What is the actual definition of a playtron and a rennie?
What am I? (I know....freak isn't one of the options)
I have dressed as many different versions of Merlin and understand that some may not consider Merlin or any wizard to be actual "Renaissance" period. I also sport the kilt during the Scottish festival weekend at the faire. I saw a Sand Trooper last year.... not renaissance but still pretty cool.
I enjoy people enjoying themselves. Inside the gate of the faire...one can be whatever one wants to be IMO. It's the one place you can go and no one should think, or say, "Wow....that person is wierd"
I take that as a compliment though.
Thoughts?
I would say that a playtron is a rennie who is not hired/volunteer by the faire but still interacts as if they were. Playtrons are a subset of Rennies.
Really?
Wow was I ever off.... I always considered myself a Rennie but I'm not hired by the faire.
To me, a rennie is one who loves faire and garbs up for it. A playtron is a rennie that is not hired for the faire. A cast member is. They are both rennies.
I thought I had replied, but don't see my post here ... so here goes again
Maybe it is different based on the geographic region ... but it is my understanding that playtron plays and rennie works. Just showing up every weekend, no matter how grand one's garb is, or how developed their persona, if they are not working (unpaid cast members are working) they are just playtrons.
Then again I have also heard reference that anyone that garbs up regularly is a rennie ... making rennie a mindset more than a title earned from labor.
I'm not sure who would be the authority on the subject to officially answer the question ... certainly it is not I.
Oh, and by the way, I started my initial response with ... since "freak" isn't one of the options, is "hottie"?
What exactly is a paytron, then? I think I'm confused on the whole thing. Like, if I always wear garb, but don't really have a developed character, what does that make me?
Playtron-subset of rennie. A patron (pays at the gate) who also plays.
Participant-subset of rennie who has completed the requirements for a gate pass for the Entertainment Department.
Crafts people and booth workers who have met the requirements are also categorized as participants by REP.
But let's not get bogged down in definitions. I personally feel that anyone who enjoys faire is a rennie.
it seems to me that anyone who attends a faire regularly in garb, like all of us classify as rennies. Playtons are a type of rennie, usually the sort to act the part to the point that sometimes even rennies think they are hired actors for the faire.
I'll second what ArielCallista said. That is exactly what I thought the 2 terms meant.
Here is a link on this forum that might clear up some questions about Rennie/Playtron. http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=9044.0
This was written by the cast director at Scarborough Faire.
I prefer "actor"....
Quote from: Clarendon on December 07, 2009, 08:27:09 AM
Here is a link on this forum that might clear up some questions about Rennie/Playtron. http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=9044.0
This was written by the cast director at Scarborough Faire.
This is good, but describes the usages there. It may or may not be 100% correct in other areas. I, personally, would not restrict "rennie" to those who follow the "circuit". Circuit, itself, implies a set path generally taken. In my experience, it's pretty individual. Some do a specific set of events which may or may not differ from the set done by others. It also seems to imply that rennies earn their entire livelihood from faire events. I'd disagree. YMMV.
Merlin,
If you're registered on this forum and you actually take the time to read some threads and post in some yourselves, it's probably safe to say you are a rennie. It has nothing to do with whether you are working for the faire or not. It is your love for all things faire-related.
I have always heard the "proper" definition of "Rennie" is a sub-set of "Carnie". One who travels the circuit as a way of existance. On these forums the term "Rennie" appears to have taken on the context of one who is heavily involved in "Fair" to the point of it being a key component of their personality, in spite of working the "circuit" or not.
I have seen "Rennies" get upset at "Playtrons" professing to be "Rennies".
Throwing another log on the "Barbie"...I was refered to as a "Boothie" this year after working the season in a shop. As this reference was made by a "Boothie" from a different shop I assume it too is a subset of "Rennie".
No mater the name, Fair would not be fair without everyone, playing, working, selling, or just attending.
Remember, there are two types of people in the world... those that segregate people into two or more groups, and those who don't! ;D
Quote from: Betty Munro on December 06, 2009, 09:50:50 PM
Oh, and by the way, I started my initial response with ... since "freak" isn't one of the options, is "hottie"?
You obviously haven't met me.... I've been called freak more than hottie....lol
Quote from: AnnMarie B on December 07, 2009, 02:42:24 PM
Merlin,
If you're registered on this forum and you actually take the time to read some threads and post in some yourselves, it's probably safe to say you are a rennie. It has nothing to do with whether you are working for the faire or not. It is your love for all things faire-related.
