Friend of Faire Preview Weekend

[eloquentXI]

I have never been to the preview. The one other time I had a FOF pass I was unable to make it. I don't know if I will this year. I am only one I know with a pass. My husband got one for me but he is only coming a few time and will buy he ticks at the gate. I don't do so well on my own. I am shy and timid and don't know if i should come.
Do we come in garb??
Is it good to get there early??

If I can get a FoF pass for this season, I will almost definitely be there for the Preview Event. I haven't missed it the last three years. It's nice and quiet and for me, its a good chance to just wander and see some of my favorite folks who are on cast.

They'll most likely drop us an email on whether or not this is a in-garb or outta-garb kind of thing.
I don't have a preference to either and I'll probably come in civvies, just cause, it'll be easier.

[lys1022]

I have never been to the preview. The one other time I had a FOF pass I was unable to make it. I don't know if I will this year. I am only one I know with a pass. My husband got one for me but he is only coming a few time and will buy he ticks at the gate. I don't do so well on my own. I am shy and timid and don't know if i should come.
Do we come in garb??
Is it good to get there early??

Come on out, BPB.  It is a unique experience and an enjoyable one.  Message me if you are coming, and we'll make arrangements to meet up.  I will probably be taking photos of the performing company's Costume Parade earlier in the day, but once the gates open I can either come out and find you or we can meet inside.  Unless they decide not to let me do that this year for some reason, in which case, I'll just meet you outside.

The last couple of years they HAVE let folks come in garb, but I can tell you that it is easier for the first-year cast members if you don't wear garb.  It is their first real exposure to dealing with patrons as a performing company member, and is really their "trial run", so to speak.  They get to get their feet wet with an audience before the masses descend on Opening Day.  And believe me, that first time you interact with someone as this character you've worked on for two months is a life-changing moment.  There are many cases of actors having their character completely change from everything they've practiced and morphing into a whole new person without any warning.  It can really freak you out!  It happened to me with my first character, and while Lady Frances kept going and was having a blast, Lys was inside going "OMG!!!  WHAT JUST HAPPENED???  AUGH!"  *LOL* 

Believe me, they're more nervous than you will be! *grin*

Getting there a little early is cool, because it will give you a chance to introduce yourself to some other FoF folks and get a little mingling in.  Even if you're shy, I wouldn't worry, the FoF crowd has its cliques, but it also has some very outgoing people who will more than happily welcome you in.  I wouldn't get there too early though, because it IS a work day for faire management, grounds, and performers.  They've got a lot of last-minute things to do, so having crowds standing around for two or three hours outside the gates is a bit of a distraction.

After the rehearsal period is up, they usually serve some food and bring the SAPA folks back down out of costume for some mingling.  It's a good time to get to know people outside of their characters.  They're probably tired, as they've just spent the morning cramming a lot of rehearsal into a few hours, and they've been hyped up on adrenaline for the preview, AND if they're in Chess Match, they just practiced their fights over and over for Chess Match dress rehearsal, so they may seem a bit quiet and withdrawn, but it isn't that they are anti-social.  Say hi, and chat for a bit.

Just really remember that they're people too, and as with most actors, it is probably easier for most of them to deal with patrons and playtrons as their characters than as themselves.  A lot of performing company members are actually pretty shy folks when they're not performing.  I know, it seems hard to believe, but it's true! 

Anyway, I hope this was helpful, and I hope that you choose to attend.  It really is an enjoyable afternoon, and completely worth it.  Let me know if you're attending.  I'm going to be meeting up with Merlin Sr. and his lovely Lady, and we would all welcome you joining our little group for our meanderings.

[Merlin the Elder]

I told someone else that it wasn't worth fretting about, but now that I've had time to simmer, I think I'm done, and I admit that I was possibly wrong... and I'm reasonably sure I'm going to make some enemies...

Some of you act like the management of Scarborough changed the season pass/ticket structure just to screw with you...a personal affront. I can't imagine that any of us out here are so all-fired important that we'd be worth singling out for total devastation by changing the pricing and ticket structure. It's done...it's over with...if you can't handle the prices, don't come. But please, quit making it sound like you were singled out and are being picked on.

Look around. The prices at other faires have changed, too. No one has painted a bulls-eye on you...

Times have been tough, true. But the thumbscrews have been tightened for everyone, not just you. These businesses have seen their costs rise, and as much as we hate to admit it, these faires are businesses.

If you can't afford your entertainment budget, that's fine...give up some entertainment. But some of us have had enough of the belittling of those people who are just trying to make a living out of providing the rest of us with some fun. For some of us, this is important enough that we will make whatever sacrifices are necessary. For some of us, six months notice of a price change is plenty to set aside an extra $10 a month. For some of us, your pissing and moaning are getting old. Sorry if I'm too blunt for you.

[J M Gryphon]

wow, that was very blunt. Not sure if you WANTED to make enemies, but telling someone to stop "pissing and moaning" is a pretty good way to to do exactly that. Like it or not, peeps are still pissed about the change of passes, and I for one, believe that the anger is justified. If peoples opinions here are indeed "getting old" as you say, you don't have to be here OR read them, sorry if that's too blunt in return......this whole ordeal has done NOTHING but serve to produce bad feelings and bad blood among people who otherwise have always (at least in the 5 years I have been on this forum) gotten along.

[Don_Juan_deCordoba]

Well, we finally got around to calling the office to RSVP for preview weekend. I hope we do see a few of you there.

[LadyStitch]

I can say last year the PP and I were pretty intimidated going to FOF weekend. I knew a couple people from here there but they didn't know me from Adam and seemed a little  warry of us.  Granted we did make contact with a few people.  This year we hope to meet even more people.  Going to the first meet and greet made us feel very much at home at Scarby. It was more fun getting to meet everyone in and out of garb.  It made it much more enjoyable.

[Merlin the Elder]

You three better say hello to this old wizard and his babe at the preview... No need to feel intimidated...

[angusmacinnes]

Ya'll are funny.  See you there.   

[Merlin the Elder]

Ya'll are funny.  See you there.   

Ya'll? Are you from the south part of Scotland, laddie?

[BagPipeBabe]

Well  I guess i am coming cause i RSVP for it today. see all of you then.

[squiregaby]

I'll be there too.....fluttering and bouncing about in my pretty new dress

[eloquentXI]

I can say last year the PP and I were pretty intimidated going to FOF weekend. I knew a couple people from here there but they didn't know me from Adam and seemed a little  warry of us.  Granted we did make contact with a few people.  This year we hope to meet even more people.  Going to the first meet and greet made us feel very much at home at Scarby. It was more fun getting to meet everyone in and out of garb.  It made it much more enjoyable.

You'd better say hi to me (being that I'm able to go) !! I miss ya'll! <3

[DonaCatalina]

Only a little more than a month away. I'm sure that I'll forget something that I need to do to get ready.

[LadyStitch]

All I know is the week before opening I'm going to be sewing up a storm!   I just can't wait to see everyone.
And yes EL, we miss you too,

[Nicolas-Antoine]

Well my schedule has changed and therefore the lady and i will be able to make the first two Saturdays plus she'll be able to make at least two more Saturdays during the season. So by purchasing a FOF (w/2 free passes) and two day passes I was able to save $5. Purchased it on the evening of 2/28 before the price hike so I would be curious to know which number I was.

Don't know if I'll make the picnic. If I'm there I'm there I guess.