So, I've never been to Scarby. I've only gone to TRF and a few smaller ones. My first weekend will be the last, Memorial day weekend.
I'm guessing that's a wildly busy weekend??
First off...you are in for a treat if this is your first trip to Scarby.
As for Memorial Day weekend..... it's twice the treat !
You wont be disappointed and I would bet that you return next year more than once.
Scarby is so big with so many shows...it's impossible to take it all in one outing.
Get there early and stay until they make you leave.
Get your tickets at Tom Thumb to save 3 dollars per ticket.
When you see me...say "HUZZAH!"
DW
LOL, thanks for the advice!
I usually do the same at TRF, not leave until the cops make me, heh heh.
This year I plan to go to many more Faires....Hillsboro Faire is my next target.....
we went to Scarby for the first time a couple weeks back and you will not be dissappointed! It was a bit wet on Saturday and the mud is quite interesting, but Sunday was a perfect day. Be sure to catch Wine and Alchemy.
On Memorial day monday every vet in the faire is welcome to march in the parade in grab or not. So if you are a vet or if anyone with you is a vet and you want to march/walk in the parade please come by the cottage and get a yellow ribbon and join the parade.
Memorial Day weekend is one a lot of out-of-towners try to attend. The volume of Rennies
is usually a bit higher.
The overall patron attendance is usually higher too as long as its not raining cats and dogs.
Get a map so you don't miss anything.
The pre-cannon meet & greet in on row 12, far left row near the souvenir cart.
Wine & Alchemy at 10:30am
Michael O'Quinn at the King's Pub at 11:00am.
The after parade meet & greet is across from the coin stamper booth.
Scarby isn't TRF. That isn't good or bad, just different. So, come with an open mind and just enjoy for what it is.
What you will see is lots more interaction between cast and patrons. If you wear a kilt you can march with the Scots. If you wear other garb you can stroll with the Royal Guard. As mentioned above if you are a vet you can march/stroll with the other vets on Memorial Day.
Or you can just come and watch. Lots of stuff to watch.
Also, be prepared for the heat. It can be brutal on Memorial Day weekend. Drink plenty of water and take it easy. Several of the shows have covered or shady stages, the Cat and Fiddle Pub is indoors (don't think it's air conditioned like the Prine of Wales though), and there's a sit-down eatery (there's also a covered seating area near the pasta place - a recommendation for lunch, by the way).
Quote from: Var Greyshadow on May 13, 2009, 07:06:14 AM
Also, be prepared for the heat. It can be brutal on Memorial Day weekend. Drink plenty of water and take it easy. Several of the shows have covered or shady stages, the Cat and Fiddle Pub is indoors (don't think it's air conditioned like the Prine of Wales though), and there's a sit-down eatery (there's also a covered seating area near the pasta place - a recommendation for lunch, by the way).
Thanks very much for that advice!!!! I was expecting some hot weather....but dear god not THIS hot. I think this summer's going to be worse then usual. Luckily my outfit is mostly made out of linen....lol.
I'll definitely stop by the pasta place!!
Heat that weekend is definitely a serious issue.
The Lovely Lady Trinn is very sensitive to heat and so we are very careful about garb choices for those three days.
We actually joined FoF this year for the first time mainly to take advantage of the water and shade... she will be drinking tons of water each day.
*I even have to cut back on the rum those days... alcohol will dehydrate ya pretty severly and you'll never see it coming*
Most of all, though, HAVE FUN! :)
And let us know what you do and see afterwards, and what you think about our little home. Half the time we never get to hear about people's visits!
If you get a chance to see the Human Chess Match, I highly recommend it. Pub Sing is always enjoyable. If you like to dance, come to the Dance Class in the afternoon in Pecan Grove, and then join in at Evening Court Dance right after that.
Hope to see you there, and definitely hope that you enjoy!
Lys
The Earl and I will be with Ottheinrich and his lovely wife for a weekend of festing at Scarby. Even though we will wear our Noble garb, we often do take it easy, drink plenty of water, have portable shade with parasols, avoid a lot of alcohol. With my right leg giving me fits, I won't be doing marathons any time soon.
The Jousts are most excellent the final weekend! Be sure to catch all three!! They're at 11am, 2pm and 6pm....and you can also go to the Meet the Knights at 3pm at the Rose and Crown Inn, which is sanwiched inbetween the Hogshead Pub and the Fried Bread place....and across from the Kings Nuts place in Crown Meadow
granted I may be a little biased when I say this but.....the Royal Jousts are not something to miss if it's your first time!
I'll see what I can do. One day and so much to see, lol. It'll be great finally going to a Ren faire other then TRF. Not that I dislike TRF, I just don't get to go to many others.....others that are fantastic that is.