YAY! AnnMarie wins ! ! !
I have met her and her wonderful family (Aggies....but my favorite Aggies) and I value her opinion. Her husband owns a LOT of actual period garb and performs at multiple Faires...she is also garbed and her children are garbed regularly at multiple faires.
Sooooo...I will take the title of Rennie over playtron or paytron.
Or just stick with freak.... seems to be a popular opinion. lol
I can say that when grandma owned a shop a rennie was definitely someone who worked the faire (paid or volunteer; actor or shopkeeper, etc.). A small group of people that were not workers dressed, played the part, and paid to get in; but were not considered rennies.
But things change! :o A lot more people dress, play, and pay than years ago.
Now I would say that anyone who dresses, plays the part, and truly enjoys faire for faire is a rennie. You may only attend your local faire or travel around. I think playtron is just a way to distinguish between those that pay to get in and those that don't.
People that rent a costume at faire (you know the ones, they are still wearing tennis shoes!) just for the one day experience I would not consider playtrons. But that's just my humble opinion. ;)
I've seen it portrayed in several ways, I've met people that claim that only the people that spend the majority of the year on the road traveling and working at renfaires are the true rennies. That is such a closed minded view point that it has got to be counter to the inspiration that the original renfaires were started with.
The best that I've heard is any person that has a large interest and involvement in renfaires can be called a Rennie. There are several different types of rennies. To name a few:
Playtron: A person that in not associated with the faire they are currently attending, but enjoys dressing the part and playing along.
Road Rennie: Travels from one faire to the next working at each faire they stop at.
Boothie: Typically workers in a merchant, food, or concessions booth, commonly are hired per weekend, but not uncommon to be regular employees of the company (or person) who owns the booth, even if only on a seasonal basis. Some people chose a looser definition that the term Boothie applies to anyone who works within a booth, (to include hawkers, booth employees, booth owners, ect)
Cast: it seems that most faires have a different perspective on who is considered cast, though in general, anyone who signs a contract agreeing to perform at the event as a designated character can be considered cast.
there are cases where your definition can change, i.e., you may be cast at one event, and decide to visit another event that you are not associated with, in this case, instead of being called "cast", you may be called a "playtron"
there are several other classifications, but this is to give a general idea. It is by no means all inclusive.
I know a few people that just about never wear costumes or garb, do not develop characters, nor watch very many shows. It would be hard to call them a "Rennie" by any definition shown here, but they can still be called one. a friend of mine works support staff behind scenes, so he doesn't get to play in the streets very often, and he's a volunteer. but when ever he's out of town, he'll always manage to track down a local renfaire and enjoy the shows. he doesn't dress in garb, and doesnt do characters, so its hard to call him a playtron, but he's a rennie none the less.
Quote from: Merlin on December 07, 2009, 04:17:28 PM
Quote from: AnnMarie B on December 07, 2009, 02:42:24 PM
Merlin,
If you're registered on this forum and you actually take the time to read some threads and post in some yourselves, it's probably safe to say you are a rennie. It has nothing to do with whether you are working for the faire or not. It is your love for all things faire-related.
YAY! AnnMarie wins ! ! !
I have met her and her wonderful family (Aggies....but my favorite Aggies) and I value her opinion. Her husband owns a LOT of actual period garb and performs at multiple Faires...she is also garbed and her children are garbed regularly at multiple faires.
Sooooo...I will take the title of Rennie over playtron or paytron.
Or just stick with freak.... seems to be a popular opinion. lol
Thanks, Merlin :) If we're not all rennies, then we can all be freaks together ;D Looking forward to seeing you at Scarby!
"Rennie" was coined by those who work the circuit. Some of them believe that, until you've had to rescue children, fellows, booths-and-wares, musical instruments, props, kittens, et al, at midnight in a rainstorm during the week, you ain't a Rennie.
Read "The Road Dog Diaries" by Ray St. Louis for a good 'slice-of-life' on the road.
"Rennie" is such a cool moniker that it has been adopted by many who are part of Faire in their hearts.
Just my two cents, but I find it a bit absurd to even feel the need to classify people into a subset or nice defined box. All of us participate to varying degrees and place the fair at different levels on our priority list. Titles are just ways people generalize other people. In my opinion, it is all small-minded. Call yourself what you want and have fun with your involvement in the fair.
If you feel threatened by someone else defining themselves by a mere word that you associate with yourself, your life leaves much to be desired.
