Hello!
I am a student taking an Anthropology100 course at a private college in Pennsylvania. I was interested in the culture of the Renaissance Faire, seeing that I've never been to one, so I decided to do an ethnography on Renaissance workers and participants. I was wondering if anyone would like to share some information by answering 15 questions listed below! My thesis focuses on the workers at RenFaire, but anyone is free to answer them. My apologies for the formal tone of the questions.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
Thank you very much if you have participated in this, it will surely help me write my final draft of the ethnography.
Fascinating! I should try to talk one of our students into doing such a thesis... glad to assist!
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. - I consider myself a playtron, which in Rennie jargon falls between a patron and a player.
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? My home faire is based on 1533 England - Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state) Scarborough Renaissance Faire, Waxahachie (Ellis County), Texas **also Sherwood Forest Faire (a medieval, rather than Renaissance faire) in McDade, TX (near Austin), Oklahoma RF in Muskogee **
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. I believe you'll find faires have components of each in various mixes. Smaller faires may have a bit less of the commercial aspect than the larger ones.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? My primary goal is one of leisure, including camaraderie with like-minded people, entertainment, and a sort of mental detoxification from everyday life.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? Walking about, visiting with people, watching others, enjoying shows, sipping some ale...
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? At our home faire, the distinction between costumed volunteers and employees is difficult to discern. With few exceptions, I can't tell you who is paid cast and who isn't.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? I do not participate in SCA. I don't believe that SCA and most faires are on the same "track," and may actual hold some animosity toward each other.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.) I play no official role, but due to a nickname acquired early in my career in computer-related fields, I normally play and dress the role of a wizard.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
Hello!
I am a student taking an Anthropology100 course at a private college in Pennsylvania. I was interested in the culture of the Renaissance Faire, seeing that I've never been to one, so I decided to do an ethnography on Renaissance workers and participants. I was wondering if anyone would like to share some information by answering 15 questions listed below! My thesis focuses on the workers at RenFaire, but anyone is free to answer them. My apologies for the formal tone of the questions.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
I am a patron
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
1533
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
Scarborough, Ellis County, Texas, TRF Montgomery County, Texas.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
Mostly commercial/recreational. But they do host educational demonstration and sponsor school history days at the fair in the off times.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
Food, wine camaraderie, costuming, not necessarily in that order.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
Talking to friends and watching performances, some shopping.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
Mostly it depends on the individual; some people who provide their own costumes pay even more attention to detail.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
Yes and Yes.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
I play the character of a Spanish Marquesa.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
Thank you very much if you have participated in this, it will surely help me write my final draft of the ethnography.
Some how I overlooked English 202-and I get to take it this semester. I'm using the renaissance as my theme also..
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. Playron (see Merlins definition)-I tried the paid employee route and it just ruined the experience for me. I volunteer, or I pay gate and attend in garb (costume).
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? Usually Elizabethan or Tudor dynasty(1485-coronation of Henry VII-1603 death of Elizabeth I)
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)-Nebraska Renaissance Faire-Sarpy county Nebraska and Des Moines Renaissance faire-Polk county, Ia.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.I don't know of very many that are held strictly for charity, if so, they are small. The larger faires are definately commercial, otherwise-they are both educational and recreational
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? Sewing is a Hobby so I guess my garb qualifies.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? Visiting and
catching up with friends.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? Very little. Many fairs hold volunteers to the same dress code as paid employees.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? I dabbled in the SCA for one or two years. Renaissance faires and SCA are like Apples and Oranges. The SCA is in many ways is less historically accurate than a Renaissance fair, but has stricter rules for 'play'. As far as I can tell, they have their own 'world' and own version of acceptable history which seems to happen somewhere in the 12th century.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.) Celtic Lady, Tudor lady or Elizabethan noble, whatever I feel like. My wenching days are behind me ;)
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. I'm a playton (I pay to play...Pay entrance fee but come in garb)
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? 16th Century France (heavy on early 16th century - Tudor)
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state) Greater St Louis Renaissance Faire - St. Louis, MO & Kansas City Renaissance Faire - Kansas City, MO
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. It's For-Profit with a large emphasis on education I believe
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? To NOT get sunburned...otherwise I have no specific goal to complete on any given day.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? Socializing and watching shows
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? None I can see.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? I'm aware of them, but do not participate.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.) I have no specific role, I come garbed in anything from fantasy to peasant to nobility...depending on my mood.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. Platron2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state) Scarborough, Ellis County, Texas, TRF Montgomery County, Texas.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. It is commercial that is for sure. They do offer educational opportunities but it is up to the individual to seek them out.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? As most of them have said part of it is socializing. Over time we have made friends with various performers, so we love to go to those shows. We have even made friends with vendors. We love to see what they come up with week to week faire to faire. It is an opportunity to leave the mundane world behind and be with like minded people.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? Catching up with friends, seeing our favorite shows, seeing what's new.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? not especially. Many times the performers or workers clothing must reflect if they are heavy lifting and such they can't wear some of the intricate garb playtrons do, unless they are actors.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? yes I was aware. Some faire's I have been to have a presences but over time the view of sca and the owners have become very different.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.) My character really is just that of first mate on a pirate ship, or as a fantasy fairy depending on mood and weather.