I went to one in Las Vegas and it was incredibly....small and nothing but a few tents and vendors...I was sorely disappointed as I thought, "Ren Faire in Vegas?? That should rock!!!!" But....it didn't.
I've never been to TRF but i plan on making it this Fall for the first time but i can GUARANTEE that you won't be disappointed with Scarby.
Get there as early as possible.... 10am ... and keep moving. There's so much to see and do. Drink 1 water for every cocktail to keep hydrated.
It's very shaded in most parts but can get pretty warm.
Stop by Cat and Fiddle for a cool beverage.
DW
lol, My lady will be accompanying me, therefore, there will be nothing but water or DP touching my parched lips....sadly.
But I'll stop by and grab a drink at cat and fiddle.
Thank you for all the wonderful tips everyone! Do they ask for proof of veteran status? Just wondering if I need to bring my DD-214 with me or not?
Oh and the Ice Queen Faerie will NOT be making an appearance at Scarby this year as the garb is so terribly hot and heavy she may very well melt clean away, so she is sending a little lost Sea Faerie in her place. This is a very young faerie and she is very lost. She was blown here 8 months ago on the winds of a hurricane and can't seem to find her way back to her own realm, so she is going to Scarby in hopes of finding a friend who might be able to point her in the right direction of home. :)
That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it! ;D
This will be my first time at Scarby as well. I have been watching Teach's video's and it looks wonderfully fun! I can't wait till this coming weekend!
Taarna
Just an FYI that Scarby is 'no pets allowed' so please don't bring your little dog or cat & expect to let them come in. Last year Memorial Day weekend I believe a few patrons had car windows broken due to leaving their animals in the car in the heat. >:(
Quote from: cowgrrl on May 17, 2009, 11:20:51 AM
Just an FYI that Scarby is 'no pets allowed'
Oh goodie! I'll tell the Yard Troll he has to stay home! LOL J/K ;D
Quote from: Taarna on May 17, 2009, 11:10:40 AM
Thank you for all the wonderful tips everyone! Do they ask for proof of veteran status? Just wondering if I need to bring my DD-214 with me or not?
Taarna
They do not. I marched in the parade a couple of times while my son (a Marine) was in Iraq, just to show my pride for our soldiers.
Thank you Ryk! for answering as well as supporting our troops. Greatly appreciated. I surmise there may be three of us (as well as a child cause I can't leave him by himself) marching, myself, Desert Storm vet, my husband, US Army 1983 -1987 and currently Texas State Guard, and son, currently in US Army Reserves, recently re-enlisted for second term.
This Memorial Day may actually mean something for us instead of the usual "You want a hamburger or chicken?"
Many thanks to all who support US troops!
AHH, the weather just became GORGEOUS in Texas....its in the low 70s right now.....sadly it will not hold till this weekend.....it will be hot again.
Quote from: cowgrrl on May 17, 2009, 11:20:51 AM
Just an FYI that Scarby is 'no pets allowed' so please don't bring your little dog or cat & expect to let them come in. Last year Memorial Day weekend I believe a few patrons had car windows broken due to leaving their animals in the car in the heat. >:(
We saw one puppy that had been left tied under someone's car. The Sheriff's deputy who was working security went and got it and brought it up to first aid to give it some water. The poor thing was obviously overheated and dehydrated.
I would have had a few choice words to say to those people if I had seen them. It was 95+ on that Saturday. >:(
There are so many RFers that we have not met yet, and at times that is my fault. I have a hard time recognizing everyone just from their pics. I have even introduced myself to someone thinking they were a friend from on here and found that they never heard of our forums. Made a new friend, just not the one I expected. So, if you see m'lady and me hail us and say hello. This weekend she will be wearing a purple/lilac bodice and skirt or the blue and white Irish in our pic. Since it will be warm, I will likely be wearing a sleeveless white scottish shirt with reddish pants and black boots and a gray mushroom hat. I have a "Superman" shield on my left arm that is visible with the sleeveless. Hope to meet some of you that we have never met...remind me where the meet and greet will be this weekend and we will try to get there this time.
I do hate to see final weekend come around, tis sad and wonderful at the same time. But, the countdown to TRF begins and we hope to make the hop down there for 2 weekends this year. Also, Oklahoma R/F runs the weekend after Scarby and thought we might run up to Muskogee...
The pre-cannon meet & greet is on Row 12, pretty much aligned with the souvenir booth.
The after parade meet & greet is across from the coin stamper booth.
I hope to finally meet you.