Quote from: Chris B on December 08, 2009, 10:22:26 AM
Just my two cents, but I find it a bit absurd to even feel the need to classify people into a subset or nice defined box. All of us participate to varying degrees and place the fair at different levels on our priority list. Titles are just ways people generalize other people. In my opinion, it is all small-minded. Call yourself what you want and have fun with your involvement in the fair.
If you feel threatened by someone else defining themselves by a mere word that you associate with yourself, your life leaves much to be desired.
This is Chris' way of calling me a freak and telling me to shut up.
JK ! ;D ;D :D
I've participated in "skits" at the faire... I follow and support several acts.... even convinced some people to buy products before (Wine&Alch CD's)
I guess the only reason I even posed the question is to get a feel for others views. In the past...there have been strong feelings about attire worn at faire so I wondered if I was going to offend anyone by calling myself a rennie.
My views are much like Chris' .... go and have fun. Chris wears only authentic garb but never points out that someones buttons aren't truly renaissance or that a Noble would never have facial hair like that....woman.
I tell my friends that want to experience the faire for the first time that if they show up in Wranglers and cowboy boots...they will feel out of place but can still have fun. Then they end up renting a costume at the gate.
How many days 'till Scarby?
Speaking of....
Quote from: Merlin on December 08, 2009, 10:30:19 AM
I tell my friends that want to experience the faire for the first time that if they show up in Wranglers and cowboy boots...they will feel out of place but can still have fun. Then they end up renting a costume at the gate.
My husband refused to wear garb when I took him many years ago. Half way through the day we couldn't get him into a costume fast enough! Now he wears a kilt, doublet, hat, the works! ;D
Doesn't take long for people to figure out that it's funner to participate.... and that no one looks foolish or gets laughed at inside the gates.
(thank God for that....I mean.... look at me)
Quote from: VIII on December 08, 2009, 10:12:26 AM
"Rennie" was coined by those who work the circuit. Some of them believe that, until you've had to rescue children, fellows, booths-and-wares, musical instruments, props, kittens, et al, at midnight in a rainstorm during the week, you ain't a Rennie.
Read "The Road Dog Diaries" by Ray St. Louis for a good 'slice-of-life' on the road.
"Rennie" is such a cool moniker that it has been adopted by many who are part of Faire in their hearts.
Does rescuing your brokedown tent in participants on a Tuesday night during a windstorm that followed a rainstorm while being attacked by a mutant crawfish count?
Just my opinion... I used to really get offended when my friends would giggle when I would call myself a Rennie. It really hurt my feelings. Then I worked my first season, and I understand. I'm not one for labelling people, unless they ask for it and there's a decent Sharpie nearby LOL, but I personally can tell that there's an EXTREME difference between just visiting the faire (even if it IS on a daily basis) and working. A lot of people think that it's loads of fun... and it is sometimes. But it's work. HARD WORK. Here's an example of my faire schedule on Saturdays-
6:30am- wake up, no matter how hungover I am, and get ready to open the doors to the shop, which includes sweeping the path, setting out new inventory, and trying to catch breakfast
8:30am- finish the opening jobs and start throwing on my makeup
9:00- cannon blows, but I'm still not ready LOL. Rush to get all of my crap on before Tartanic finishes their first set. (please keep in mind that I'm in the upstairs of a shop, still trying to pay attention to what's going on with the guys in actually working in the shop while I'm getting dressed, and hoping that none of my bunkmates catch me nudie while I'm wrestling with my bloomers)
10:30am- finally ready. Head downstairs to get into the shop and get to work. Sometimes I have to make a food run, sometimes I need to go buy something to replace something that I left at home, sometimes I just hang in the shop, waiting for people to make it back to where we are.
11:30am- head off to march parade, which is a mile and a half march, rain or shine (shine being 104 degrees and practically baking). Finish parade at about 12:20, and head back to the shop to catch my breath.
12:30pm- shop work and lunch. My friends have come to the shop to say hello, they're all drunk already, and I can't leave to go with them.
2:30pm- more people stop by. Again, they come in, on the way to do something fun, and I can't go.
4:00pm- Get about an hour to run around. This time is spent getting food, a quick beer if discretion allows, and laughing at the drunk friends that now have difficulty standing. Back to the shop!
6pm- sit around, anxiously waiting for cannon. Feet hurt from living on the cobblestones, sore from the bodice and giant things on my head. Planning to try to either cook at the shop or go harness some restaurant food from Magnolia.