I wish I got to write about such interesting things at school! Good luck!
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. I'm a volunteer, or guest performer, but probably still fall into the playtron category.
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? 1598, Tudor Renaissance
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state) Colorado Renaissance Festival, Larkspur, CO
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. I've been to festivals that have a large educational section (TRF, ARF) but for the most part it's commercial.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? Not so much - see friends and entertain people.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? I spend most of my time acting as a street performer - playing with the adults and kids, creeping around... (:
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? At my festival other than the highest royalty, the volunteers and playtrons seem to be better dressed since they care about the ambiance of the festival more - the employees are held to a standard but it's pretty low.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? I'm aware of them, but my character and the SCA aren't really compatible.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.) I play as a dragon, Fireflicker, complete with dragonic garb. I was knighted at a few festivals, but I don't think that I have a title. (:
I'm a volunteer now but I have worked for the festival before in a different capacity, so from that job (I worked in an archery booth) I'll say a few things about the other questions.
I enjoyed working at the festival since it was so different from any other job I could have gotten. I'll say that I enjoyed if the the festival, although my coworkers were... very unique individuals, to put it kindly. I wasn't a theater buff but that job didn't call for it. I didn't work with volunteers, and I would or wouldn't take a higher paying job depending on what the new job was/what I did rather than what it would pay.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
Last year was my first year as a playtron. I pay to enter and am there almost every day it is open from opening to close.
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? late 1530's
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, Muskogee, Ok.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
I am sure it is commercial mainly for self preservation. A lot of the money goes back into the Faire for growth. I have talked to the owner a few times and I know he loves hosting the event. He can be seen wandering through the crowd watching and smiling.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
My goal is to escape the mundane life. To visit a time of addressing people with respect and kindness. A time when you step aside to let a lady pass, or bow to those of proper title. I love it when a child comes up to have his/her picture taken with me, and maybe I can pass on a little bit of magic in a hurried world
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
Mainly people watching, and visiting friends
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
Not to me
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
I am aware, but do not participate
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
I dress as a knight. Chainmaille, surcoat and weaponry.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. I am a playtron, ie, I pay my way in but come in garb.
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? The PaRenFaire is set in Elizabethan times.
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state) The PaRenFaire is my home Faire but I attend many other smaller weekend Faires in the Mid-Atlantic region.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. The particular goal of the PaRenFaire is to make money by providing entertainment, food, and drink. It was originally started to attract people to Mount Hope Winery.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? My goal at Faire is to enjoy the ambiance and entertainment with those whom I consider my Faire family, both cast and playtrons.See question #9 for displaying my hobby of bubble making.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? I obtain a season pass every year and visit every Saturday, taking in various shows, just sitting and watching the parade of characters pass by, and chatting with friends.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? While those on cast are appropriately dressed according to their character, even the work force is dressed according to their station. The playtrons, on the other hand, run the gamut of simple, modest costume to painstakingly authentic garb that makes the cast jealous.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? Yes, and, no.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.) Until last year, I was the Bubble Wright, a tinker who created a Renaissance Bubble Machine employing technology of the time (bellows and simple lever) to blow bubbles for the amusement of the nipperkin. Bubbles were made in the time period, as documented in the painting "Children's Games" (1560) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder which shows the amusements of children with one of the lads blowing bubbles. I retired as Bubble Wright owing to health problems.