Quote from: ryk on May 19, 2009, 06:45:48 AM
There are so many RFers that we have not met yet, and at times that is my fault. I have a hard time recognizing everyone just from their pics. I have even introduced myself to someone thinking they were a friend from on here and found that they never heard of our forums. Made a new friend, just not the one I expected. So, if you see m'lady and me hail us and say hello. This weekend she will be wearing a purple/lilac bodice and skirt or the blue and white Irish in our pic. Since it will be warm, I will likely be wearing a sleeveless white scottish shirt with reddish pants and black boots and a gray mushroom hat. I have a "Superman" shield on my left arm that is visible with the sleeveless. Hope to meet some of you that we have never met...remind me where the meet and greet will be this weekend and we will try to get there this time.
I do hate to see final weekend come around, tis sad and wonderful at the same time. But, the countdown to TRF begins and we hope to make the hop down there for 2 weekends this year. Also, Oklahoma R/F runs the weekend after Scarby and thought we might run up to Muskogee...
There's also one in Hillsboro, - there's a Fantasy Faire in June? or July and a small RF in late sept. It's small but its there. I plan on going to this one as well.
I will be making an appearance on Sat., with my little pirate in tow (as well as the biggest part of my camping group from TRF "Clan Procrastination") if you see me say hi! Warning hair is WAY shorter now than in my pic.
Anyone know if they're selling utilikilts at scarby? I know they sell them at TRF....
There are a couple of vendors selling casual kilts but I haven't seen anyone selling utilikilts.
Quote from: knightofistari on May 19, 2009, 11:31:50 AM
Anyone know if they're selling utilikilts at scarby? I know they sell them at TRF....
Try the Scot Shop over by Nooblers. I don't remember if those were utilikilts but they looked similiar.
Those are Komando Kilts - similar, but not exactly Utilikilts. They are the same ones that are at TRF.
I do hate to see final weekend come around, tis sad and wonderful at the same time. But, the countdown to TRF begins and we hope to make the hop down there for 2 weekends this year. Also, Oklahoma R/F runs the weekend after Scarby and thought we might run up to Muskogee...
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There's also one in Hillsboro, - there's a Fantasy Faire in June? or July and a small RF in late sept. It's small but its there. I plan on going to this one as well.
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That's true, forgot about Middlefaire and i do intend to make at least one SAturday in June and in September. I heard that the Lawton Ren FEst is moving to the fall. Perhaps I will see you there.
Quote from: Var Greyshadow on May 19, 2009, 04:48:10 PM
Those are Komando Kilts - similar, but not exactly Utilikilts. They are the same ones that are at TRF.
Ah, maybe those are what I saw at TRF....thought they were utilikilts. My error...
Quote from: ryk on May 19, 2009, 09:07:55 PM
That's true, forgot about Middlefaire and i do intend to make at least one SAturday in June and in September. I heard that the Lawton Ren FEst is moving to the fall. Perhaps I will see you there.
Middlefair, I can guarantee it. Lawton RF? Doubtful.....thats pretty far from me now. Although I might have some friends I can crash with in my old hometown Wichita Falls.
Jean-Paul Flamino , the Pink Pirate , and his Briar Rose will be attending this weekend. Last weekend they were visiting the Pleasure faire in southern california. We would like to meet more people. I'll mention the meet and greet at Row 12 to him.
Keep your fingers crossed as Tristan Flamingo, Jean-Paul's brother will be delivering Jean's new steed to him this weekend and may even join us at the faire. He has been gone since TRF. Off wooing a spanish maid, who turned out to be a wench ::clears throat:: however he has found a lovely lady who is quite the Beatrice to his Benedict. ;D Lady Stitch will not let her come to the faire naked to say the least. I will see to it that she is a 'proper' lady at the faire.
Yes, I do so want to meet you and your Flamingos.
I am so very ready for it to be tomorrow night... so i can be on the road!
I needs me some faire...
Where be everyone today anyway?
*i needs some rum too!*
I'll see all you folks at the faire! I leave in approximatly 7 hours ;D Yay for getting to spend 4 whole days at the faire!!
Remember! Come to the Royal Joust at 11am, 2pm, and 6pm!!
Saturday, I may be in need of assistance to enact a wenching, should I find the required wenches to do so. ;)
The wenching will take place later on in the afternoon.
Secondly, I'm in need of a piece of floor to sleep on Friday (optional), Saturday, Sunday night, being that anyone is kind enough to spare it for me. I can't afford gas to drive back and forth each day in my truck (damn, I miss my Bug right now.) I can pitch in a bit of money towards the cost of the hotel room, which isn't much, but its better than nothing.
Quote from: eloquentXI on May 21, 2009, 11:03:46 AM
Saturday, I may be in need of assistance to enact a wenching, should I find the required wenches to do so. ;)
The wenching will take place later on in the afternoon.