6:30pm- if we've decided that we want to try to eat in town, we have to wait until the patrons all leave the park. We are not allowed to go out the participant's exit until close to 8pm, or until the patron traffic dies down. If we wish to leave before that, we have the option of going out the side gate and joining up with patron traffic. Most of us just wait.
10pm- finish any and all dinner and food type events, and make it back in time to either a)shower and go to bed, OR b)say "screw the sleep" and head out to play music and drink all night. But it's never all night though, because Sunday, you have to get up and do it all over again. Only, you're sore from Saturday and have even LESS sleep.
I'm just a booth Rennie. The performance company has it even tougher than I do, and I don't envy the work they have to endure. Takes one full week to properly recover from faire, which we don't get. Only 4 ½ days before we have to go out and do it again. But, while it's a lot of work, and very exhausting, and our families and friends wonder if we're still alive, it's worth every minute.
Blu I love your recount of your days!
But back to the subject!
JC really hit it on the head in my view so did VIII . Farken rain storms!
I learned my definitions in the 1980s. Some of them were going out of use because people wanted to be seen as nicer to customers.
Player: A cast member or vendor at the fair. Generally, the people who are working (whether paid or not) at the behest of the faire. Many of these people are on a "circuit", but may not be the same as everybody else's. Participating in one faire a year isn't a circuit, participating in 2 or 3 of the same faires year after year is a circuit, whether regardless of whether it matches with other people's or not. (Texas, Michigan, California, and Alaska would be an unusual circuit, but if you follow the same path multiple years....)
Traveler: The polite term for paying patrons.
Mark: The impolite term for paying patrons - comes from carnivals where customers were seen as dollar signs
Rennie: What a Traveler/ Mark calls a Player. At one point, it was considered insulting to call somebody a Rennie (much like every Carnival person I've ever known hates to be called a "carnie", or calling the Romani "gypsies").
From that, you got
Playtron: a Player Patron - somebody who plays, but pays to get in/ isn't sanctioned by the faire.
Players can further be broken down, and terms have varied from faire to faire, but generally you have:
Cast: Hired/ Paid by the faire as a member of the court (or courts).
Performers: People performing - non cast (Ded Bob, Sound and Fury, and Tartanic)
*Some faires use Performers for "those with stages" and buskers as "those without stages" - even if buskers have a set area. I've never seen the busker designation for people not allowed to accept tips, as that is generally their only pay.
Vendors/ Guilds: the sellers.
I've always been one to call myself a Playtron. I'm not on cast, nor do I work a booth or perform an act. I pay ( or finagle a free ticket when I can) and I come and play at being Anna and at the end of the day I go home. That's *my* part in the scheme of things and I think it's just as important, in it's own way as any other part, but I'd never want any of those that work hard to put the show on to think I'm trying to pose as one of them, so I differentiate.
What do I call myself? Jack. I've found over the years that's sufficient. ::) :D
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on December 08, 2009, 12:41:23 PM
What do I call myself? Jack. I've found over the years that's sufficient. ::) :D
I know a couple things I could call yeh.....
I love you too, Blue! ;) ;D
I've always called myself a rennie. I grew up working the booth, carrying the flag at parade, and selling pickles. I don't work any more, I pay to get in, but I still consider myself a definite rennie! 8)
In Civil War we call ourselves "living historians".
Clearly definitions differ, depending even down to the person's preference. See I'm a playtron, but consider myself a Rennie. See the two aren't mutually exclusive, IMO.
To me, it's like wingers, defence, goalies and centers are all types of hockey players.
Cast members, vendors/guilds and playtrons are types of Rennies.
My two cents, keep the change.
Quote from: Chris B on December 08, 2009, 10:22:26 AM
Just my two cents, but I find it a bit absurd to even feel the need to classify people into a subset or nice defined box. All of us participate to varying degrees and place the fair at different levels on our priority list. Titles are just ways people generalize other people. In my opinion, it is all small-minded. Call yourself what you want and have fun with your involvement in the fair.
If you feel threatened by someone else defining themselves by a mere word that you associate with yourself, your life leaves much to be desired.
I'm with Chris on this one. When asked if he thought of himself more as a theologian or as a philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard said; "Once you label me, you negate me". ( I knew that college philosophy minor would be useful someday!)
I think of 'rennie' as a catch-all word to describe anybody that likes renfaires. I've used the term "my rennie friends" from time to time. But I don't mentally label myself or anyone else with it, any more than I label myself or my many sci-fi fan friends as geeks or trekkies.
