1) The Gambrinus Cup winner this year is REALLY good
2) VIP Parking is the ONLY way to fly.
I fully agree with you on the VIP parking!
Quote from: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on October 15, 2009, 04:46:55 PM
I fully agree with you on the VIP parking!
I don't know. Except for the slightly longer walk, regular parking isn't too bad if you get there early enough. And why would anyone come later than opening time? :)
Quote from: JimF on October 28, 2009, 01:44:07 PM
Quote from: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on October 15, 2009, 04:46:55 PM
I fully agree with you on the VIP parking!
I don't know. Except for the slightly longer walk, regular parking isn't too bad if you get there early enough. And why would anyone come later than opening time? :)
You know, that statement got me to thinking. When attending my home faire (MDRF) I almost always make it within half an hour of gate. Part of that is to get set up at the White Hart, and part is to socialize and grab breakfast. I use to try to make gate to see the opening show, but I really don't care much about that any more because I can never hear it for all the talking by the crowd.
When I go to PARF or CRF, all I'm concerned with is getting there before the first show. PARF doesn't start their shows until 11:30 or noon, so I'm in no hurry to make their gate. I'm not even aware of CRF even having an opening gate show. I'm not sure how much I'd be interested in it, as their royalty are entirely fictional (though I can never pass up inflicting some sheep-related pun on Tom, as he played a sheep baron up at VARF one year). My wife and I have tried socializing with the rennies at PARF, without much success. (I didn't find out about the PAFaireNetters until after MDRF started, so hopefully that will be remedied on our next visit). While we both know quite a few of the CRF community (and will meet with them, as we usually attend on IWG/A.F.R. invasion weekend), there aren't really any good places to meet up at faire, as there's no place to sit and drink besides the show seating and the food seating full of families. AFAIK, the standard gathering place at CRF (at least guild-wise) is in front of the Dragon and Unicorn, but there's only so much standing I can do before I have to sit down somewhere. Breakfast is free at the hotel, so I'm not in a hurry to get there for that reason. All in all, I'm not that motivated to make gate at the other faires I normally travel to.
Quote from: will paisley on October 28, 2009, 02:22:33 PM
Quote from: JimF on October 28, 2009, 01:44:07 PM
Quote from: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on October 15, 2009, 04:46:55 PM
I fully agree with you on the VIP parking!
I'm not even aware of CRF even having an opening gate show. I'm not sure how much I'd be interested in it, as their royalty are entirely fictional (though I can never pass up inflicting some sheep-related pun on Tom, as he played a sheep baron up at VARF one year).
CRF does have an opening gate show around 10am with their Lord Mayor who will bore you to death. They actually play the Johnny Carson Theme song as he enters, dear God! The Royals are always fun though and the King is exceptionally good.
Now this part is weird and I'm not sure why they planned it this way. There is a pre-gate show with the Nottingham Players starting around 9:30am and it's totally fantastic, upbeat, comedy, slapstick, and a great song or two with their whimsical characters. This show was cleary written by a very different individual outside of the CRF, perhaps even by the Nottingham director himself.
This first pre-shows gets you pumped up for more fun, and then the follwing show with the mayor falls totally flat and leaves you debating whether to even go through the gate or not ???
I would have switched the two around so as to build up, not build down.
seeing the Players hijack the mayor's bit would be fun ;D I didn't realize the pregate stuff started that early, quarter or 10 till cannon is as early as I've managed to show up so far.
I can sympathize with the other comments; there seem to be some things at CRF that have definitely lost their momentum having been repeated a few years.
Another Thing I Learned at CRF: Careful what trees you lean up against, resin in one's hair is not pleasant.
Quote from: shirefriar on November 02, 2009, 10:53:34 PM
CRF does have an opening gate show around 10am with their Lord Mayor who will bore you to death. They actually play the Johnny Carson Theme song as he enters, dear God! The Royals are always fun though and the King is exceptionally good.
Now this part is weird and I'm not sure why they planned it this way. There is a pre-gate show with the Nottingham Players starting around 9:30am and it's totally fantastic, upbeat, comedy, slapstick, and a great song or two with their whimsical characters. This show was clearly written by a very different individual outside of the CRF, perhaps even by the Nottingham director himself.