10. - 15. Not Applicable
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. I am a Rennie/playtron Volunteer and a Fair Owner
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?My fair represents no paticular time period as we are a Renaissance/Fantasy Fair with an Irish Flair I volunteer at Festival of the Dragon which is also a like spirited fair and Morf which is 1500's Ireland This year I get to be a Playtron at the Ozark Renaissance Fantasy Fair
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in?Spirit of Magic Mayes County Oklahoma
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.I would like to say once again all 3 catagories fit it is nice to pay the bills but after that not overly concerned about making money; I truly hope that we are both entertaining and manage to sneak in a bit of education as well.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? To have fun and relax even while working
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?Visiting with the best people in the world Rennies(yes I am a bit prejudice there)
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?I hope not as I hold everyone to the same standard and treat them with the same respect
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?Yes I am aware but do not participate
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)I am the Keeper of Magic half Irish half scott and wear my Kilt proudly
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.If I do not enjoy it then there is no need to do it.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?See answer to 10
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.I am an entertainer I am but a humble servant to my audiance
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.No
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.No disrespect but volunteers put out a 110% they are there because they love it paid employees and performers can become disallusioned and it can become a regular job(this is not always the case)
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?KEEP MY REN JOB
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
Playtron=garbed patron
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
TRF-1530s , Sherwood Forest Faire-1190s
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
Sherwood Forest-Bastrop co. Texas, TRF-Montgomery co. Texas
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. They are commercial enterprizes, but very entertaining and they sneak in a bit of education
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? Just to have fun and see some acts that I like
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?wandering beetween the bars, food, and stages
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? Not that I notice
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? Former member, and No
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
Kilt-centric fantasy garb, I don't play a character. my societal role seems to be keeping the beer wenches busy
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. As Merlin has Said, I am a playtron. I come in garb, pay my way in and enjoy acting the part for the enjoyment of those around me. I have been mistake as cast a number of times.
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? from Henry VIII through Elizabeth 1
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
TEX Renaissance Faire Houston TX
Sherwood Forrest,Renaissance Festival, Austin TX Area
Scarborough Renaissance, Waxahachie (Ellis County), Texas
Bay Area Renaissance Festival Tampa, FL
Louisiana Renaissance Festival, Hammond, LA
Mobile Renaissance Faire Mobile AL
Pensacola Renaissance Faire Pensacola Fl
Pensacola Pirate Fest Pensacola, FL
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
They all have Commercial goals. Some are more forward about it than other. IF they didn't make money they would close down.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
My goal is to relax, have fun and enjoy the faire. I love shopping, seeing the shows and talking with friends and making new ones. I am also a Photographer, and capturing the moments I find is another one of my past times at faire.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
As I said above, talking with friends, seeing some of the shows and taking lots of photo's
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
Since those that come in garb want to be part of the "shoe" it is sometimes hard to tell those who are paid or volunteer, from those of us who just come to play
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
Yes I am Aware of SCA, but personally I don't think my character would be welcome by them.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
I have a number of personnas I play at faire, from Lady Gryphon the wife of a Dark Knight, to Black Rose Rachel a Pirate Wench.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
I am on cast the the Pensacola Renaissance Fair, Mobile Renaissance Faire, and the new Pensacola Pirate Fest, I love doing my Pirate wench with my crew.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at Renaissance Faire?
Yes, watching the children react to our two captains if a delight
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
No, in High School I was told I could not act. But I was involved as stage manager and other behind the scenes activities.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
I am part of the Blackhearted Rogues and the Blackhearted Wenches in Mobile.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
We are all volunteers, and we wouldn't be there if we didn't want to be. We give everything we can to our troupe when we are in garb
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
I wouldn't take a job that I could work with my crew on the weekends we need to. You can put a price on the expression we get when we are together.
I hope you post your thesis when you have it finished, I for one would love to read it.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. No D (All of the Above)? :)
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? Disney. Disney transcends all time periods. :P
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in?
Again, no D button? And some are online that I participate in, but that's still... :)
TEX
Renaissance Faire Houston TX
Sherwood Forrest,Renaissance Festival, Austin TX Area
Scarborough Renaissance, Waxahachie (Ellis County), Texas
Bay Area Renaissance Festival Tampa, FL
Louisiana Renaissance Festival, Hammond, LA
Mobile Renaissance Faire Mobile AL
Pensacola Renaissance Faire Pensacola Fl
Pensacola Pirate Fest Pensacola, FL
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
They all have Commercial goals. Some are more forward about it than other. IF they didn't make money they would close down. It is afterall a business.
Education is offered at many locations, also many having a school day when there are busloads brought in for educational displays and lectures scavenger hunts and other classe offered in addition to the many and various educational displays and classes that are normally present all faire.
Recreational just comes along afterward
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? D!!!