About the only times I think I've ever used 'playtron', 'paytron', 'cast', 'mundanes', etc was while trying to describe the faire world to uninitiated friends.
Don't get caught up with names and labels, thinking of yourself on/in other people's terms gives them too much control over your self image.
I hope not too many people mistook my intentions by posing the question.
I wasn't concerned as much about me getting to label myself as much as I was wondering if I would be offending a large group of people by calling myself a rennie.
I also refer to a certain group as my "rennie friends".
I don't like to label myself anything to define my character or beliefs (Republican, Baptist, etc) but was just wondering how many people would really be offended by people using a title they cherished. Believe it or not.... there are some faire goers who take faire going VERY seriously. My wife was confronted for walking on the "wrong side" of me once and the "Queen" stated that "walking on that side of your man may cause others to believe you are other than a true lady and possibly his hired maiden" with which my wife replied "What makes you think I'm not?". lol
;D
I don't really care much for any of the titles, I mean, I'm there and I'm gonna have a good time. I adore my Rennie friends and faire-mily, whatever I wanna call them.
Jokingly, I have friends that will say, "Such a friggin Rennie" when I explain my detailed and hopeful schedule of faires I plan to make for 2010. They call me a "Rennie" in casual because they affectionately want to tease me, especially when they don't understand why I go back, weekend after weekend, spending my money, not being cast, performer, or vendor.
I just smile because they don't understand. :D
In contrast to that, I've had someone who was raised on the circuit and in the life of always traveling from show to show look down her nose and very scathingly say to me, "You're not a Rennie. You don't know what being a Rennie is."
And honestly, I don't. But I choose not to. I've had an opportunity to work a shop, have helped a few during crazy busy moments. In fact, I was even told that if and when the time came, I had somewhere to stay all the way along the shows if I wanted to work through the better part of a year on the raod. I've had people try and talk me into being on cast because I know a ton of people out there and they want me to come and play.
But I chose to pay for a pass and being a 'playtron', cause it doesn't matter what you call me, whether its nice or not, I'm still gonna be getting dressed in the parking lot, passing the gates, and playing all day long the way I want to. If you don't think I'm a true "Rennie", so be it. It doesn't mean a damn bit of difference to me.
I don't know if these comparisons make any sense, but I've always used the term rennie generically to refer to anyone who is really into renfaires, dressing up,etc.regardless if they work a faire or circuit or they just love attending. I think it's much the same way that some say ren-"faire" and some say "festival"- same thing to me. (but I'm sure some would say there's a difference.) Or in real world terms, using the term Kleenex to refer to all brands of tissue, or Bandaid for a bandage, Jello for gelatin, etc.
I have had someone condescendingly ask me if I was a Rennie, and here's my answer:
"Absolutely, I'm a Rennie. Because my name is Renee. And some people pronounce it Wren-knee and others pronounce it Wren-nay, so I answer to both."
So that shut them up, because they couldn't think of a single reply. :P to mean people.
The way I have always heard it is as follows.
Paytron- pays to get in, doesn't dress up
Playtron- pays to get in, dresses up, goes 1-2 times a season
Festie- devoted playtron, goes to fest all the time, interacts, is a fixture of faire
CKC- sad food workers who hate their jobs (at least at MNRF)
Boothies- work at a booth
Dirty Gamers- work the games (I just call them gamers, they added the dirty)
Beer Wenches/Rogues- the best people in the world...not that I am biased or anything
Rennie- usually travels the circuit much like a carnie. I shall become one once the kids are out of the house.
Sitara, our booth calls the gamers "push monkeys". Except for the guys that work that bungee thing... those are PULL monkeys.
Here's my definitions of all:
Rennie -- People who go to faire, dressed up, and participate in stuff.
"Push Monkeys" --- *see Blues definition
Jeaners -- People who wear Wranglers
Deaf Monkeys -- Those who don't dress up and pretend like they don't hear the barkers trying to lure them into shoppes
Cyclops -- Those who avoid eye contact with shoppe barkers
X-Men -- Those who sit with their arms crossed and refuse to laugh or enjoy the show
Space Invaders -- the large breasted women with incredibly tight boustiers popping out 90% of their stuff (these are my favorites)
Nearlys -- the ones who almost dress up...like a kilt but with sneakers.
WTFers -- These come as sand troopers and gorillas
Weirdos -- Usually have shaved heads and dress as wizards. (watch out for these)
Medusa's -- You want to look at them but you are a bit afraid because you're not sure how much is an act.