This first pre-shows gets you pumped up for more fun, and then the follwing show with the mayor falls totally flat and leaves you debating whether to even go through the gate or not ???
I would have switched the two around so as to build up, not build down.
Doesn't sound like it was planned at all - sounds more like the faire wrote the Lord Mayor bit and the entertainment director put the Nottingham Playersin to give the early birds something to watch (or for that matter, the Nottingham Players may have seen a bunch of people milling around waiting for the gate show and simply stepped in). The Tonight Show theme doesn't surprise me at all; after all, the king and queen are imaginary (ie, not historical) and the royal fanfare is (or at least used to be) the tune from Drunken Sailor. The faire very obviously doesn't take itself too seriously, and as long as I know that in advance, I'm fine with it. Concur about the King being exceptionally good - I had the opportunity to work with Tom for a short while at VARF and he was tremendous.
Hearing about the nature/quality of the gate show has started me thinking about the importance of plot (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=8342.0) again. In that thread, I was of the opinion that Joe Turkey Leg Patron couldn't care less about the plot and probably had no idea there is one. As you were describing the boredom of the gate show, I wondered if part of the problem is that it doesn't tie in with any storyline running through the day at faire. Then again, that may be my conditioning from MDRF and VARF.
The Nottingham players pre-gate show was indeed written by their director (who plays Willoby the chicken thief to anyone who is familiar in the slightest with the show..). Its an attempt to inject something new into the faire, which I've observed in the years I've been attending (this being my first year as a cast member) , relies heavily on its own traditions.
Quote from: RatherUnwieldly on November 03, 2009, 04:10:32 PM
The Nottingham players pre-gate show was indeed written by their director (who plays Willoby the chicken thief to anyone who is familiar in the slightest with the show..). Its an attempt to inject something new into the faire, which I've observed in the years I've been attending (this being my first year as a cast member) , relies heavily on its own traditions.
That last bit, tactfully put :)
I would call it a bit of comedic genius all on its own that their director plays the character he does.
Could be completely off base on my part, but it would seem to me that having more "in character" stage entertainment such as the Players is vital to making Joe Turkey Leg care more about the plot; otherwise people will keep looking at it as a state fair with some intermittent people who "dress up"
Quote from: will paisley on November 03, 2009, 09:04:38 AM
Doesn't sound like it was planned at all - sounds more like the faire wrote the Lord Mayor bit and the entertainment director put the Nottingham Playersin to give the early birds something to watch (or for that matter, the Nottingham Players may have seen a bunch of people milling around waiting for the gate show and simply stepped in). The Tonight Show theme doesn't surprise me at all; after all, the king and queen are imaginary (ie, not historical) and the royal fanfare is (or at least used to be) the tune from Drunken Sailor. The faire very obviously doesn't take itself too seriously, and as long as I know that in advance, I'm fine with it. Concur about the King being exceptionally good - I had the opportunity to work with Tom for a short while at VARF and he was tremendous.
I wield to RatherUnwieldly who might know more, but I think you're right. The Nottingham Players director must have clearly written the first show which is fresh and very funny. Something to note: they have a different show for each morning gate, very commendable. The fair would have been smart to just let the same dude rewrite the rest for them. I spoke to a lady at the front gate named Debbie who said how frustrating it was because the Players, who write/sing a good deal of music for the faire, had written some special tunes just for the gateshow and the band wouldn't play for them. They couldn't get any cooperation from the entertainment director either. Yet they play that Tonight Show music instead. What a waste. RatherUnwieldly said it best: they stick to their own traditions. Like most fairs and cliques, they probably don't like others with such talent comming in with better ideas.
Quote from: will paisley on November 03, 2009, 09:04:38 AM
Hearing about the nature/quality of the gate show has started me thinking about the importance of plot (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=8342.0) again. In that thread, I was of the opinion that Joe Turkey Leg Patron couldn't care less about the plot and probably had no idea there is one. As you were describing the boredom of the gate show, I wondered if part of the problem is that it doesn't tie in with any storyline running through the day at faire. Then again, that may be my conditioning from MDRF and VARF.
