I'm about to engage them in their native Dutch tongue. Then I would, in hopefully decent Klingon, tell them 'Your father is a coward who died without honor.' One time, the Klingon in question even understood me, and hilarity ensued as he showed his fury, causing me to grovel before him at my poor understanding of the Dutch language.
And as for Doctor Who, well, everyone knows that he actually IS period, as Queen Elizabeth took out a very high bounty on his head for 'reasons unknown...'
The point being, one of the most fun parts of street improv for me is finding new and creative ways to incorporate literally anything that's thrown at me, period or no. That being said, it's understandable if someone wants as close to a specifically Renaissance experience as they can (although it should be said that walking around in a medieval knight outfit circa 1000 AD is as equally out of period as a StarFleet uniform, just in the other direction on the timeline.)
In conclusion, one of the things I love about Renaissance Faires is that every faire has its own personality. Some are wonderfully hyper-historical. The PA Faire is not. They've been taking things in a slightly different direction ever since they paved the roads, amped the stages, and put a soundtrack and fireballs into the Ultimate Joust. I've always enjoyed the more theatrical, 'spirit of the law not the letter' approach to the period that the PA Faire takes, but it's also totally reasonable to dislike it. And the beauty of the Ren Faire world is that there are other Faires that will probably be more to those tastes, frequently within equal driving distance of the PA Faire.
One final thought: please be careful when throwing around the phrase 'They make these decisions because they don't really care about us loyal fans. Anyone who's ever had to plan a party for even a hundred friends, much less ten thousand, knows how INSANELY difficult it is to please everyone, even if (perhaps *especially* if) they're someone you care a lot about.
Very interesting to hear another performer's point of view, BubbleWright. Opinions differ with different people. I personally know (like, they've been to our house) 2 different performers that work at Bristol. Both of them dislike Klingons, Trekkies, Steampunk, etc.
Their view is that they work very hard to create an Elizabethan atmosphere at a faire in the late 1500's, and they feel that the other costumes diminish the feel that they are trying so hard to provide.
So just as some people like, or at least don't mind, the out of period costumes, and some don't want to see these at faire, it's not just limited to patrons. Some performers feel the same way, either one or the other.
But since patrons can wear anything they want to faire, I'm sure it will continue.
LOL, thanks Bubblewright. I figured I had the gist of what was said to the Trekies, if not the exact wording :D
We actually see more storm troopers than Trekkies at fair, when we see either group at all.
I know some folks from the local 501st, and I know how much they pay for their armor. I can't blame them wanting to get out there and show off their investment whenever they can, but most of the members don't do Ren faires. They have their gloves full with comic book store special events and Cons.
Quite frankly, when I was performing I always enjoyed interacting with the people dressed in Trek or Stormtrooper/SW gear. At least THEY are usually playful and go along with it when a performer engages them in interaction. The same can't be said about a lot of other people. A good improv actor can find a way to incorporate anything into their schtick, because SW or ST costumes are no more period correct than shorts and a t-shirt.
Yes, the participants do work hard to create the atmosphere of whatever time period and geographical location the faire is set in, but I really get more annoyed with the people who only come out to get drunk or the ones who deliberately seek out people playing certain characters to quiz them on how well they know period information in the hopes that they will trip the performer up. That kind of thing is malicious, not fun, and ruins the atmosphere more than Darth Vader in a kilt as far as I'm concerned.
Fun is the key, and good performers know how to make "out of time" things ranging from cameras to watches to Stormtroopers fun while maintaining their OWN character and sense of time period.
DO-Dress for the weather. But please don't mix garb with modern foul weather gear. :-\
If you are a Platron, emergencies happen, and you might have to resort to a modern umbrella to protect the velvet, but if you are on cast, you need to have a cape handy, or some other period solution to a soaking. Most faires have a place for cast to get out of the rain, that the 'danes don't have access to if need be.
From my experience, patrons dressing as Trekkies, anime characters, Orcs, etc. do less to damage the atmosphere than well-intentioned patrons in historical getup playing/interacting poorly or inappropriately with other patrons. It's pretty obvious to Joe Public that the kilted Stormtrooper isn't an employee of the festival.