Quote from: eloquentXI on December 11, 2009, 09:43:39 PM
In contrast to that, I've had someone who was raised on the circuit and in the life of always traveling from show to show look down her nose and very scathingly say to me, "You're not a Rennie. You don't know what being a Rennie is."
That's really too bad because it's divisive. Wonder what she'd have said if I'd responded that I'd been doing faire since before there was a circuit.
Carl: She would probably be at a lost for words.
I believe that all those who have a love of faire and attend as many as possible whether paying or working can be referred to as a "Rennie". With that said, there are many types of Rennies. Playtrons-those who dress (no matter period appropriate or not) and pay to get in. Participant/Actor-one who works the faire and is given a entry pass whether paid or not. This included vendors since they also work for the faire as atmosphere in addition to their individual shop keepers.
My two shillings because it is worth more than a pence LOL
my two pence:
in the world as a whole, anyone who garbs up to attend faire consistently (not for one novel weekend, etc) is a Rennie.
at an actual faire, I could see it as being accurate that those who are not actually working in some manner yet garb and are consistently present woudl be called Playtrons.
However, there's not a law anywhere that the dedicated playtron is NOT a rennie! maybe it's a matter of capitalization... i may be a wench, but I'm not a card-carrying Wench (see the distinction?)
I may be a rennie because i boothed one year at Excal, but i'm not a Rennie-sleeps-in-booth-travels-to-other-faires-to-work...
Actually, I really don't care to use either. Even though both have been tossed around from time to time, and yes, Rennie's more the mindset of it, but even playtrons really can wind up having an affect on a paytron's experience at faire, just by being them. However, when I'm there... I really don't feel like either. It's not a separate mindset from me. I'm actually more myself, who I am, when I'm at faire. OK, so I don't really have a Scottish accent, which is what I mostly use at faire. But there... I'm me. And more of me comes out each time I go.
... ok, quit snickering, it wasn't meant literally. :P
:D There's a rogue mouth if ever I heard one. :D
I agree that Playtron or Rennie is not a term I actually use as in "Hi I'm Playtron Anna". Makes me feel like some kind of toy. "I walk... I talk.. I consume turkey legs and cider and dispense coins". In the scheme of things I guess that's what I am, but it *is* nice to be also thought a rennie at heart.
They call me Davyes or The Poet or that Poet fellow or That Damn Poet
I've even been call sick-monkey... (but in all fairness I had just read the person my sonnet based on Brad Paisley's "Ticks"
Quote from: Anna Iram on December 16, 2009, 01:11:11 PM
:D There's a rogue mouth if ever I heard one. :D
I agree that Playtron or Rennie is not a term I actually use as in "Hi I'm Playtron Anna". Makes me feel like some kind of toy. "I walk... I talk.. I consume turkey legs and cider and dispense coins". In the scheme of things I guess that's what I am, but it *is* nice to be also thought a rennie at heart.
Oh, you haven't heard anything yet. That was a pretty tame quip. ;-)
That whole thing though, brought images to mind of people garbbed up, walking around faire all Mr.-Roboto-like, and danes running up and tugging giant pull-strings from their backs to hear random Ren-era phrases, lol
As an aside, I REALLY hate the term "paytron."
"Patron" is a perfectly good word.
QuotePatron–noun
a person who is a customer, client, or paying guest, esp. a regular one, of a store, hotel, or the like.
The extra "y" bugs the heck out of me.
I'm not that fond of "danes" either. It might be descriptive, but it adds to the us vs them mind set.
Since I take the whole magilla with a huge grain of salt, I'll take patron. A patron, after all, helps support the arts.
Agreed! We don't need no stinkin Y or L! :D
We're all there to have fun so why have any tags?
I always thought it was so much simpler when it was Volunteers, Employees, and Customers.......
Now where is that Tavern Wench so I can get another Guinness.....
Quote from: Lairde Guardn MCrack on December 22, 2009, 11:37:14 AM
I always thought it was so much simpler when it was Volunteers, Employees, and Customers.......
Now where is that Tavern Wench so I can get another Guinness.....
I like the way you think!
O, bar wench! a double chocolate stout for me, please!
COMPLETELY off topic.... but I tried a chocolate stout a few weeks ago for the first time.... WOW that was good.
I really don't enjoy labels.. but it makes it easier when your taking care of newbies.