Secondly, I'm in need of a piece of floor to sleep on Friday (optional), Saturday, Sunday night, being that anyone is kind enough to spare it for me. I can't afford gas to drive back and forth each day in my truck (damn, I miss my Bug right now.) I can pitch in a bit of money towards the cost of the hotel room, which isn't much, but its better than nothing.
gotcha covered on Friday night hun! let's see what we can do about Saturday night.
Elo, If you want there is room at the Knight's Inn ;D, Just ask!!
I appreciate it! We'll have to see how things go but thanks so much Martin, I'll keep it in mind. :-*
I was there on Sat, my first time ever.
I liked it. It was laid back and seemed more....family friendly. And not as many patrons were dressed up as they do at TRF.
One thing that bothered me is that I did not see or even experience any crowd actor interaction.....not like in TRF where I'm played with or just talked to by actors that are walking around. In fact, I saw many sitting or standing in groups talking together and not to patrons....
Maybe it was just that Saturday but not one actor talked to me the entire time, nor did I see them talking to others that weren't actors.....
Quote from: knightofistari on May 26, 2009, 02:11:38 PM
I was there on Sat, my first time ever.
I liked it. It was laid back and seemed more....family friendly. And not as many patrons were dressed up as they do at TRF.
One thing that bothered me is that I did not see or even experience any crowd actor interaction.....not like in TRF where I'm played with or just talked to by actors that are walking around. In fact, I saw many sitting or standing in groups talking together and not to patrons....
Maybe it was just that Saturday but not one actor talked to me the entire time, nor did I see them talking to others that weren't actors.....
Shame you didn't get any interaction because so many of them interact with people on a normal day! Maybe because it was Closing Weekend, maybe just happenchance?
Quote from: knightofistari on May 26, 2009, 02:11:38 PM
One thing that bothered me is that I did not see or even experience any crowd actor interaction.....not like in TRF where I'm played with or just talked to by actors that are walking around. In fact, I saw many sitting or standing in groups talking together and not to patrons....
I suspect that if they were sitting or standing in groups and talking they were not cast members but were playtrons. For example if you were over by the maypole from 2:00 to 4:00 those people standing around in grab talking were not cast members they were the QOH our scottish playtron groups. We have very active playtron groups and are often mistaken for cast member. The cast is normally very good about pulling people in to play, but closing weekend is were our playtron groups give out their awards, promotions, marching pins etc. so you will often see large groups of us standing around we are most likely doing that.
Maybe....it could have been the playtrons in groups......but I didn't see nor experience any interaction with anyone.....only during the parade did I see some actor/patron interaction but no one on one at all when I was there throughout Sat.
When I'm at TRF I'm at least have interaction once if not more throughout the day...
Do what I do... when it seems you have no interaction... initialize some yourself. My son and I met Voicebox at TRF by initializing some interaction with him and before long we had an entire comedy, wintery mime routine going and a crowd around us laughing. His giant fan came into play and I ducked and Jack Frost's magic snow was blown into the crowd and a huge applause errupted. Not one word was ever spoken between us but it went off so well it was as if we had practiced for weeks.
Even as Bubbles this weekend at Scarby (and never having been there before not knowing who is cast and who is not, and debuting a new character) When I was addressed by anyone I interacted back. Sometimes I would approach and start it myself. The only thing is I also tend to back off so as not to steal other folks thunder, such as Noobler, Twig, Sholo, and others... (faeries can be quite attention grabbing) ;)
Quote from: knightofistari on May 26, 2009, 03:44:22 PM
When I'm at TRF I'm at least have interaction once if not more throughout the day...
Interresting in all the years I've been going to TRF I think I've only interacted with the cast there twice. both times were very short less than five minutes. different places different experence. When I was up at greater Pitts a few years ago I had a cast member come up and asked me how come she had not seen me at the cast meetings before. Was very surpised when I told her I wasn't cast just visiting from Texas.
Quote from: knightofistari on May 26, 2009, 03:44:22 PM
Maybe....it could have been the playtrons in groups......but I didn't see nor experience any interaction with anyone.....only during the parade did I see some actor/patron interaction but no one on one at all when I was there throughout Sat.
When I'm at TRF I'm at least have interaction once if not more throughout the day...
Photo? What do you look like?
If it's a crowded day, it's hard to interact with EVERYONE (Saturday was crowded until the RRRN hit). If it's a slow day, we try not to over-interact with everyone, since some people start giving frowns and backing off.
Helpful to see a face and garb. Pleez?
Corp Capt Marga
Of the 7 years I have gone to TRF I have never interacted with the cast. I ran into the king once but it was at the Iris and Rose show.
The rogue and I had hopped to get a picture with the King and Queen at scarby before it closed, and we finally did. My rogue is easy to spot. ;D Unfortunately his flamingo brother had real life happen so he didn't get to join us but we still had fun. I swear I spend more time keeping an eye out for mundane wanting photos with him then actually looking for friends at faire. It was so much fun meeting everyone on Saturday. When we go to TRF we will have to manage to catch some of you there.
