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Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
Inspired my Magic Shaun's "Busker's Diary" I have hereforth decided to set down my experiences with taking my art into the weird and wonderful world of the Renaissance Faire. I do this for twofold purpose, good gentles; first, that others may benefit from mine experiences and two, to provide an outlet for the quirks, frustrations and occasional pearls of wisdom that may drop like sops of wine from mine lips.
Thus, without further ado: September 22, 2013: On a whim, I decided to audition for the local Renaissance Faire; whether this was out of some misplaced sense of furthering my career or an inbred sense of masochism, I have not yet decided. Nevertheless, I put on my best Elizabethan garb (yes, it is called GARB- not a 'costume'. At least not if you are an SCA member. *** Rennies... *sniff*) filled my pockets with good visual effects and set off to audition. I arrived in goodly time, and by chance or design, was the ONLY applicant to be garbed! My mind boggles at this... why on earth would one not dress appropriately to audition? But I digress... Entering the offices of said Faire (which shall remain nameless mainly to protect against future 'things that bite thine arse' effects) I moved gracefully (in character, of course) to the desk and even before obtaining the prerequisite small mountain of paperwork, fell into conversation with none other than his Majesty. Of course, I did not *know* at this time that it was his Majesty, him being out of proper clothing. But ne'ertheless, we fell immediately into conversation/improvisation and got along quite swimmingly, truth be told. He excused himself after a time, and I turned my attention to said small mountain of paperwork. Grabbing my trusty quill and inkpot, I set about filling in the numerous blanks and answering the ludicrous questions posed me. I shall spare my good readers the sordid details, and suffice to say that the most pertinent part was the listing of mine abilities... which I say without undue pride are numerous. Imagine my surprise when there *was* no entry for magician! Therefore, I created one and filled it in, and then the rest of the forms. Upon turning in said volume of letters, I settled myself to wait, practicing my art and trying to ignore the screams and howls that were issuing forth from the closed door of the audition room. To this day, I am certain that some who went in did NOT come back out, and there was but one door. There were windows, however... Eventually, my name was called and I entered without trepidation (I have never been nervous at auditions or on stage. I credit my early involvement in theatre.) to find myself facing either a very small firing squad, or the directors of said Faire. The difference, I think, was only in the lack of firearms. I was told by a seemingly (remember that word) pleasant lady with hair of a most violent violet hue that my credentials were most impressive, and why had they not heard from me before? This gave me a moment's pause... I *could* have explained all that had transpired over the past years with the ill health of my wife, my care for her, and her eventual demise, but I settled instead for a wry grin and a simple summation: "Timing." This appeared to appease the lady, and the two trolls and one rather oversized gentleman next to her. I was then requested to 'prove my skills', which was accomplished easily enough by a combination of removing a strand of the lady's purple hair and transforming it into a purple silk (pure chance, I assure you... but if fate hands you something; work with it) which then proceeded to vanish inside my white silk, only to emerge a deep blue. The white silk was tucked away, and the blue silk was then made to vanish by some rather pernicious pixies who chose that moment to infest the room. The fae folk being attracted to fine things can be a problem... but I grasped one of the invisible creatures, ground it to dust and ate it with relish. Unfortunately, said pixie had it's revenge, for from my mouth began to issue a 40 foot long tapeworm of not unprodigious size. I must confess my body underwent some rather extreme and slightly embarrassing contortions in order to remove said worm, but I emerged victorious; if slightly breathless. As the general hysteria of the on looking firing squad began to die somewhat, I remarked I felt lightheaded and wondered if the others felt the same. As a test, it was agreed that a likely coin would prove a good test of the etheric conditions, and after a goodly spin, 'twas found that indeed, the pixies were still at play... for the coin didst float upon the thin air and dance about most gaily before returning to my hand, whence it was examined by my compatriots, who declared it a wonderful marvel indeed and declared that I had indeed proven mine skills. The lady then stated that I was accepted, and pointed me to her assistant, whom gifted me with another small mountain of paperwork to fill. Eventually, my image was captured; I was given the schedule of workshops and rehearsals. Feeling much elated by this fortuitous turn of events, I exited, but not before wishing my fellow compatriots luck with their own auditions. Thus ended the first day of what was to become a long journey; one which has of yet no end. So, gentle readers, I leave thee with the promise of another missive upon the morrow and thank thee for thy attention and indulgence.