I feel you're right on the money. The Players tie in a storyline about shoe thieves which carries over to their shows and also with their appearances with the King and Queen, which are nothing short of genious sometimes. They broke into a hilarious song about the Queen having a wooden leg. Part of this success is Tom's quick wit as well as the Queens. They obviously all love playing off one another. It's the only storyline going. Joe Turkeyleg may not grasp it, but they sure laugh at it.
Quote from: Malkavian on November 03, 2009, 05:17:43 PM
I would call it a bit of comedic genius all on its own that their director plays the character he does.
Having seen this funny chicken thief entertain as he does, I would totally agree. He has a bag of tricks that they really need to teach others.
Quote from: shirefriar on November 03, 2009, 05:40:51 PM
They couldn't get any cooperation from the entertainment director either. Yet they play that Tonight Show music instead. What a waste. RatherUnwieldly said it best: they stick to their own traditions. Like most fairs and cliques, they probably don't like others with such talent comming in with better ideas.
That's sortof a shame. I've resolved to give some detailed feedback (which will undoubtedly be ignored but I feel like i ought to anyway) at the end of the season in which that iwll probably be mentioned.
Having gone for four years now, I suspect a good deal of it is also a "it's not broke, so why change it" mentality in that the faire as it is satisfies the vast majority of patrons, so there's not a compelling reason to change things up.
I hope that attitude doesn't drive away the Players next year, it will be a major loss.
Wow, I've been forward this forum as well as the one specifically about the show to the Nottingham director and we and the rest of the players want to extend our gratitude to you all for the interest and support :D
Out of curiosity, ShireFriar and Malkavian, how could I identify you this weekend at faire, Willoby and myself as well as the rest of the Nottingham cast would very much like to know who's been speaking so highly of us..
If you happen to remember the twentysomething guy with glasses early sunday, with the camera glued to his face :-[ uh yeah hi ;D
I could dig up a photo of myself if that would help :P
haha, I think I remember you! Dark hair?
Yep, and green coat, glasses.
They have a gate show.......wow, what I miss because of Tailgate....
Quote from: Lairde Guardn MCrack on November 04, 2009, 04:09:45 AM
They have a gate show.......wow, what I miss because of Tailgate....
From the sound of it you come out the winner sir ;D
Quote from: shirefriar on November 03, 2009, 05:40:51 PM
I wield to RatherUnwieldly who might know more, but I think you're right. The Nottingham Players director must have clearly written the first show which is fresh and very funny. Something to note: they have a different show for each morning gate, very commendable. The fair would have been smart to just let the same dude rewrite the rest for them. I spoke to a lady at the front gate named Debbie who said how frustrating it was because the Players, who write/sing a good deal of music for the faire, had written some special tunes just for the gateshow and the band wouldn't play for them. They couldn't get any cooperation from the entertainment director either. Yet they play that Tonight Show music instead. What a waste. RatherUnwieldly said it best: they stick to their own traditions. Like most fairs and cliques, they probably don't like others with such talent coming in with better ideas.
My first question (which RatherUnwieldly can probably answer as well) is whether the Nottingham Players are actual cast (who are required to show up for the entire rehearsal process) or just performers (who typically don't show up until opening day, and are not generally included in the planning process). Any set material cast members are going to perform have to be learned and rehearsed, and this ideally starts during the first few weeks of rehearsal. Musical numbers can be even more problematic; ideally the musicians would have the music before rehearsals for cast even start. I remember the lead of our minstrels guilde being handed a stack of brand new dance music the first weekend of rehearsals. She had to tell the dance instructor that the guilde wouldn't be ready to perform all the music by opening day. I do agree, however, that there can be a "not invented here" attitude, especially if the people proposing the new ideas are new. Sometime a director can get so much advice that they develop an attitude of "If everybody's going to tell me how to do my job, what do they need me for?". On the third hand, I understand the appeal of playing the Tonight Show. People, especially people like Joe Turkeyleg, often don't respond well to music they haven't heard over and over again. If you've ever performed music in front of an audience, you know that the phrase you'll hear over and over again is "Play something we know!". On the fourth hand, I've both heard about and witnessed firsthand some "issues" with management there (none of which I'd care to discuss on a public forum).