Quote from: captmarga on May 27, 2009, 05:49:31 PM
Quote from: knightofistari on May 26, 2009, 03:44:22 PM
Maybe....it could have been the playtrons in groups......but I didn't see nor experience any interaction with anyone.....only during the parade did I see some actor/patron interaction but no one on one at all when I was there throughout Sat.
When I'm at TRF I'm at least have interaction once if not more throughout the day...
Photo? What do you look like?
If it's a crowded day, it's hard to interact with EVERYONE (Saturday was crowded until the RRRN hit). If it's a slow day, we try not to over-interact with everyone, since some people start giving frowns and backing off.
Helpful to see a face and garb. Pleez?
Corp Capt Marga
I don't have a pic at this moment as my gf has the camera and has yet to download the pics to me. I was a pirate....red shirt, blue sash, big black hat....baldric with some plaid on it and a sword....brown suede swashbuckler boots.
It did seem a slow day, and I agree as a performer you have to know your crowd. If the days crowd is stand offish....then you can't invade their space.
Maybe I'm just not used to a different faire. It was more laid back to me at Scarby but honestly, I didn't see anyone interacting.
Again, maybe it was the day and may be it was just my luck.....I'm not trying to bash Scarby or the actors.......I'm just describing my experience.
As a member of the cast myself I can vouch for the bigger cast members on the fact that we were all going crazy this past weekend. There were so many people and you just can't interact with eveyone. Especially with Richard, Shannon, and Janna, you have to catch them when they're not moving about. If they're moving, they're usually headed somewhere important and don't have the time to stop. But if you follow them wherever they're going they'd be glad to talk to you. Richard is a really great guy, very funny too. And then his lovely queen is absolutely fantastical, and then bosslady Janna is amazing as well.
So, I guess what I'm saying is the same thing everyone else has said. If the cast doesn't interact with you.....interact with them first. I know for a fact that the jousting knights would be more than happy to stop for a little chat or a photo op when they're out wandering about the faire.
If you know where to look, and kinda know who is who, you will see interaction all over the place. We have many well garbed playtons and they are easily confused with cast to the outsider.
I just wanted to say that Memorial Day Weekend was my first trip to Scarby! I had a great time. Whoever said it is not better or worse than TRF, just different, was right on the mark. It was a wonderful faire! We will definitely be going back, maybe not every year, but it was certainly worth another trip.
It was wonderful seeing all of our friends from TRF there. Thanks to all of you who made us feel so welcomed.
Now..... Bristol in July and then All Hallow's Eve at TRF! Life is Good!
Quote from: dragonslayer808 on May 31, 2009, 12:03:07 AM
If you know where to look, and kinda know who is who, you will see interaction all over the place. We have many well garbed playtons and they are easily confused with cast to the outsider.
Should a first timer have to know who is who and where to look to see interaction?
I would think that it would be the first thing that happens to me when entering, and then something that happens throughout the park if not to me then someone else.
Like I said, maybe I just happened to miss every single payed actor there, or maybe I looked unapproachable. It happens. I'm just stating that I didn't receive nor see any interaction going on throughout the entire day I was there. In fact, I interacted with many patrons that thought I worked there.....
I'm not trying to criticize or chastise anyone, as there could be many reasons why it never happened. But I don't think I should have to be familiar with the place in order to see or experience interaction going on.
Did I enjoy the fair? Yes, it was much more laid back and intimate then TRF. And my GF enjoyed it as it was much more Family Friendly then TRF.
I know so many regulars and cast at Scarby because any time I see someone in interesting garb I go up and start talking to them.
Sometimes my poor husband just rolls his eyes.
But I definitely do not lack for interaction.
Quote from: knightofistari on May 26, 2009, 02:11:38 PM
I was there on Sat, my first time ever.
I liked it. It was laid back and seemed more....family friendly. And not as many patrons were dressed up as they do at TRF.
One thing that bothered me is that I did not see or even experience any crowd actor interaction.....not like in TRF where I'm played with or just talked to by actors that are walking around. In fact, I saw many sitting or standing in groups talking together and not to patrons....
Maybe it was just that Saturday but not one actor talked to me the entire time, nor did I see them talking to others that weren't actors.....
I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers.....again....but I went to Scarby last weekend again and experienced the same results, exact same. In fact, this time I know for sure I was looking at the some of the actors but I saw no one being played with or interacted with that wasn't a stage performer
Maybe I'm just constantly in the wrong place...
Quote from: knightofistari on April 13, 2010, 02:19:37 PM
Quote from: knightofistari on May 26, 2009, 02:11:38 PM
I was there on Sat, my first time ever.