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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Motley Mage Special user 572 Posts |
I am really looking forward to this saga, friend. I loved Shaun's journey, and I have no real intention to be a street busker. I do, however, have eyes on my local faire, so your tale will be both pleasurable to follow and instructive, I'm certain. Godspeed!
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Pizpor Elite user 476 Posts |
Well done Ekuth! Best of luck to you!
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Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
Thank ye, good gentlemen...
*picks up quill and inkpot* Now, then... where were we? Ah, yes. October 5, 2013: Following a rather frustrating exchange of missives with the violet haired lady from mine audition (thou doth remember that I named her 'seemingly' pleasant?) as to mine exact position within the hierarchy of the Faire, I attended upon that Saturday the Cast Picnic... But I would be remiss to gloss o'er the details of said exchange of missives, for indeed there is much that pertains unto the story- and to those whom might trod after me. The essence of same is this: To wit, that whilst other Faires may have had jongleurs (in the Renaissance, a jongleur was a street entertainer- what we would term a 'busker' today. They performed not only juggling, but also acrobatics, magic and not a bit of pickpocketing of the un-theatrical kind), mine own Faire had not! Indeed, in the many seasons that I have attended said Faire, I had ne'er seen another prestidigitator at all. Finding this an unacceptable situation was part of what prompted me to audition... but as I began to exchange missives with said lady (whomafter I shall call the ED- for Entertainment Director) I began to find that I was proving a bit of a puzzle to place within the Great Chain of Being. For those unfamiliar, the GCB doth determine thy place within society; whom doth rule o'er whom and whatnot. To break the Chain is to invite the wrath of their Majesties and, e'en worse, the ED. Normally, a jongleur or e'en an entertainer of any divers sort was considered just slightly above the foam on a chamber pot. To wit: the lowest level of society, beneath even peasant farmers. Needless to say, this would not pass. Now mistake me not, I bear no false pride and hath indeed done mine own share of menial tasks- but ***ed would I be if I 'twere to begin at the bottom after mine experience, training and years in the SCA. A Lord is loathe to become less than he is; this is but the nature of things. Also, with mine eye set firmly upon the coveted and highly contested for 'stage act/slot' category I was determined to raise myself above the mere common rabble. In sooth, I was already familiar with the strange and skewed divisions that exist between classes in the Renaissance Faire world and didst know that I would have to 'prove mine worth' as it were for the first year... but 'tis ne'er too early to string thy bow to hit thy eventual mark. Thus did the haggling begin between mine august self and the ED. As a Lord and son of a Lord, I would hardly belong among the peasantry- and yet 'tis not seemly for a Lord to express interest in things of the Occult and Arcane. The Church doth tend to frown 'pon such, and I have no desire to be burned at the stake for the sake of a French Drop. So, with very little to no guidance from the ED, I had to push/cajole/posit/jockey my way into one of the two courts present: The Lord Mayor's court, or Their Majesties. Either would benefit, if not openly, from a man of letters with an interest in Astrology, Mathematics and other... questionable entertainments. A historical precedent is easily found in the person of John Dee, who indeed did advise Her Majesty Elizabeth on many occasions. Thus reasoned, the ED was cajoled into me placing mine person socially above the common rabble... but this left me in a strange and tenuous position that continues unabated, sad to say, to this day. Am I a Lord visiting our village to catch a glimpse of their Majesties? Am I the Court Magician to either court? Who can say? One would think the ED, but