From what I was told by Tom, they're a troupe that's been around a very long time and apart from the cast. But unlike stage acts that don't show up till opening day as you said, they are unlike any other in their dedication. The director or creator of the group has been on site months rehearsing them and writing new material just for this faire. That's dedication to a fair and your actors.
My hat's off to you Ratherunwieldly for all you've given us.
Quote from: will paisley on November 04, 2009, 09:42:04 AM
Quote from: shirefriar on November 03, 2009, 05:40:51 PM
I wield to RatherUnwieldly who might know more, but I think you're right. The Nottingham Players director must have clearly written the first show which is fresh and very funny. Something to note: they have a different show for each morning gate, very commendable. The fair would have been smart to just let the same dude rewrite the rest for them. I spoke to a lady at the front gate named Debbie who said how frustrating it was because the Players, who write/sing a good deal of music for the faire, had written some special tunes just for the gateshow and the band wouldn't play for them. They couldn't get any cooperation from the entertainment director either. Yet they play that Tonight Show music instead. What a waste. RatherUnwieldly said it best: they stick to their own traditions. Like most fairs and cliques, they probably don't like others with such talent coming in with better ideas.
My first question (which RatherUnwieldly can probably answer as well) is whether the Nottingham Players are actual cast (who are required to show up for the entire rehearsal process) or just performers (who typically don't show up until opening day, and are not generally included in the planning process). Any set material cast members are going to perform have to be learned and rehearsed, and this ideally starts during the first few weeks of rehearsal. Musical numbers can be even more problematic; ideally the musicians would have the music before rehearsals for cast even start. I remember the lead of our minstrels guilde being handed a stack of brand new dance music the first weekend of rehearsals. She had to tell the dance instructor that the guilde wouldn't be ready to perform all the music by opening day. I do agree, however, that there can be a "not invented here" attitude, especially if the people proposing the new ideas are new. Sometime a director can get so much advice that they develop an attitude of "If everybody's going to tell me how to do my job, what do they need me for?". On the third hand, I understand the appeal of playing the Tonight Show. People, especially people like Joe Turkeyleg, often don't respond well to music they haven't heard over and over again. If you've ever performed music in front of an audience, you know that the phrase you'll hear over and over again is "Play something we know!". On the fourth hand, I've both heard about and witnessed firsthand some "issues" with management there (none of which I'd care to discuss on a public forum).
many pardons if I'm highjacking this thread but I too would like to share what I learned at CRF this past weekend;
1. Playing in the dark can be soooo fun
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn296/adurso/Faire/IMG_3084.jpg)
2. It's no wonder there is a thread called "Things that make me think of Molden" and Lady M wears enchanted chainmaille
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn296/adurso/Faire/IMG_3090.jpg)
3. If I don't stay still and stop cavorting I'll never get to see any of the great shows
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn296/adurso/Faire/IMG_3088.jpg)
4. Keep a close eye on your chaperone when on a pub crawl........
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn296/adurso/Faire/IMG_3099.jpg)
5. The Royal Guard Drum Jam is not to be missed
6. The Raven/Jeremiah Wiggins continues to completely delight
7. and the crepes are quite delish!
I'd like to know more about playing in the dark!
Quote from: Femme Falchion on November 05, 2009, 01:07:10 PM
many pardons if I'm highjacking this thread but I too would like to share what I learned at CRF this past weekend;
I could hardly object to the arrival of someone with such an amazing reputation now could I? ;D
So gracious! Amazing reputation? Have we met? I do love just the notion of a reputation! ;D :D ;)
Shirefriar & Malkavian this history ignorant neo-hippy ;) shall be returning again tomorrow to enjoy the best fantasy / giant beer party in the woods. Please introduce yourself if you recognize me (or my reputation in tow) since I have no images to identify you.