I liked it. It was laid back and seemed more....family friendly. And not as many patrons were dressed up as they do at TRF.
One thing that bothered me is that I did not see or even experience any crowd actor interaction.....not like in TRF where I'm played with or just talked to by actors that are walking around. In fact, I saw many sitting or standing in groups talking together and not to patrons....
Maybe it was just that Saturday but not one actor talked to me the entire time, nor did I see them talking to others that weren't actors.....
I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers.....again....but I went to Scarby last weekend again and experienced the same results, exact same. In fact, this time I know for sure I was looking at the some of the actors but I saw no one being played with or interacted with that wasn't a stage performer/or part of an act.
Maybe I'm just constantly in the wrong place...
It would seem that way good sir. Many of our cast members constantly play with paytrons, playtrons and cast members alike. Especially the children. I was a paytron for 6 years before I started working at Scarborough and I got my job BECAUSE the cast is so approachable and willing to play the lanes.
Quote from: knightofistari on April 13, 2010, 02:19:37 PM
Quote from: knightofistari on May 26, 2009, 02:11:38 PM
I was there on Sat, my first time ever.
I liked it. It was laid back and seemed more....family friendly. And not as many patrons were dressed up as they do at TRF.
One thing that bothered me is that I did not see or even experience any crowd actor interaction.....not like in TRF where I'm played with or just talked to by actors that are walking around. In fact, I saw many sitting or standing in groups talking together and not to patrons....
Maybe it was just that Saturday but not one actor talked to me the entire time, nor did I see them talking to others that weren't actors.....
I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers.....again....but I went to Scarby last weekend again and experienced the same results, exact same. In fact, this time I know for sure I was looking at the some of the actors but I saw no one being played with or interacted with that wasn't a stage performer
Maybe I'm just constantly in the wrong place...
Man...I gotta say you must be.
It's hard to even walk anywhere near the German Brothers without them coming out and playing with guests.
I was approached by the Fire Whip guy on the bridge...I spoke at length with Sarah the harpist.... All of Motley Players are constantly out in the lanes talking with people.
I spoke with Mark of Wine and Alchemy briefly.... The King.... Queen of Scotland.... lots of them.
Quote from: Merlin on April 13, 2010, 02:30:01 PM
Quote from: knightofistari on April 13, 2010, 02:19:37 PM
Quote from: knightofistari on May 26, 2009, 02:11:38 PM
I was there on Sat, my first time ever.
I liked it. It was laid back and seemed more....family friendly. And not as many patrons were dressed up as they do at TRF.
One thing that bothered me is that I did not see or even experience any crowd actor interaction.....not like in TRF where I'm played with or just talked to by actors that are walking around. In fact, I saw many sitting or standing in groups talking together and not to patrons....
Maybe it was just that Saturday but not one actor talked to me the entire time, nor did I see them talking to others that weren't actors.....
I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers.....again....but I went to Scarby last weekend again and experienced the same results, exact same. In fact, this time I know for sure I was looking at the some of the actors but I saw no one being played with or interacted with that wasn't a stage performer
Maybe I'm just constantly in the wrong place...
Man...I gotta say you must be.
It's hard to even walk anywhere near the German Brothers without them coming out and playing with guests.
I was approached by the Fire Whip guy on the bridge...I spoke at length with Sarah the harpist.... All of Motley Players are constantly out in the lanes talking with people.
I spoke with Mark of Wine and Alchemy briefly.... The King.... Queen of Scotland.... lots of them.
Yeah but aren't the German brothers an act/stage performers? I'm talking about when I'm at TRF and the actors not stage performers come up to me or someone else and interact i.e. play with the patrons with out being provoked too, funny jokes, outrageous comments. Make us dance or show us how to correctly walk with a lady, make us profess our love to a french woman, etc, etc.
I get it all the time at TRF. I've been to Scarby twice now and have received nothing and saw no one doing it, except stage performers such as Miguel from DJ&M or as you said, the German brothers.
I'm not trying to bust balls or say its not happening. It's just so far I've never seen it happen. In fact, at one point I noticed an actor moving some benches for the king and queen to enter somewhere, and he just moved them and stood there waiting.....
Maybe I am always in the wrong place....but I can't be all the time....
This past Saturday was my first time at Scarby and I had more interaction with the actors than I have ever experienced at TRF.
Quote from: LadyShadow on April 13, 2010, 03:06:58 PM
This past Saturday was my first time at Scarby and I had more interaction with the actors than I have ever experienced at TRF.
I completely agree. I've been to TRF once...and I don't intend on returning on my own. Scarborough however is another story entirely. I'd attend regardless of whether or not I went with a group. I'd go to Scarby solo if I had to....and have actually.