As to the original topic:
DO
wear sunscreen, sensible shoes, and a hat
DON'T
sexually harass anyone
put up with being sexually harassed
wear heels
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 25, 2012, 05:52:07 AM
Their view is that they work very hard to create an Elizabethan atmosphere at a faire in the late 1500's, and they feel that the other costumes diminish the feel that they are trying so hard to provide.
And your faire even promotes a steampunk weekend 8)
Don't-Make a scene at the ticket booth if the faire doesn't offer a discount for being in garb. ::)
A few faires will give you a buck or two off your ticket; but most don't (and never did).
No matter what 'your friend that comes here all the time' told you, the ones that will give you an incentive discount, tend to advertise the fact (like Siouxland).
Being noisy and obnoxious about it won't get you a better deal, either.
Do-Seek out the reigning nobility and make your introductions, you will win friends, get noticed, and look gracious doing it; all while getting a chance to practice your character and mannerisms on an appreciative audience. ;D.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 31, 2012, 12:39:27 PM
Don't-Make a scene at the ticket booth if the faire doesn't offer a discount for being in garb. ::)
A few faires will give you a buck or two off your ticket; but most don't (and never did).
No matter what 'your friend that comes here all the time' told you, the ones that will give you an incentive discount, tend to advertise the fact (like Siouxland).
Being noisy and obnoxious about it won't get you a better deal, either.
Do-Seek out the reigning nobility and make your introductions, you will win friends, get noticed, and look gracious doing it; all while getting a chance to practice your character and mannerisms on an appreciative audience. ;D.
I never even thought of doing this! Sherwood has Robin Hood and is small enough to where I can see doing this ( As soon as I get over my awkwardness while I'm in character. ) but I would imagine it would be hard to do at TRF or a -really- large faire. Please correct me if I'm wrong though!
Quote from: scarletnyx on October 31, 2012, 01:50:52 PM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 31, 2012, 12:39:27 PM
Don't-Make a scene at the ticket booth if the faire doesn't offer a discount for being in garb. ::)
A few faires will give you a buck or two off your ticket; but most don't (and never did).
No matter what 'your friend that comes here all the time' told you, the ones that will give you an incentive discount, tend to advertise the fact (like Siouxland).
Being noisy and obnoxious about it won't get you a better deal, either.
Do-Seek out the reigning nobility and make your introductions, you will win friends, get noticed, and look gracious doing it; all while getting a chance to practice your character and mannerisms on an appreciative audience. ;D.
I never even thought of doing this! Sherwood has Robin Hood and is small enough to where I can see doing this ( As soon as I get over my awkwardness while I'm in character. ) but I would imagine it would be hard to do at TRF or a -really- large faire. Please correct me if I'm wrong though!
Or at TRF look confused, lost and forlorn enough and his Majesty, the King, might just walk up and offer his most imperial help. It did happen. To me. On my Daughter's wedding day at TRF.
She was in the Bride's dressing room, the entrance of which was hidden away from the view of almost all. His Majesty offered me his arm and personally escorted me to my destination. A lovely man and generous sovereign.
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on October 31, 2012, 11:40:40 AM
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 25, 2012, 05:52:07 AM
Their view is that they work very hard to create an Elizabethan atmosphere at a faire in the late 1500's, and they feel that the other costumes diminish the feel that they are trying so hard to provide.
And your faire even promotes a steampunk weekend 8)
Yes, and lots of entertainers and vendors don't like it at all, but Bristol is a business and the management tries to bring in more and more people, doing whatever they think will bring more through the gates. Most of the regular patrons don't like it either. You almost never see regulars wearing anything but garb, but it is what it is.
The Do's & Don'ts @ faire (or what one thinks is appropriate at faire and what is not).
For me, going to faire is something of a stepping back in time kinda thing. More specific, going back to a specific time period with a group of other people wanting to have that experience.
> There wasn't stormtroopers, industrial people with goggles, or cartoon characters in those times. Much like putting a restaurant or a pub in a faire that has nothing to do with the time period of the faire, these kinds of things rob part of that experience for me.