alas... I fear I have been cast adrift on the winds of fate, at least for the nonce. This will be set forth in stone before opening day, that much I may assure thee. Some small talk and negotiation of contract followed, the gist of said being that all first year performers are as 'volunteers'... meaning, in the parlance of the people... no pay. However, to offset this somewhat, I obtained concessions that would allow me to solicit donations from mine audiences... in the shell of a nut, what I had hoped to obtain from the outset. Aim thy arrow high, but make thy true target somewhat lower and thou will succeed. (In short, I got my foot in the door at a closed venue which gets in excess of 3,000 to 5,000 people a day, easily... and I could busk for tips. All the while proving my worth and angling for that eventual stage slot... Hey, if an idiot can make a skeleton puppet and hat several hundred every show... there's potential there.) So, our negotiations more or less concluded, I attended the Cast Picnic. Again, I dressed in full garb and for measure, brought along my busking bag... for is not a prestidigitator always upon display? Sadly, other than the entertainment I brought to mine immediate compatriots, I found the event... disappointing. While it may have been meant as a 'welcoming' event to help First Years become acquainted with the Regular Crowd, it devolved as all such things do, into those who were new looking desperately lost and feeling left out while the already formed cliques within the Regular Crowd caught up and enjoyed genial company and exclusivity. A sad state of affairs, indeed; and one that I feign to admit displeased me greatly. Thus, taking advantage of one of those moments when attention is diverted elsewhere, I did what we of the Art do best... obtained the necessary handouts/flyers, smiled politely and proceeded to disappear from view. As I slipped away, I noted the next scheduled meeting was a workshop, and hoped that it would prove to be a more wholesome and educational experience. Fortunately, it was... but that is for the next missive, gentle readers.
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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Pizpor Elite user 476 Posts |
Applauds!! Very bold sir! Immediately work your way onto the court. I bow to you.
Quote:
Normally, a jongleur or e'en an entertainer of any divers sort was considered just slightly above the foam on a chamber pot. To wit: the lowest level of society, beneath even peasant farmers. That pretty much describes the route I went. Looking forward to your next post. |
Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
M'lord Ekuth-
Thy kindness in sharing thy theatrical experiences is much appreciated. I look forward to thy next delightful contribution to this ongoing missive! -Patrick |
Skeleton Veteran user Germany 318 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-12-16 22:58, Ekuth wrote: Speaking of the "idiot" you did not by chance mean the guy playing "Ded Bob" (http://www.dedbob.com/main.htm), or did you? Because if so I would like to know what makes you think of him that way?
To infinity, and beyond!
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Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
*waggles fingers* Ah, ah, good sirrah.
I named no names and cast no dispersions on any performer. If thou didst draw that conclusion, 'twas in thy own mind. In sooth, said skeleton refers to his 'partner' as an 'idiot' through the course of his performance, so e'en *were* I referring to said un-named act, t'would be no more than a quote from the artist's own script. All of which to the side, twould not be meet for a Gentleman to discuss such things in public. Let the rabble gossip if they wish. *bows*
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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Skeleton Veteran user Germany 318 Posts |
Ah OK, now I get it - sorry, I did not grasp the underlying humour!
To infinity, and beyond!
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Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
Ekuth, I'm trying to cut you some slack, here, but KEEP GOING!