I don't spend a lot of time at TRF, however the times I have gone, I have not had ANY interaction with cast... in fact, often, I don't even know who cast is, as opposed to garbed patrons and playtrons.
I admit that most of my time is spent in or near Pecan Grove, but never does a day go by that I don't see a good deal of cast interaction with visitors, whether they be garbed or not. I know that there are times when acts (as opposed to cast) focus a little more on those dressed in 'danes than on those of us garbed. I don't know exactly why that is, other than those of us garbed are usually already sucked into the festival and will likely be returning, and the hope is that by interacting someone who doesn't appear to be as involved with the festival, they will draw another return customer. That being said, I usually see more cast in PG than I do when I'm in Holly Field, BUT, that is probably because I spend so much time there, and my time in HF is very rarely soon after Parade or during the chess match. I am also usually in HF on a specific mission to get somewhere and return to my group in PG, so I don't pay as much attention over there to the people. Nor do I peoplewatch over there much.
Quote from: knightofistari on April 13, 2010, 02:38:25 PM
Yeah but aren't the German brothers an act/stage performers? I'm talking about when I'm at TRF and the actors not stage performers come up to me or someone else and interact i.e. play with the patrons with out being provoked too, funny jokes, outrageous comments. Make us dance or show us how to correctly walk with a lady, make us profess our love to a french woman, etc, etc.
Yes, the German Brothers are a stage act. Scarborough Performing Company actors are a strong force in the lanes. There are certain times of day when a number of them are pulled out for shows (notably Chess Match, Parade, and Evening Court Dance), but generally they are covering most of the grounds and interacting with a lot of patrons.
Quote from: knightofistari on April 13, 2010, 02:38:25 PM
I get it all the time at TRF. I've been to Scarby twice now and have received nothing and saw no one doing it, except stage performers such as Miguel from DJ&M or as you said, the German brothers.
Quite possibly, because you are so familiar with the TRF actors, you see them more easily and so assume that they're more active than SAPA. Just as I probably see more of what SAPA does because I know each and every one of them on sight. However, I find it hard to believe that not a SINGLE performer was ever in your area interacting with anyone. And no, I am not saying that someone coming in the gates needs to know who the performers are to get entertained. I am, however, saying that perhaps you may be seeing what you want to see, which is "evidence" supporting your subconscious desire to find TRF to be a better faire than Scarby because it is your home faire. It happens. We all want to believe that our home faire is the best one out there in all aspects. Pride in your home faire is a good thing.
Quote from: knightofistari on April 13, 2010, 02:38:25 PM
I'm not trying to bust balls or say its not happening.
Are you sure? I'm sorry if this is coming off as a bit defensive, but I know how hard the members of SAPA work. I know how much of an effort they make to hit as many patrons as possible. They are not tied to a specific area of the faire like TRF performers (SAPA plays a one-on-one defense rather than a zone defense *grin*), so there are definitely ebbs and flows as to where people are throughout the day. But there is always interaction going on.
edited note: I am not saying that a One-on-One is better than a Zone or worse, just that the faires handle things in different ways. Neither one is better than the other...just different.Quote from: knightofistari on April 13, 2010, 02:38:25 PM
It's just so far I've never seen it happen. In fact, at one point I noticed an actor moving some benches for the king and queen to enter somewhere, and he just moved them and stood there waiting.....
1. It may not have been an actor. As others have mentioned, we have a very high playtron involvement level at Scarby. If it was one of the Royal Guard playtrons, then they were probably on duty attending the Royals. They do so in regular shifts. Our Royals rarely go anywhere without at least four RG with them.
2. If it was one of the SAPA Royal Guard, they were probably on duty. When they are attending the Royals, they don't tend to play as much, which is why they also work rotating shifts. When they are not on duty with the King and Queen, they play the lanes, but when they're on duty, they have to keep their focus on Richard and Shannon.
As for the rest of cast, I often see the Seahawks engaging patrons at the various eating areas, playing period card and dice games with them. Villagers tend to engage on a more one-on-one approach or sometimes in pairs, so aren't as hugely obvious as the court folks or the groups like the Seahawks or Gypsies. SAPA teaches its actors to do the smaller interactions as well as the large ones. I know that when I was on performing company, I specialized in what we call "Patron Conversations" and would do a lot of in-depth conversations rather than the big, comical bits. There were times when I would spend upwards from an hour with the same patrons, talking about everything from life at Court to how my character got dressed in the morning. Others, like Woodrat or Mervyn the Henchman, specialize in the bigger crowd-gathering bits.
Believe me, SAPA works their butts off. There are usually around 10,000 to 20,000 people on site every performance day, and only about 135 performing company members. They do their darnedest to interact with as many as those people as possible. At the end of the day their muscles ache, their feet hurt, and their bodies are exhausted, but they're still smiling because a lot of people had their days made just a little more fun because of what those performers did, no matter how hot it was or how wet it was.