> People who walk around using their cell phone or some other kind of modern day data device. I can understand having it with you, we all have other people in our lives (family and friends) that have things going on where having a chat is needed. But seeing those devices in use in the lanes and hearing them go off during a show is just wrong IMHO.
> Seeing items being sold at faire that are obviously a mass produced item and not something that is hand crafted.
That last one is a pet peeve. I think I might have brought it up before in a different thread.
The increasing presence of vendors selling cheap plastic 'Dollar Store' trinkets (usually from a popup tent with numerous plastic bins visible under the tables), is really, really jarring.
Plastic recorders and toy pirate pistols (still in the bubble pack) just don't look right at a Renfaire, but if you own a site, and you can't fill it with quality crafters, you will take what you can get.
To quote Lady Renee: It is what it is.
-Cell Phones are ok to have, but cell phones being used while in garb, with no attempt to get out of view before using them is questionable. If you are a Patron, you can do what you want regardless of how it looks, but it's the difference between becoming a character, and just dressing up to go to the faire.
Agree with garbed people using cell phones c'mon really could you leave that at home. I see some of these people with an ear wig
and I call out hey 7 of 9. But patrons with cell phones ooohhhh what you can do with them
I.E. 'Hallo what are you doing taking to air ' and it just goes downhill from there.
Gadzooks Sir! Methinks thou art possessed for thou speaketh to the ether!!!! :o
ZOUNDS thou must be a witch, breathing in fire and blowing out smoke or thou art possesed of a dragon.................
Hey, a couple times having a cell phone on us has saved our butts. Alex and I will routinely get split up, or want to go see different things, and while we try the whole " Meet me back here in an hour" thing, sometimes the crowds are so big you lose each other. So we use texting to figure out where the other one went off to. Now, we do try to hide it, but I see it as a safety tool to only be used when you desperately need to find a person.
Before Celtic Christmas weekend at TRF though, we are going to find Alex some sort of Middle Eastern looking book to put his cell phone in so he can use it, but look like he's reading a book. For me, I haven't figured anything out yet, but I do have huge long sleeves to hide it in ;D
I use an iPhone cover called the Book Book - looks like a small binded old book. I am still very discrete when using.
Using cell phones might also depend on the faire. A smaller faire, if I stay in one spot long enough, eventually everyone will pass by or within my vision. For example, at Sherwood, there are about 4 spots from which I can spot Scarletnyx or Saheed almost anywhere in the village unless they are inside a building.
At TRF there is no way we would do without the cells any more. It is so crowded you can be within 10' of someone and not be able to see them. We go in a large group, break up during the faire, then meet up every so often during the day, and at closing.
As for immersion into faire or breaking the illusion, that is long gone with TRF for me. With 30,000+ people coming in each day, bungee jumps, advertising, etc., people on cell phones do not even register on my consciousness.
Quote from: PollyPoPo on November 04, 2012, 08:48:27 AM
Using cell phones might also depend on the faire. A smaller faire, if I stay in one spot long enough, eventually everyone will pass by or within my vision. For example, at Sherwood, there are about 4 spots from which I can spot Scarletnyx or Saheed almost anywhere in the village unless they are inside a building.
At TRF there is no way we would do without the cells any more. It is so crowded you can be within 10' of someone and not be able to see them. We go in a large group, break up during the faire, then meet up every so often during the day, and at closing.
As for immersion into faire or breaking the illusion, that is long gone with TRF for me. With 30,000+ people coming in each day, bungee jumps, advertising, etc., people on cell phones do not even register on my consciousness.
We have a stalker! Huzzah! ;D But you do have a point - and I can't recall a time I have used my phone at faire at Sherwood; Celtic Festival is another story. It's so small, if I lose Alex, I can either look around for the bobbing blue head in the crowd or just wait and he will come to me. I also don't have the space on my belt pouches to keep my phone, and I love to unplug. TRF's size just outrightly... Scares me sometimes, and having my phone on me helps me feel safe if I decide to venture out from below the gaze of my faithful bodyguard. I know no one will jump me, that's silly, I am not a good piece of eye candy in my Druid/Templar robes, but it's more so if I start to panic ( I will sometimes freak out in a large crowd, but it has to be large and really hectic ) I can call Alex and find him in a flash.
