I am doing a bit of market research, I am the cast coordinator for the St Louis Faire
How large is TRF's cast?
How obvious are they in the street?
Thanks for any help you can offer
I don't have any 'inside' info on this, but a quick count of the names listed under "Performance Company" in last years programme yielded over 150 folks in the various courts and groups.
I find that the cast at TRF is very obvious in the lanes, either just moving about or playing parts in scheduled events. They are all well costumed and rehearsed and add a lot to the feel of the faire.
They are really good at holding events in the lanes for the kiddos too. Something I've become aware of now that I have a three-year old
Mythrin,
My name is Stacy Bakri and I am the TRF performance company assistant director. I can help you with this if you are still looking:
With 55 acres of theme park to cover, we have to have a large cast. Our cast is divided up into several groups, generally based on nationality. Each group is assigned to a particular area in the park and are required to maintain a constant presence there throughout the day. There are times, however, when the entire cast are gathered in one area for events such as the scenario and the parade. The groups include:
English
Royal Court and Guards
Scots
French
Germans
Italians
Spanish
Romanians
Peasants
Pirates
Barbarians
Robin Hood and his Merry Men
Puppeteers (walking puppets)
Christmas Elves
Fairies
Each group has anywhere from 5 to 10 members and at any given time some members might be away from their assigned areas for shows, participation in wedding processions, or other activities. We also have a few independent performers that are not part of the larger cast overall and do not go through our rehearsal process, but are more akin to a specialty act street character.
We play the entire park and have an immediate presence upon entrance to the park with our theme featured group on any given weekend. And as you walk through the park you will come upon the other groups in the areas in which they are assigned.
I'd say for the number of patrons we have and the huge area we encompass that our cast of approximately 130 people is quite visible. We strive to perform big with sketch comedy and little skits on the path as groups, as well as individual patron interaction.
If you've got any more questions, I am more than happy to help you.
Best regards,
Stacy Bakri