At the faire I currently goto we have coined rennies, broke rennies, proformers, boothers, payins, and pay-n-players, also con rennies.
Coined rennies are the paid cast
Broke rennies are the one that dont get paid but "work" the faire
Proformers are that proformers that work for tips
Boothers are the people with shops
Payins are people that pay to get in but don't dress up even if it to save their lives
pay-n-players are people that pay and dress but act slightly
Con rennies are people that pay to get in but try to act like they work there sometimes trying to get in the back ways and to the afterparty.
I know it makes it slightly harder on some people cause yes some like to keep in certain groups and scoff at others. (we have three, it might be down to two next year) We also seperate it cause for some reason we have different rules between the coined and broke rennies.
I think Carl said it best but let me re-iterate.
California seems to be a unique beast among faires. Our street cast (Guilds/Troops - parades, environment, stage, street) is mostly volunteers, they are paid little or nothing. There are a handful of "Theme Characters", but for the most part the "Theme" designation means that they are featured in company shows.
As for stage acts we have home-grown (Commedia Volante, Merry Wive of Windsor, Poxy Boggards), they blur the line between Stage and Street, because they started in the guilds and streets.
We have those who work the booths, again the line is blurred because those on guilds (Street Cast) often also have worked/ are currently working booths. It works in reverse, as those from the booths come sometime come from the guilds. Our booth workers are encouraged to interact. RPF's current GM is going to great lengths to break down these already thin barriers.
Last, but not least are the "circuit" acts. Those stage acts that did not originate at RPF (Moony, Broon, Washing Well Wenches). They are sort of new to us, but we've learned they they don't bite (well not in the bad way! heh!) and neither do we!
James Mares
Master John Davies - Poet
Queen's Court
RPF
In addition, some circuit acts such as Sound and Fury started at RPFS.
Some also started when a few guild members got together and formed an act, got it approved and moved on from there.
It's not unusual to see someone wearing multiple hats.
Cuthberts is generally viewed as an entry level guild. We really have no requirements other than having an approvable costume (peasant or middle class), completing the registration/workshop process, and a willingness to work. You can interact to your level of comfort and competence. Many folks move on to other, more specialized guilds or troupes. Some of us continue in Cuthberts because there's room for a wide range of growth. Some of us have evolved into more specialized street characters with our home in Cuthberts.
We're ALWAYS recruiting.
To tie back into the thread, this experience makes if very difficult to identify with the divisiveness caused by labels.
These guilds you speak of..... interesting.
Quote from: Davyes on December 16, 2009, 01:16:35 PM
They call me Davyes or The Poet or that Poet fellow or That Damn Poet
I've even been call sick-monkey... (but in all fairness I had just read the person my sonnet based on Brad Paisley's "Ticks"
LOL...okay...this just registered on my twisted little brain. Might we have a recitation Mr. Davyes? (assuming it's rated for general audiences! ;D)
Quote from: Anna Iram on December 30, 2009, 11:31:56 AM
Quote from: Davyes on December 16, 2009, 01:16:35 PM
They call me Davyes or The Poet or that Poet fellow or That Damn Poet
I've even been call sick-monkey... (but in all fairness I had just read the person my sonnet based on Brad Paisley's "Ticks"
LOL...okay...this just registered on my twisted little brain. Might we have a recitation Mr. Davyes? (assuming it's rated for general audiences! ;D)
k.... just remember *YOU* asked... (This is the "sonnet" that had the Queen telling me to leave presence and not come back until I learned manners)
Down a perfect path our time to spend
Where run both hart and hind
Your very life I shall defend
And your perfect form in kind
We shall not waste this fleeting year
I shall keep you from all harm
When cold December's bareness sits everywhere
Let it be me that keeps you warm
Beneath a pale moon we shall go
Where none have ever ventured
Where fields of flowers wild grow
And love was never censured
Come live with me and beside me sit
For I only wish to check you for ticks.
(I don't have my book with me, all by memory!)
Davyes....
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Can't *imagine* why you've been banished from your Queens side! LOL!
Quote from: Carl Heinz on December 22, 2009, 09:08:49 AM
I'm not that fond of "danes" either. It might be descriptive, but it adds to the us vs them mind set.
I normally use the word 'danes' to refer to my clothing. As in 'Because of the long drive back I'm going to wear danes tomorrow instead of garb'. I rarely use danes to merely refer to people who don't dress up. If I refer to someone as a 'dane' they've probably done something monumentally stupid a/o clueless to bring themselves to my attention.