Here's another DO! I couldn't think of a don't, lol.
Do! Learn to walk in a crowd. It's not that hard, and I have noticed that TRF is more or less set up to direct traffic among major lines. I hate it when people walk into a large wave of oncoming people when there is a clear path over to their right. It most gets bad at the way back, where the animals are, but I will occasionally see people stumbling through a large crowd. Sundays at TRF, walk wherever you dern well want, but on Saturday's, I would appreciate it if you helped this large wash of humanity -not- crush someone.
That is so true!
That and walking 3-4 abreast up a narrow lane, making everybody going on the opposite direction get in a queue to go around you. They seem have a stupendous capability for acting oblivious to the inconvenience they are causing everyone else.
From the point of view of a non-participant, a fan who has not gone to the Reniassance Festival as much as I should, or would like to:
First off, the Klingon thing. I have made a full Kling outfit to wear a time or two on Halloween. I would never wear it to a Renfest - i would look ridiculous! Hell, I've never even worn it to a Trek convention.
It was pretty easy for me to spot the differences between the performers and guests "dressed as". I get the idea of the fantasy of it all, but dressing outside the "spirit" of the festival can look goofy. Like the teen dressed as Willy Wonka, or the people dressed in cartoon/mascot outfits - they stuck out like a sore thumb. I hate to say it, it can distract from the mood of the festival, and those who have gone to the expense and research that goes into their impressions (which I will say are fantastic!). I'm on the fence about the whole "pirate" thing. At least they're closer to Ren than Star Trek and Steampunk are.
I wore a bit of my Western gear, which did include feathers and hairpipe pieces, but I didn't go "all-out cowboy". Kept it fairly sane. The tough part was trying to decipher Mermaid and Fairy "talk" when I was asked about the feathers. I think I did okay, and tried to keep my reactions in the spirit of the Fest.
My wife said she couldn't believe all the Ren women that were flirting with me. I'm a bit disappointed myself - didn't catch on to it a bit! Missed the whole thing!
I applaud all of your efforts. you all put on a great show!
Another:
Don't tip with fake money, whether that be pirate "dubloons" or religious tracts. Just don't.
Quote from: scarletnyx on November 04, 2012, 10:13:21 PMDo! Learn to walk in a crowd.
OOOOHHH!!! This one drives me absolutely nuts. I get that like 90% of the people visiting our fair are "tourists", but seriously. Don't be a moron on legs. As someone who works at faire and has a job to do, I have to get places and it can't take me all blessed day to get there. When I need to get through a dense cloud quickly, my favorite trick is to just (gently) push people out of the way and then apologize profusely while walking away as if I am completely surprised that I just "accidentally" collided with them. Seems to work pretty well. No one has gotten mad at me yet.
Quote from: stonebiscuit on November 07, 2012, 05:06:57 PM
Another:
Don't tip with fake money, whether that be pirate "doubloons" or religious tracts. Just don't.
I don't like evangelists at the best of times, and I wish they would restrict themselves to leaving their propaganda in phone booths and laundromats.
I did get a chuckle when one of the performers a year or so ago snatched a tract from his basket, jumped up on a bench, waved it and yelled 'treason!' to the crowd. LOL.
The plastic or the metal doubloons?
I hadn't heard of anybody leaving metal reproduction doubloons (some of which are kinda pricey) in a tip basket, but some of the plastic 'money' is innocently given by children, and when that happens, it is usually accompanied by a 'real' tip from the parents especially when the performer is gracious about it ^_^.
However, an adult caught dumping toy money in a tip basket should be placed in the stocks. >:(
I'm not talking about kids giving little presents (I have a collection of these), but rather about adults who should know better. Usually it's plastic, but sometimes there are metal ones.
Last year at Sherwood I used the gold colored dollars for food and tips (got them as a holiday gift from an adoring daughter and her generous husband ;D – wheee I get to go to faire).
The entertainers had no problem with the coins as they had baskets and the like and the gold coins kind of jingled nicely. I was concerned that food vendors wouldn't want to mess with them, depositing, etc., but all of them were anxious to take them. More than one told me they were keeping the coins, changing it for paper money to deposit.