My goal is to relax, have fun and enjoy the faire. I love shopping, seeing the shows and talking with friends and making new ones. When I am working however, all customers and cast alike certainly get their doubloons worth. ;)
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
As I said above, talking with friends, seeing some of the shows and getting lots of photos TAKEN. :D
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
Since those that come in garb want to be part of the "shoe" it is sometimes hard to tell those who are paid or volunteer, from those of us who just come to play. In general, those who go through the immense effort to look the part will certainly play the part. >:)
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
Yes I am Aware of SCA, but personally I don't think my character would be welcome by them. They do great work at reenactments, but my personaes are a bit too much poetic license for their agendas.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
I have a number of personnas I play at faire, from Lord Dragon the Dark Knight, an Elfen Lord a Green Pirate to recently Captain Teague. Jack Sparrows father from POTC 3 and 4.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
I am on cast the the Pensacola Renaissance Fair, Mobile Renaissance Faire, and the new Pensacola Pirate Fest as Teague with my crew.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at Renaissance Faire?
Yes, watching the children AND Adults react to our curious antics is a delight
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
Is junior high lead and several years of faire attendance in full garb count for much? ;D
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
I am part of the Blackhearted Rogues and the Blackhearted Wenches in Mobile.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
We are all volunteers, and we wouldn't be there if we didn't want to be. We give everything we can to our troupe when we are in garb
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
I wouldn't take a job so that I could not work with my crew on the weekends we need to. You can't put a price on the expression we get when we are together.
I hope you post your thesis when you have it finished, I for one would love to read it.
Me too. Me TOO. ;D
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
Depends entirely on the faire. I've been all three, at different faires I go to.
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
Renaissance, ish. Honestly, aynthing that tries to be close works.
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state) Mayfaire and Michigan Renaissance Festival, both in Michigan. Been and worked in haandful of others, but those are the onyl currently active ones.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. Fun, and making money.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? Fun, and making money. Usually both at the same time.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? Fun, and making money. No really, i spend most of my time talking to everyone I can drawing them out, trying to get them to either watch my show, or throw a friend in jail.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? What does sartorial mean?
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? Yes and no.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)Captain Cornelius H Duckman, a privateer in service to Her Majesty, whichever Majesty it might happen to be at the time. I'm an entertainer at some faires, working a show with my wife, involving lots of comedy, and a little bit of swordplay. At MiRF, while still Captain Duckman (pronounced dukemen), I work as one of her Majestys jailers, arresting anyone someone will pay me three dollars to. Garb is whatever garb i happen to put on that day.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain. Yes. It's a lot of fun
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire? Yes.
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain. ...I am an actor. I put on a persona, and portray it. also, y'know, entertainer, I actually perform a show on stage.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain. Not really. We're a show, not a troupe.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain. Volunteers have a tendency to be more enthusiastic, while paid artists are a little more professional
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job? ...hahahaha. Renfaire. I wouldn't lose out ont he renfaire experience for a mere fifty cents, not when the job i have now lets me be full time and work faire
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. Patron
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? The Renaissance. ;)
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? The Georgia Renaisance Festival
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. I don't know.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? I like to take lots of pictures of the jousts.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? Walking around or sitting looking at costumes, browsing through the shops, watching shows, and taking photographs.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? I don't know.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? I'm aware of it but do not participate.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. I just dress in whatever costume I feel like making/wearing. I don't get into character or pay much attention to historical accuracy.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
I am a participant {volunteer employee with an troupe}
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
Currently Early Reign of Elizabeth I
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire (RPFS)
Age of Chivalry - Las Vegas Renaissance Festival
Big Bear Valley Renaissance Faire
Northern California Renaissance Faire
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
The ones I attend/work are both commercial and non-profit recreational/educational in nature. Depending on the particular event venue.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
Since I am part of an entertainment guild {troupe}, my goal at faire is to entertain and interact out in the streets and perform sword duels to get the audience the best performance and experience they can have. All while having a good time myself.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
Same answer as #5
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
It would depend on the venue itself. Sometimes it is hard to tell the customers from the employees while other times the difference is night and day.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
I am aware of them but do not participate myself. I do have friends who do participate in the SCA.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
I play Sir Michael Geare, a historical character who is a knight of the gentry class. Therefore, my costume reflects that of my station.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
I enjoy and look forward to working it every season. I have been doing it for 10 years. The experience and comradery of my fellow entertainers is beyond compare
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at Renaissance Faire?
Indeed I do. I enjoy the interaction. Especially when you touch that one person inside and make their entire day.
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
I have done some theater in school but I would not consider myself an actor by any means. At the most perhaps an amateur actor but the term actor would be loosely used.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
I am part of the Gentlemen Adventurers. We do sword demonstrations and duels out in the streets.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
It all depends on the person. Some paid employees work harder than the volunteers and visversa.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
The majority of us jokingly say we would do this full time for a living but in reality, it is seriously a lot of work. My body in particular hates me after certain faire days.