Yeah, believe me, there is interaction in the lanes. SAPA has the aches and pains to prove it! :)
Well spoken Lys! I completely agree with everything you said!
Ok, we don't need the whole "my faire is better than your faire". I personally know several TRF cast members, which makes it easy to interact... as y'all know your cast on a more "personal" level than i do.
One thing is for sure... with the addition of Sherwood Forest, Texas has to be the greatest place in the country for faire goers.
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on April 13, 2010, 05:14:42 PM
Ok, we don't need the whole "my faire is better than your faire". I personally know several TRF cast members, which makes it easy to interact... as y'all know your cast on a more "personal" level than i do.
One thing is for sure... with the addition of Sherwood Forest, Texas has to be the greatest place in the country for faire goers.
Exactly! Only you said it a little more bluntly and less verbosely than I did. :)
And yeah, it's nice having so many festivals of so many types available to us in this part of the country.
Quote from: lys1022 on April 13, 2010, 05:26:14 PM
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on April 13, 2010, 05:14:42 PM
Ok, we don't need the whole "my faire is better than your faire". I personally know several TRF cast members, which makes it easy to interact... as y'all know your cast on a more "personal" level than i do.
One thing is for sure... with the addition of Sherwood Forest, Texas has to be the greatest place in the country for faire goers.
Exactly! Only you said it a little more bluntly and less verbosely than I did. :)
And yeah, it's nice having so many festivals of so many types available to us in this part of the country.
I'll interpret that for you Fraser... "little more bluntly" means straight forward and "less verbosely" means without all them fancy words and stuff.
Screw interactions, just point me to the pub...
It really depends on the area that you're at and honestly, think about just how many people walk through the gates every single day that the faire is open? They try their hardest to interact with as many as possible. I know many that simply sit down with people at tables and chat with them, interact in-character with them, adding to the entire experience. You're human, are you not? Remember that they are too, and they cannot be everywhere all the time.
I know how hard SAPA works so though your wording is not meant to, it is a little insulting for the amount of blood and sweat that goes into our beloved faire.
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OK Sat morning we did the plaid walk around the faire 118 walkers around 10 of who were cast member. At ever point we ask people to join us on our walk both grabed and those wearing street clothing. Sat Afternoon we held Scottish court around 20 cast member the rest QOH The court asked anyone who claim to be Irish grabed or not to come forward and join, then they did the same for anyone claiming to be French. Sat Afternoon in the peacon grove we had a picnic everyone around was asked if they would like to sit and have lunch with us. Same for Sunday. Both the QOH and the SRG did heavy reciruiting Sat and Sunday. Both Sat and Sunday there were dance classes were anyone around were ask if they would like to learn how to do court dancing. Not sure what else could be done to encourage interaction.
Quote from: blue66669 on April 13, 2010, 06:25:51 PM
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Yeah! What she said! Engage liver!
Quote from: Merlin on April 13, 2010, 05:29:49 PM
Quote from: lys1022 on April 13, 2010, 05:26:14 PM
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on April 13, 2010, 05:14:42 PM
Ok, we don't need the whole "my faire is better than your faire". I personally know several TRF cast members, which makes it easy to interact... as y'all know your cast on a more "personal" level than i do.
One thing is for sure... with the addition of Sherwood Forest, Texas has to be the greatest place in the country for faire goers.
Exactly! Only you said it a little more bluntly and less verbosely than I did. :)
And yeah, it's nice having so many festivals of so many types available to us in this part of the country.
I'll interpret that for you Fraser... "little more bluntly" means straight forward and "less verbosely" means without all them fancy words and stuff.
I've always found that being blunt as a baseball bat/mace saves time and doesn't shatter illusions later... part of me charm. ;D
Fraser, so THAT'S why your in "awesome" book!
Why, thank you, my dear... you get a double Rusty Nail next weekend! ;)
wooohooo
I do apologize if it sounds like I'm trying to say, "my faire is better then.." etc. I'm not. Heck, my gf likes Scarby better then TRF as she says its more family friendly and less bawdy.
I just must be missing it, I guess thats the only explaination.
Don't sweat it, friend... we are all more comfortable with what we know best. I'll be heading to Scarby, for my first time there, next weekend... party down at RenDezvous!
I can't wait to feel the vibe of Scarby...
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on April 14, 2010, 03:18:49 PM
Don't sweat it, friend... we are all more comfortable with what we know best. I'll be heading to Scarby, for my first time there, next weekend... party down at RenDezvous!
I can't wait to feel the vibe of Scarby...
No to mention having a snort of scotch with your new brother!