I tend to think of myself as a semi-playtron. I garb up but I'll be the first to tell you that I'm not historically accurate. I will also go in danes if we're traveling or the weather is too hot or nasty.
In the words of EloquentXI
Jokingly, I have friends that will say, "Such a friggin Rennie" when I explain my detailed and hopeful schedule of faires I plan to make for 2010. They call me a "Rennie" in casual because they affectionately want to tease me, especially when they don't understand why I go back, weekend after weekend, spending my money, not being cast, performer, or vendor.
I just smile because they don't understand.
Whether you go in normal weekday "civilian" clothes, or you go in part "civilian" with accessories such as boots and pouch, or you wear some sort of costume, or you spend months creating as close to historically accurate as you can;
whether you speak in your normal manner or attempt a bad faire accent or spend months perfecting your dialect;
whether you work there or visit frequently one or more faires/festivals;
it all boils down to this:
Do you understand "why I go back, weekend after weekend, spending my money, not being cast, performer, or vendor"? Does your heart thrill when your feet hit the ground inside the gates? Would you rather be tromping around in the hot dusty outside than home in the AC with the TV? Do you count the days/weeks/months until you can get to faire again?
Than you're a rennie :-)
Interesting discussion . . .
From my own experience, humans tend to try to group things, people, etc. So, this discussion is not unwarrented. Unfortunately, there really isn't a governing group that has defined it. And everyone in every show has a slightly different take.
Largely I think people like to know if someone else is part of the show or not. In the case of Playtrons, for instance, the really detailed ones become part of the show, but they still can't hang out on the grounds or go in and out of the forbidden gates for non-participants (your show may vary). There are conversations I'll have out of character and some in character (for as little character I do these days), this will be different depending on whom I am dealing with.
I have found it interesting that those who are on the outside and want to be part of the show, to see backstage, to pull back the veil, as it were, often have a much more romantic view of what goes on then really does. I knew a guy who wanted to be part of the court (lesser duke or cousin or whatever), then he found out what it took and how long you were 'ON' and so forth. Lots of work, not nearly the fun-time club he thought it'd be.
I think I have digressed. If you wish to know what you are, look in the mirror. If you wish to know what others define you as, then ask. But, odds are, it will be a different answer every time it is asked.
this from someone who has been . . . Boothie, CKC hawker, Playtron, Mundane . . . but, above all, GPITA.
I heard one sort of funny explanation of the different types of performers and people from someone that played a tad too much World of Warcraft:
Patron: PC
Playtron: Roleplaying PC
Cast in lanes: Wandering NPCs with random pathing. Some might have yellow "!" icons above their heads and offer quests.
Cast on stages: Stationary NPCs.
Quote from: dfloyd888 on February 11, 2010, 02:48:23 AM
I heard one sort of funny explanation of the different types of performers and people from someone that played a tad too much World of Warcraft:
Patron: PC
Playtron: Roleplaying PC
Cast in lanes: Wandering NPCs with random pathing. Some might have yellow "!" icons above their heads and offer quests.
Cast on stages: Stationary NPCs.
:D
(snort)
One of the best guides on the topic...
The Player's Handbook of Basics for the Serious Renaissance Faire Playtron
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=9044.0 (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=9044.0)
I know I am replying to this thread long past its 'run' here....but wanted to comment.
For me, it depends who I am talking to. When I am speaking with the people I work with, friends, family.....I will say Rennie, because it identifies me with the Ren World. When I speak with someone more familiar with this I will say Playtron.....BUT....as I type, I realize that I recently have made a few huge posts on Single and Searching, and I called someone here a fellow Rennie, so what do I know? I can't even keep my own guidelines straight LOL!!!!
Call me Arianwyn, Nancy, Pandora ...... or Faire-loving Woman!!! It's all good!
Thanks, Arianwyn, for posting and bringing this thread to my attention. I had no idea that anyone was so proprietary with the labeling.
We have only the past 7 or 8 years that we've been garbing up and heading to faire every year. It's a 5-6 hour drive each way to Scarby, depending on traffic. Until the last couple of years, we were all about just one trip a year, because we couldn't afford more.
But describing ourselves to mundanes, it seems more descriptive and appropriate to use the term rennies. Regardless, nobody should be getting their knickers in a twist because I do use the term. Rennies, playtron, patrons, whatever... without those of us who pay to get in, there would be no need for those of you who work inside. It's because of you that we come. We have symbiotic relationship.