I hope this helps you and gives you a bit of insight.
Thank you everyone for responding! Your responses have given me plenty of information regarding my thesis, and I now have a definite interest in attending a faire around here next Fall.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
I am a playtron, which as was mentioned earlier, means that I'm not on cast officially, but play along. It adds to the fun for me, and helps with the atmosphere for others.
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
I attend the Colorado faire, and I believe it is right around the mid 1500's.
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
I attend and participate in the Colorado Renaissance Festival, the Colorado Tartan Day Festival, the Ft. Lupton Heritage Days festival (which is a Mountain Man era event), the Elizabeth Celtic Festival, the Yellowstone Highland Games and Scottish Festival, the Jackson Hole Highland Games, the Colorado Scottish Festival and Highland Games, and the Edgewater Celtic Harvest Festival. The Colorado Renaissance Festival is the festival that I go to for the sheer joy of it. Don't get me wrong- I love the others as well, or I wouldn't be doing them- but the ren fest is the only one that I don't officially work for, so I can participate as much or as little as I want, I can see whatever shows and performances I want, etc.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
It seems that the Ren fest here has a commercial goal. It's a theme park, in all reality, and what's the point of any theme park? To make money! The real difference between the faire and other theme parks is the level of participation of the attendants. A lot of us are friends who enjoy hanging out at the faire.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
Yes I do- blatant self promotion. I am leather worker who makes his living in the historical reenactment community. What better place to show off my wares? I don't actually work at the faire, so I don't go there waving my arms around and getting attention, but I do wear the leather goods that I make- from my belt to my shoes, etc, and when people ask me questions, I don't hesitate to answer.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
I spend it with my friends and family. We tend to like to see the comedy shows.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and
employees?
...yes and no... Employees/cast members often seem to be slightly more elegant, in my experience, almost as if they have better or easier access to garb than the rest of us or something! (Please note- silly tone is implied here.) On a serious note, I have noticed that employees tend to look more like nobles than the rest of us. That is not at all a hard, fast rule- just a very general observation.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
Yes I am. The SCA are strange people... I'm in a living history group called the Renaissance Scots Living History Association, and we have managed to make local SCA fighters mad at us. They don't play with us any more...
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
My role, as a playtron, is that of a mid 1600's Scottish Highland warrior, which is the closest thing to a knight that the Highlanders had at that point in time. I would in fact like to branch out and adopt a different persona, but I have so much time and money invested in my Scots persona that I really can't justify starting another. Historical reenactment ain't cheap! It's a labor of love, and I have put a lot of time and effort into it. If you look at my avatar, as a matter of fact, that is the shield that I made for my persona. A shield of that quality in and of itself can sell for as much as $600, and we won't get into how much period correct clothing costs!!
Hope my answers were at least a little helpful! Good luck with the project. I have a festival to pack for- first of the season- so I'm off now!
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. I am a garbed customer - some refer to this as a "playtron".
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? 1300 to 1600
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state) The Texas Renaissance Festival, Magnolia, TX
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. Commercial - the purpose is to turn a buck while maintaining safety - weapons are required to be "peace-tied".
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? Gather with as many playtrons as I can and enjoy the day! This is the closest thing to escapism as I can get without traveling away from the U.S. I have a high-sctress job, and leaving the 21st Century wipes away my frustrations. My period clothing goal is to be historically accurate without sacrificing comfort.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? Eating, drinking, walking the grounds, and laughing. Some effort is spent picking up an item or two to add to my wardrobe.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? I'm neither so I don't know.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? I'm aware, but have never participated. Although Ren Fests are not geared for historical accuracy, I strive for it in my period wear. The SCA doesn't care about historical accuracy.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)I'm not a worker, but I strive for historical accuracy in my garb/period wear. My period wear is that of a Scottish Highlander around the 1580s.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
I am both performer and playtron. I am the King at the Gulf Coast Renne Faire in Mobile and at Pensacola. I have
been King at the TnRF in Tenn. also at the old keys faire. My character is a fictional character woven around the
time after Queen Mary and before QE I. I have had to concoct quite a story to cover what does not show up in the
history books. As a playton I have fashion a swashbuckling swordsman, although as I have aged a lot less swash and
more buckling of the knees and such.
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
As King it is mostly Henry VIII and elizebeathen style, as well as my playtron character.