Ah me fair Femme....me sees you will be at faire on the morrow....I am looking forward to seeing you again!
...that droppin' in for a cold one at the end o' the day is no simple thing!
1 hour from the last turn off of Davidson-Concord Rd t' the turn t' enter the grounds. I was blown away at th' number of folks (TONS of 'em) that were going in at 3 pm!!! Who'd a thunk? I mean - I'm a season pass holder, so poppin' in for the last few hours is no biggie. What surprised me was the number going in for the last few hours and paying FULL admission! WOW!
That the parking attendants are a "little challenged"... Seriously - not the sharpest knives in the drawer.
It got better at the gates tho - The lass that handled my pass at the ticket booth asked how long I was in traffic to get there. I told her about the hour wait and the parking gig...to which she immediately apologized. I grinned and looked back over my shoulder at the parking lot and asked "You got THAT kinda power??? To affect all of THAT?!?!" and winked at her. She laughed and thanked me for understanding. Seriously - not her fault. She said that many coming in thought it was...geez.
But it was all worth it after wading through the dust and MASS of humanity to get a cold beer, find my Lady, her "Sister", and many goode friends hangin' out in their usual haunt. 8)
Molden,
The first year I came to Carolina the parking attendants were trying to pack the cars in bumper to bumper, no lane between to pull out. That is until people noticed what they were doing and refused to move. Management came out and corrected the situation though.
Quote from: Molden on November 08, 2009, 10:10:06 PM
...that droppin' in for a cold one at the end o' the day is no simple thing!
1 hour from the last turn off of Davidson-Concord Rd t' the turn t' enter the grounds. I was blown away at th' number of folks (TONS of 'em) that were going in at 3 pm!!! Who'd a thunk? I mean - I'm a season pass holder, so poppin' in for the last few hours is no biggie. What surprised me was the number going in for the last few hours and paying FULL admission! WOW!
That the parking attendants are a "little challenged"... Seriously - not the sharpest knives in the drawer.
It got better at the gates tho - The lass that handled my pass at the ticket booth asked how long I was in traffic to get there. I told her about the hour wait and the parking gig...to which she immediately apologized. I grinned and looked back over my shoulder at the parking lot and asked "You got THAT kinda power??? To affect all of THAT?!?!" and winked at her. She laughed and thanked me for understanding. Seriously - not her fault. She said that many coming in thought it was...geez.
But it was all worth it after wading through the dust and MASS of humanity to get a cold beer, find my Lady, her "Sister", and many goode friends hangin' out in their usual haunt. 8)
A friend of mine portrays Thomas Tallis at another faire, and is usually working the lanes, dressed in killer nobles garb and playing a small ship's spinet (virginal), whihc is basically a small harpsicord. One day a lady walks by him, and after he gives his standard greeting of "Well met, milady, and how fare you this den?", replies with "F*** you and your little piano, where's the beer?". Turns out that the lady spent TWO HOURS waiting in line to park, then waiting in line to get a ticket. Given the heat, her first priority was getting something cold to drink.
Since someone else already hijacked this thread (theoretically), I'll add my what I learned as a returning visitor.
I definitely like getting there 15 - 20 minutes before the gate opens, but I could easily be persuaded to leave around 1 PM :)
I found I still know how to use a bow and arrow without hurting myself, or others (at least not intentionally!), after 40+ years. Despite the poor quality bows and arrows at the archery booth, I still managed to put all but 2 of the arrows into the target. Of course, I also got reminded about why one should wear a archer's bracer. The nasty red, black and blue discoloration on my arm should be gone in a week or so!
Finally, food. My only dislike of the faire is that the food is pretty mediocre and a bit too pricey. So what I learned was to eat a large breakfast before going and just snack when needed during the day.
A very enjoyable day, again. Nexzt year, season pass? Costumes? Probably.
Quote from: Molden on November 08, 2009, 10:10:06 PM
That the parking attendants are a "little challenged"... Seriously - not the sharpest knives in the drawer.
This being the true source of my VIP parking comment. The walk doesn't bother me, it's the rest of the ordeal.