What's the word on playtrons interacting with normal patrons?

[Paladin]

Good morning all,

I didn't make it to faire yesterday but had a great time on Saturday and Sunday.  It was great to see you all again and I'll see you again this Saturday!

Anyway... on to my question.  I was just wondering what the official stance is regarding playtrons interacting and being in-character with patrons?  Is it perfectly okay for playtrons to act like Street Characters, wandering around and doing bits and other interactions with normal patrons?  Or is this considered "impersonating a cast member" or something like that and frowned upon?

Thiscoming weekend I was considering doing something like that, whether in my Spaniard outfit (Spanish guard character) or my armour and gambeson (english Knight-Errant character).  It's kinda hard not to do it automatically considering I've been on the cast in the past and it just sort of comes out, not to mention all the years I've been at faire... but again... just want to make sure I won't step on any toes by doing so. 

Thanks my friends!

[angusmacinnes]

I see nothing wrong with that.  It is actually what adds to the flavor of the fair and helps keep it together.  Of course this is just one scotsmans opinion.

[Village Idiots - Kevin]

Usually, from what I've seen, its not a big deal. As long as you're not harassing or belligerent (or passing hat, for that matter), they seem to be ok with it.

[Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman]

As long as you don't take money from patrons, and don't interupt actual cast members bits or shows, you're good.

[Paladin]

Excellent...  Thanks for the replies everyone.  Guess all that remains now is to get crackin' on my character development!

[Margaret]

Interacting with 'regular' patrons is just fine, I do it all the time.  Be courtous, be kind and be respectful because, unless you tell them differently - they believe you work for the faire.  IMHO, you accept that responsibility when you choose to dress well enough to be mistaken for cast.

As far as doing gigs or bits in the lanes - I would kind of caution against that.  The Entertainment Director works hard to script the show so that there are cast members or some sort of act and/or entertainment out there.  You jumping in with your own gig could put a monkey in the wrench.

[Poldugarian Warrior]

Yeah, a little interaction doesn't hurt, just being dressed in garb and conversing with people in the street. is cool. I've pointed people in the right direction to see shows, and when a performer or member of the cast was walking by I would point out to the patron who they were and where they couldsee them perform. Whenever is see the Queen walk by or the Vulgarians. I'll shout out the salute, and they'll respond and I do it when there is a big crowd around, so I encourage people to join in. And I know only myself or someone else in garb will yell it out. So have fun, but don't steal the show.

[Ladyfair]

Also, no drinking or smoking if your playing around..... call the office and ask for permission to do things....

[Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman]

I have to disagree on that last one. If you're paying to get in, you're free to smoke and drink as you like.

[Village Idiots - Kevin]

While I'll agree that you're free to smoke and drink as you please, you are NOT free to represent yourself as an employee of the festival, which is essentially what you're doing if you take it upon yourself to do "bits" in the lane. There have already been complaints of what patrons percieve to be as employees smoking out in the open, so if you want to interact like a character on cast, you need to follow the same rules they do, otherwise you'll probably be asked to stop or leave.

[Paladin]

Thanks for the replies.  I don't smoke and I don't really drink at faire so that's a non-issue for me anyway. 

[Poldugarian Warrior]

Oh I've never ran any bits, and probably never will. I like to drink at faire, and I don't smoke all that much. So I wouldn't be able to follow those rules.

[Lord Clisto of York]

Ok, I have been performing now for 34 years and this is all part of the faire experiance. Especially since regular cast in most places do not have the time to get out amoungst the masses to interact. This not only helps the faire, but also gets patrons more immersed in the fun. The biggest rule of all to keep in mind is, "make sure to respect and never interfere with a regular performers show or bit". Second Rule, never tell people you work there if you really don't and do not take anything in return in compensation from them. Bottom line is - Just don't be STUPID and use common sense and have fun because it can be enjoyable for both parties involved. There are more, but personally, PERSONALLY,  I see these as the biggest. Hell, you dress up to go and be closer to the surrounding period, this also includes interaction. Just be smart...

Lord Clisto, Duke of York
knight of the Holy Blade of York

[Lady Deborah]

Well said....

[Poldugarian Warrior]

Right on Lord Clisto. To sum up. Don't step on the toes of the regular performers there at faire.

[Lord Virgil]

Interacting with, up to and including light teasing (yelling faire virgin, booing the "criminals", talking with a olde English accent, etc..) other guests is acceptable.  I don't believe it is ever acceptable to "impersonate" cast.  Many of my friends have a great time at the Guiness Pub yucking it up and harassing/joking with mundanes.  They seem to appreciate it, and we have a great time.  As stated before, no stepping on the toes of any act or actual member of cast, and do what security asks, whether you agree or not.