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
outside of the GCRF that I perform in, I visit Atlanta, some of the Florida faires. I have also visited Sterling and Tuxedo
in New York. As well as Mount Hope in Pa, and the Pittsburgh Faire, St Louis, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ocean Springs,
Mississippi, Ohio faire, and the Maryland faire when it was in Columbia Maryland.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
Most that I have attended are commercial enterprises.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
Whether performing or visiting, my goal is to have as much fun as I can and talk to as many people as possible.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
For the most part I would walk around and visit the shops, and sit at the pub. I used to partcipate in Fencing if the
faire had a corral, but so few have them now, and my knees no longer co-operate.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
In some cases yes.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
Yes I am aware and no I do not participate
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
As a Playtron I am Sir ALLYN Duke of Salisbury ere-wise know as the BALDUKE. I have various items of garb.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
Yes, as King I get to do a lot of things that no on else does
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
Refer back to #10
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
Not necessarily either, I would not do well as an actor, memorising line etc. Most of my day is done in ad-lib
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
no
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
I do but not to closely so I really would not notice.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
Since I do not work at the faire for alot of money, no. I already have an outside job, so it would not matter.
Quote from: curiousgeorge on April 02, 2012, 02:29:14 PM
Hello!
I am a student taking an Anthropology100 course at a private college in Pennsylvania. I was interested in the culture of the Renaissance Faire, seeing that I've never been to one, so I decided to do an ethnography on Renaissance workers and participants. I was wondering if anyone would like to share some information by answering 15 questions listed below! My thesis focuses on the workers at RenFaire, but anyone is free to answer them. My apologies for the formal tone of the questions.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. PATRON
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (RENAISSANCE & FANTASY FAIRE OF THE OZARKS, WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS)
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain. RECREATIONAL NOW WITH FOCUS MOVING TO EDUCATIONAL
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? TO INFORM VISITORS, VENDORS & PERFORMERS OF OTHER RENFAIRES IN THE REGION. MY ORIGINAL GOAL WAS TO ESCAPE REALITY.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? TALKING TO VISITORS OR PEOPLE I KNOW.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? NO SIR.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? I'M AWARE OF IT BUT HAVE NOT PARTICIPATED THEREIN.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.) MY GARB IS THAT OF AN ENGLISH ARCHER. HOWEVER, I ONLY GET TO SHOOT MY BOW AT ABOUT HALF OF THE FAIRES I ATTEND.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
Thank you very much if you have participated in this, it will surely help me write my final draft of the ethnography.
Hello!
I am a student taking an Anthropology100 course at a private college in Pennsylvania. I was interested in the culture of the Renaissance Faire, seeing that I've never been to one, so I decided to do an ethnography on Renaissance workers and participants. I was wondering if anyone would like to share some information by answering 15 questions listed below! My thesis focuses on the workers at RenFaire, but anyone is free to answer them. My apologies for the formal tone of the questions.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire. I am both a patron, and an employee
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates? I particpate in many events, ranging from Medieval (1100s - 1400s), through Tudor (Early 1500s), Elizabethan (Late 1500s), and Pirate (1550 - 1800) My favourite is Elizabethan, which we do not offer at our local faire. We have a Tudor based Faire, and a Pirate festival that we are on cast for.
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state) I sign contract with Faires in Time, which runs a 1 weekend Renaissance Festival, followed by a 1 weekend Pirate Festival in Milton, Ontario (CANADA). We also offer 2 edicational days in the Medieval Era for school kids. My husband and I make at least one trip into the Northern states each summer to be patrons at a larger festival.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
Our faire exists for numerous goals. It is run by those who love faire, but who still wish to make ends meet. We offer a blend of entertainment and education, as well as support tourism. We partner with Country Heritage Park to help promote their facilities as well.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
For me, it is about the clothing, and the persona. I love the historical clothes, the layers, the dignity and gracefullness of it all. I enjoy the mannerisms, being called "M'lady", and treated with chivalry. I also love inspiring people to be creative, and interacting with people to the extent that I know I just made someone's day!
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire? When I am working, I spend my time doing a variety of stage shows, interspersed with "in-character" interactions with those who attend. When I am visiting, we do a lot of walking, drinking in the ambience, catching a few stage shows, and attempting to interact with cast and visitors alike.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees? Many of the employees of the cast wear costumes designed by our costume mistress. Cast members get specific costume pieces designed for specific characters, volunteers get the leavings or older pieces. My husband and I are allowed to wear our own garb, which has been approved by the costume mistress. Some volunteers also wear their own garb, but it depends on their role - mostly our volunteers perform roles such as running games or serving food, so tend to be more peasant class.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization? We are aware, but do not participate at this time.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.) We are actors, on cast. My husband and I usually play lower nobility at our home faire, often one of the higher ranking in the village (Mayor and Mayor's wife), but not strictly of the court. When we visit other faires, we are often mistaken for members of the nobility - which is our preference. We enjoy the clothing and the illusion of having funds at our disposal. Mostly the clothing, though!
