Hey Hey and Away We Go!
Just the other day I got ahold of the Entertainment Co-ordinator for the Renaissance Faire of the Midlands in Council Bluffs IA, and I'm happy to report that we've been invited to attend on a "volunteer" basis for this year... a gig that I understand will serve as our audition for next year as well. I'm really excited about the opportunity... I've been wanting to become involved in RFotM for a long time now, and I finally managed to wedge a toe in the door. Now we've just got to get over there and do our utmost to show them we have a valuable product to offer.
We won't be doing stage shows, and we won't be setting up our pillory... we'll be strictly strolling characters... which is cool as it's how I originally envisioned the group operating. I do believe I'm going to haul the shrew's fiddle along, probably more as a prop than anything else. This faire has a very strict "hands off" policy, meaning you never touch a customer or patron unless they invite the touch or touch you first. It reminds me of working at the childrens theater, which had the same policy. It's understandable of course... but the funny thing is that this is a rule I have ALWAYS abided by at faire. I certainly don't want strangers in funny clothing to start accosting my physically without permission. At least buy me dinner first!
We're also looking at an opportunity coming up in mid August at a new event in Charles City Iowa. I like first year events... they sometimes don't get the attendance of other faires, and start-up events cant pay like established events, but I really enjoy helping people get their event up an running, and the more faires that exist out there, the more opportunities become available... not just for us, but for other troupes, merchants, artisans and such.
I've also been made aware that the Great Plains Renaissance Festival in Witchita KS may be looking for entertainment in the fall. Not exactly sure what their dates are yet, as their web site hasn't been updated after their spring event. You may recall that I wrote an event summary for this event that I had hoped would be published in the Regional Renaissance Reporter, but never did because I missed the submission deadline. I know they already have at least one pirate group there, and sometimes with a small faire one is enough... but it's still worth the attempt. I've been wanting to get our group wider exposure outside of Nebraska and Iowa, and Witchita is only a two hour drive from my front door, as opposed to the 6 and 7 hour drives for some of those Iowa events.
I got a chance to talk to the performer who quit our group after NRF, and he says he just isn't having fun anymore. I can understand reasoning like that... I have always said that if it isn't fun, you should stop doing it. (Unless it's something like taking insulin shots, of course) He told me the stress levels were too high... not sure what was causing him stress, but heck... we all burn out or get tired of things. It was just his time. I'm trying to decide if I will continue in my participation in his entertainment group... he's the one who runs the pirate themed karaoke nights. It's not a tit-for-tat situation... revenge is NOT part of my thinking pattern. I'm just not sure if I can remain unemotional enough to keep our relationship on an even keel. It may be better if I simply bow out and concentrate on my company instead.
Anyway... that's the new stuff from around here for now. I have a feeling it could be an interesting summer after all!
PEACE!
We won't be doing stage shows, and we won't be setting up our pillory... we'll be strictly strolling characters... which is cool as it's how I originally envisioned the group operating. I do believe I'm going to haul the shrew's fiddle along, probably more as a prop than anything else. This faire has a very strict "hands off" policy, meaning you never touch a customer or patron unless they invite the touch or touch you first. It reminds me of working at the childrens theater, which had the same policy. It's understandable of course... but the funny thing is that this is a rule I have ALWAYS abided by at faire. I certainly don't want strangers in funny clothing to start accosting my physically without permission. At least buy me dinner first!
We're also looking at an opportunity coming up in mid August at a new event in Charles City Iowa. I like first year events... they sometimes don't get the attendance of other faires, and start-up events cant pay like established events, but I really enjoy helping people get their event up an running, and the more faires that exist out there, the more opportunities become available... not just for us, but for other troupes, merchants, artisans and such.
I've also been made aware that the Great Plains Renaissance Festival in Witchita KS may be looking for entertainment in the fall. Not exactly sure what their dates are yet, as their web site hasn't been updated after their spring event. You may recall that I wrote an event summary for this event that I had hoped would be published in the Regional Renaissance Reporter, but never did because I missed the submission deadline. I know they already have at least one pirate group there, and sometimes with a small faire one is enough... but it's still worth the attempt. I've been wanting to get our group wider exposure outside of Nebraska and Iowa, and Witchita is only a two hour drive from my front door, as opposed to the 6 and 7 hour drives for some of those Iowa events.
I got a chance to talk to the performer who quit our group after NRF, and he says he just isn't having fun anymore. I can understand reasoning like that... I have always said that if it isn't fun, you should stop doing it. (Unless it's something like taking insulin shots, of course) He told me the stress levels were too high... not sure what was causing him stress, but heck... we all burn out or get tired of things. It was just his time. I'm trying to decide if I will continue in my participation in his entertainment group... he's the one who runs the pirate themed karaoke nights. It's not a tit-for-tat situation... revenge is NOT part of my thinking pattern. I'm just not sure if I can remain unemotional enough to keep our relationship on an even keel. It may be better if I simply bow out and concentrate on my company instead.
Anyway... that's the new stuff from around here for now. I have a feeling it could be an interesting summer after all!
PEACE!
posted by ESV at 7:32 AM
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