The only entertainer I used paper money with was a little dog named Karma, a Boston Terrier of the highest caliber. Karma takes her own tips from patrons' hands and drops them in the basket so metal coins are not a good idea.
edit: I am talking about real currency, not fake.
Gold dollars are super--they're actually easier to keep track of, for me anyway, and they look nice. :D I'm talking about coins that aren't actual currency.
I've heard some complaints about the gold dollars because of the weight (and I do use paper for anything over $2), but personally, I love the visual. To my kids, the gold coins are faire money, and they carry their own. Last faire we managed to hit my daughter actually spent twice as much of her coin on tipping performers as she did on a parasol and lemonade.
I like the gold dollars in my tip basket. I like the look, the sound, and the fact that the wind isn't a concern. Oh, I'm happy to take the green money, too.
The only time I was ever given plastic coins was by a friend who followed with real money later. He was portraying Drake, and had a requested a particular song. When I finished, he flung a handful of the plastic doubloons toward me. On a whim, I picked one up and bit it. The audience loved it.
I did work a faire once that included a wooden token in the admission price. These were redeemable for one dollar each by performers, the idea being to encourage to patrons to tip -- this was a first-year event.
Quote from: BLAKDUKE on November 01, 2012, 06:26:10 PM
Agree with garbed people using cell phones c'mon really could you leave that at home. I see some of these people with an ear wig
and I call out hey 7 of 9. But patrons with cell phones ooohhhh what you can do with them
I.E. 'Hallo what are you doing taking to air ' and it just goes downhill from there.
I'm guilty of phone usage during faires, but in the age of smart phones, my phone is also my camera. I like to take a few pictures around faire, especially if we're with friends or in new garb. I've seen wooden cell phone cases that might help with the look; I was also thinking about making a leather one myself. My wife and I have kids, so if we go to faire without them, we want to make sure the sitter can get a hold of us.
As for storm troopers, spock, and steam punkers at faire, I know that people can dress however they want, but I really don't like seeing it. There are comic cons, steampunk cons, and other venues where those costumes are appropriate. I much prefer to see garb appropriate to the faire time period.
Quote from: uncletimcobleigh on November 09, 2012, 07:51:19 AM
I did work a faire once that included a wooden token in the admission price. These were redeemable for one dollar each by performers, the idea being to encourage to patrons to tip -- this was a first-year event.
This sounds like a fantastic idea! I'd love to see it at other faires...
Quote from: Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman on November 09, 2012, 11:46:15 PM
Quote from: uncletimcobleigh on November 09, 2012, 07:51:19 AM
I did work a faire once that included a wooden token in the admission price. These were redeemable for one dollar each by performers, the idea being to encourage to patrons to tip -- this was a first-year event.
This sounds like a fantastic idea! I'd love to see it at other faires...
That would be a great way to 'vote' for your favorite performer, too! ;D
I have a new "don't". DON'T go the the Renfaire and offer to rap for people. Some clown was doing that at a Renfaire I was at on Saturday. This guy was just embarrassing and waaaay out of his element. Please spare us!
Quote from: Craigmeister on November 14, 2012, 11:35:48 PM
I have a new "don't". DON'T go the the Renfaire and offer to rap for people. Some clown was doing that at a Renfaire I was at on Saturday. This guy was just embarrassing and waaaay out of his element. Please spare us!
LMAO. Just about sprayed the monitor with coffee.
The only thing that comes close to the rapper faux pax, was the time I drew close to a couple of Bards strumming sweetly under a tree.... only to find out they were playing Led Zeppelin tunes :o. .....bwwahahahaha.
I've heard Led Zep's Kashmir by more than one gypsy-style group, and Jeff-Air's White Rabbit, too... instrumental versions. If the style fits in, why not, eh?
Quote from: Craigmeister on November 14, 2012, 11:35:48 PM
I have a new "don't". DON'T go the the Renfaire and offer to rap for people. Some clown was doing that at a Renfaire I was at on Saturday. This guy was just embarrassing and waaaay out of his element. Please spare us!
The German Twins base a lot of their stage show and their street interactions off of rapping. So it actually can be done and be done in an entertaining manner.