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain. I adore working at the renaissance festival (and the pirate festival). I would LOVE a chance to play the Queen, but I enjoy the interactions with people and the opportunity to "play" all day long!
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire? Yes, I very much enjoy acting, if I was doing anything else, I would not enjoy it as much, but even being at faire is a good thing. My husband has tried running games and vending, but acting is our preference.
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain. Not a theatre buff, but an actor, yes. We actually got into being on cast as a way to spend more time at the festival. Many of those we act with on a yearly basis have multiple projects they act in, but for us, it is limited to festivals.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain. No, we are on the house cast.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain. Yes, our faire is always seeking more volunteers. I find the main difference between volunteers and paid actors is that the paid actors seem to step up and do more than expected, while many of our volunteers do only as much is required. That is not ALL volunteers, we have several dedicated volunteers that work very hard, but perhaps not all volunteers are given enough training / prep work. They show up, day of, ready to do, whereas the actors have been immersed in the culture for several weeks during rehearsals etc.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job? Keep my job at Ren - it is a creative release that I would miss sorely! I DO have a "normal" job that keeps the funds coming in Mon - Fri, but if there was ever a position available where I could do Faire 24 - 7 - 365, I would take it!
Thank you very much if you have participated in this, it will surely help me write my final draft of the ethnography.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
I am a playtron
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
It depends on the particular faire, though some emulate somewhere between 1300-1600, and some have fantasy themes to them.
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
The Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire, in Ansonia, CT. I used to participate in the Southern Connecticut Renaissance Faire, but it seems to be on hold for now. I would love to participate in more though.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
It depends on the faire. I believe most faires have a commercial, and recreational goal for them. Some support causes. I know the Enfield Renaissance Festival is raising charity for Kids First. MFRF recently donated some money to the Against the Malaria Foundation.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
My goals at a renaissance faire, are just to have fun, and work on developing a faire persona throughout the day. I would love to play act with other playtrons/the cast!
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
I typically walk around the grounds, enjoying the atmosphere the faire provides. I also like to watch shows that interest me, listen to the music around faire, browse the vendors, etc.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
I think it depends on the faire.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
I am aware of the organization, however, I do not partake in it.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
At the moment, I do not have a defining role. I am still working on my faire persona, although, I would love to play a curious, yet somewhat naive pirate lass, or merchant's daugher who wishes for adventure, and excitement.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
Hello!
I am a student taking an Anthropology100 course at a private college in Pennsylvania. I was interested in the culture of the Renaissance Faire, seeing that I've never been to one, so I decided to do an ethnography on Renaissance workers and participants. I was wondering if anyone would like to share some information by answering 15 questions listed below! My thesis focuses on the workers at RenFaire, but anyone is free to answer them. My apologies for the formal tone of the questions.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
Patron
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
My home faire is middle Tudor King Henry and Queen Anna, But I regulary attend faires set in Medieval (1100s - 1400s), and late Renaissance (1600s - 1700s)
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
All the Texas based faires, plus I've been to Pittsburg renaissance a few times and to the Great Lakes fantasy faire.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
My home faire beside of course the commerical goal which all faires msut have to stay in operation does some serious educational programs.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
A big part for me is skill display I help run and praticipate in the faire's Archery tournament plus am part of one of the parade groups.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
Attending the history shows, marching in the parade shooting in the archery tournament, dancing, drinking and listening to music.
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
Not that I've really noticed.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
Yes and No
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
At my home faire Kinght Officer in the Queens Own Highlander and GrandMaster of the LongBow to the Scottish Court. Which means I help org the Scottish parade unit, provide escord to the scottish court ladies, instruct in the use of the longbow. When visiting other faires Welsh master bowman and mercenary.
I will answer these as a Platron which is somewhere between a someone on cast paid or not and just a person visiting faire this is for my home fair only
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
Yes or I'd not be there 8 weeks plus and extra day for the three day weekend 12 hours ever weekend.
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
Yes I enjoy running the achery tournament teaching people the proper way to handle a long bow helping to teach the dance classes. And marching in parade
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
Actor and history buff, Actor because I am playing a characer if one of my own creation and history buff because the character is based on real people of the period.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
Yes and No I'm with one of the largest platron groups but we are all volunteers none of us are on cast.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
The majority of cast at my home faire are volunteers the main difference between them and playtrons is that are require places and task while playtrons do not.
15. [workers only] If you were to get a job that paid $0.50 more per hour, would you keep your job at RenFaire or take the higher paying job?
NA for me I paid them.
Thank you very much if you have participated in this, it will surely help me write my final draft of the ethnography.
Not sure if you're still looking for answers to this survey, but here ya go....
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
Playtron (paying customer attending in costume)
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
Reign of Queen Elizabeth I
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
Michigan Renaissance Faire. I've been to the smaller ones around the state as well, Silver Leaf, Mid-Michigan, etc.
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
Mostly commercial, the faire owners want to sell tickets, food, and ale. There are also many artists at the faire selling renaissance-themed art, jewelry, costumes, etc. There is an educational aspect, as some of these artists give demonstrations of their craft (glass blowing, metalworking, etc). It is also educational listening to the period music, and seeing people dressed in historically accurate costume.
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete? I mostly go for leisure, to take a mental break from the real world and experience a bit of history/fantasy. Get together with friends, shop, watch shows, enjoy some ale or wine.
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
Shopping, eating, drinking, pretending we're in the 1600's 8)
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
Nope, although I'm not sure the MI ren fest has volunteers, I think they're all payed employees.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
Yes I am aware of the SCA, no I don't participate.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
I don't have a specific role I give myself. It's mostly pretty vague, like peasant, noble, etc. I go to enjoy myself and pretend I'm in another place, attending in costume helps stir the imagination.
1. Please identify yourself as a customer/patron, employee of RenFaire via contract (acting/dance/stunt troupe), or employee of RenFaire.
Playtron (as explained earlier), patron (non-garbed visitor), employee (non-contract), and former owner/producer (never again, so help me!)
2. What is the time period that the Renaissance Faire emulates?
I have to echo earlier answers: 1300's-late 1600's, depending on the faire you go to.
3. Which Renaissance Faire do you typically participate in? (county, state)
As of 2010: Hoggetowne, Lady of the Lakes, and Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Florida. Now, I'm quasi-retired from visits because I'm so busy with other things, but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND STERLING RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL in Sterling, NY. <3
4. Does the Renaissance Faire have a particular goal (commercial, recreational, educational) you're aware of? If so, please explain.
All festivals have to turn a profit (commercial) to stay in business. Some are more blatant about this than others. Some focus heavily on the educational aspect, from making sure their cast are properly trained for the time to restrictions placed on vendors (proper booths and wares for the time period, vendors speaking and garbed correctly) to education-based demonstrations. All faires, in my opinion, are there for the recreation of the patrons. Otherwise, why would they show up?
5. When you're at the Renaissance Faire, do you have a particular goal (game, food, drink, skill or hobby to display) to complete?
I normally try to catch at least one show of all my favorite acts and then one or two new shows. The rest of the time, it depends on the day and who else is wandering the faire grounds. I'm never disappointed if I want to meet someone new and strike up a conversation!
6. How do you typically spend your time at the Renaissance Faire?
Empty Hats, Bob DaVinci, Emrys Fleet, visiting vendor friends, interacting with others ;D
7. Are there noticeable differences in sartorial choices between volunteers and employees?
If people are, in any way, directly working/volunteering for the faire, they usually have some in-character designation (rosettes, badges, colored ribbons etc) for identification. Volunteers for independent shows and vendors vary from looking equally as professionally put-together as the festival employees to taking liberties for comfort and taste.
8. Are you aware of the organization the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) and/or do you participate in this organization?
I've heard of them and seen them at some faires I've visited, but that's the extent.
9. What is your role, job, or craft that you play in the Renaissance Faire? Explain please. (garb, title, societal role, etc.)
Mundane (non-garbed) visitor, these days. I have personas and garb that range from boot-licking peasant to spunky merchant girl to refined noble and consort.
10. [workers only] Do you enjoy working at the Renaissance Faire? Please explain.
I did and I didn't. It was fun in the beginning, but by the end it was apparent that I was much happier doing faire "for the fun of it".
11. [workers only] Do you enjoy your job at RenFaire?
See above.
12. [workers only] Would you consider yourself a theater buff/actor? Please explain.
Theater buff? Yes. But without that relentless drive to really commit and improve into something better.
13. [workers only] Are you employed through any kind of troupe? If so, please explain.
No, I worked independently for different performers and vendors in a support role.
14. [workers only] Do you work with any volunteers? If so, does the behavior or job of the volunteers differ from those that are paid? If so, please explain.
At the faires I worked for, many if not all of the workers were volunteers. Without pay, they still showed incredible heart and talent in all kinds of weather. You have to have a real passion for it!