Then there was the snow day at Scarby a few years back, when I overheard Zilch and the Bard of O'Neill singing Stairway to Heaven while playing the tune to Gilligan's Island... :P
*Not that I mind, but it still brings a puzzled look to my face. LOL!
I have a question regarding a specific 'Do or Don't' of Renaissance Fairs that's roughly about 9 years old, lol.
The first Renaissance Fair I ever went to was in South Florida in 2002 or 2003, and I went with a group of friends - three or four gals and about the same number of guys.
On the way back from the Festival, one of the guys was talking to another of the guys and said that he had stuffed some bills down one of the actor/vendor/in-character's shirt. I attemptedto argue that that wasn't plausible because the money (dollar bills) seen hanging out of their clothing is usually put their by themselves and that having customers/patrons do that would almost definitely be inappropriate and against the rules, not to mention distasteful to the family enviironment I am sure most, if not all, Ren-Fests try to create.
I hadn't thought about this for the longest time, hence the years delay in searching for an answer (I haven't been to a Ren-Fest in 5 or 6 years now) and the one that is coming to S. Fl, a bunch of guys (including the one who swears to this day up and down that doing that is perfectly normal and ok) and gals will be going.
I'd just like to get some kind of definitive answer that either he or I am right so I can more-or-less 'stick it to him' and proove he was lying once and for all. :P
In keeping with the topic, here's a few I had for when I went:
-DO wear sunscreen if you are capable of sunburning. First year I went, I didn't and was there in the sun for about 9-10 hours... very, very bad idea, lol.
-DO carry a map and entertainment schedule with you. Nothing can provoke more irritating responses than having a person get asked repeatedly 'Which way is X?' or 'Where is Y?'. Having your own map is much easier. :)
-DO use the restrooms before you go and DO avoid using the Porta-Potties as much as possible. Extremely unsanitary most of the time, lol.
-DON'T heckle performers or other patrons/audience members/peoples. Everyone wants to have a good time, so let them.
-DON'T bombard performers with non-stop questions or try to 'show them up' with Renaissance Period trivia. It's just rude.
-DON'T stand as a crowd in the middle of a main aisle/walkpath or block pathways as a crowd. The second year I went, there was a crowd - some youth group or organization of peoples - that stood in a main walkway all looking at their map or conversing or some such and it pretty much bottle-corked everyone else trying to get by.
Good morrow, Bog—if I may address you as thus.
The question regarding stuffing the blouse/shirt of a character/vendor/performer is a difficult one to answer definitively, but in short, it depends upon the character/person. I once purchased an ale from the beer wench who had numerous bills stuffed in her blouse. She was a very gregarious sort, but as I wished to leave her a tip, I did ask "May I?" before taking any liberties.
Personally, I would assume nothing, but if your friend said he stuffed some wench's blouse, I probably would not doubt him. It is not that unusual an occurrence.
Bog, your do's and don'ts with a little more info
Sunscreen: absolutely! If there's cloud cover, then it's absolutely times three! You do not realize how much sun you are getting when it is overcast. The southern tier of states and high elevations are the worst.
Map & Schedule: Good idea
Restrooms: You'll find that this varies from hell to breakfast. At the "hard" faires, you'll find flushies, which are much easier to deal with if you are in garb.
Heckling: Try it, and you may find yourself being made a total fool of. Cell phones need to be OFF at performances! One performer at one of the faires I frequent asked to speak with the person on the other end when the phone went off during her performance. The offender handed her the phone, she said, "He can't talk just now!" and promptly dropped the phone into a water bucket. The audience laughed and cheered!
Ren Trivia: So right. Not every actor is a history buff. It's a faire. It's entertainment. If you want totally historically accurate, join a reenactment group. That is NOT what these faires are.
When stopping, move off the beaten path. Pay attention to what is happening around you. Show some manners.
I hope you enjoy your trip back to the faire, Bog!
Quote from: Molden on November 17, 2012, 12:17:53 AM
Then there was the snow day at Scarby a few years back, when I overheard Zilch and the Bard of O'Neill singing Stairway to Heaven while playing the tune to Gilligan's Island... :P
Now I've heard 'Gilligan's Isle' sung to "Stairway to Heaven' but not the other way around...