Every time I manage to get the computer where there is internet (still, after 4 years, I don't have availability at the house, so have to haul my computer down the hill to my dad's house when I am going to visit) I check to see if you have put the next installment up. And I get stiffed. Again! Come on, man! Some of us actually get more from the Café than from TV. But the new show I want to see is not putting out the new episodes! On the other hand, you may be dealing with something unpleasant. If so, please disregard the above and take the following message to heart instead: Ekuth, I have been enjoying your posts on the subject of Ren Faire performing and I look forward to your next installment with eagerness. I will be patient and wait until you have the opportunity to post. I just wanted to let you know that these posts brighten my day. -Patrick |
Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
*chuckles softly*
My dear Mr. Woolery, thy flattery hast not fallen 'pon deaf ears. In sooth, I must confess that mine time hast been taken of late in the usual preparations and endurances that mark Candlemass and the New Year, as well as honing mine skills as a tailor. In short, I have been sewing copiously... which leads to mine next entry: *picks up quill and palimpsest* October 9th, 2013: With some small trepidation, but cautious optimism, I saddled mine steed and proceeded hence to the first of the required workshops/rehearsals on the rather copious list of dates that I had just committed mineself to; hoping that more fruit would be borne from this than the Cast Picnic. To which there was, and was not. I arrived in goodly time at the meeting spot, which I am displeased to say was not as close to mine abode as I 'twould prefer; but as our fellowship is diverse and resides across many hamlets in the larger kingdom here... some accommodation must be made for the good of all. One cannot expect all to travel to the far reaches of the Kingdom; not all are blessed as I in being so near to the Faire grounds. In sooth, 'tis but a short journey from mine abode to the very outskirts of the kingdom whereupon the Faire is held; notso for the others. And, with the thought in mind to soothe me that when they shall be sleeping in the cold and muck of the site... I shall be home and warm in mine bed each night; this makes things bearable. Though I have indeed spent many an eve under the shelter of my pavilion, crafted by mine own hands, the years doth press close upon me and remind me that I am no longer the cockrel I once was. Regardless, to the meat of the matter: We gathered and were given a prerequisite speech by the ED, whom by this time was beginning to look upon me as something of an irritant, methinks. I am meticulous by nature in mine business dealings, and despise those who dodge my questions and fiddle about with vauge answers. I am also extraordinarily stubborn and pernicious, rather like a crab who has seized a rock in a tempest and will resist the best efforts of a fishmonger to dislodge him. Alas, despite all the missives between us, I was unable (and to and extent still have been) to firm several key details of mine contract with said lady. Namely, the points in contention were which court I was to be attached to, and if I would have usage of the numerous smaller stages that grace the Fairegrounds. The first point would determine much of my persona and garb, whilst the second would determine which miracles and mysteries I would be presenting. There is a vast difference between strolling and working at a fixed location, or even locations. The less I would have to carry, the better; but being a performer of diverse talent, a wide variety of mysteries are at my disposal. With simple answers to these questions, I would happily become a persona non grata for the nonce... but alas, the ED has proven extraordinarily difficult to wring these same from. Let this be a warning unto others who may follow; and let them learn thusly from mine experiences. Regardless, after the speech, we were presented with a copious amount of paperwork that comprised the rules and requirements for garb for the various levels of society. With mine cap already set and claws clinging to one of the Courts, and being already a longtime member of the SCA, again I found myself ahead of the game and much of the information was already familiar to me. To my dismay, however, I found that my existing garb, though quite ornate... would not do. Some colors are reserved for the Royal family alone; purple being one such. One outfit off the list already. Also, each year the Royal family choses a color that will be their livery for the season; this year it is red and the variations thereof. That makes two sets of garb unavailable to me. The third fell blow I managed to... shall we say... weasel my way around due to my profession, and my flawless and well researched character. The blow was this: The color black. Now some, and indeed, most Renaissance Faire folk will tell you that black was an uncommon color during the Renaissance; owned only by the wealthy, as the dyes to produce it were rare and costly- and one would need to re-dye your clothing frequently. This, as anyone who has actually researched the period can tell thee, is part truth and part lie. If one studies period illustrations and portraits, one finds that black was indeed a very prominently used color; especially due to Spanish influence upon English fashion- not to mention the clergy. That it was expensive to obtain and maintain is a half-truth; this actually arises out of a dispute of the period that originated in the discovery of new plants from the New World that produced a superior black to that which the milliners used at the time. Needless to say, the discovery and resultant importation of this plant displeased the milliners; so much so that eventually there was a law passed restricting its use. Here we see illustrated one of the primary difference between the Renaissance Faire world and the Society for Creative Anachronism; one would think that on the surface of things, the Renaissance folk would be the far more educated and knowledgeable, but in sooth the reverse is true. Now this is a general truism; there are folk of both inexpert and expert leanings in both worlds. I believe that the issue is more one that the ED and management of Faires in general do not want to see a preponderance of dark clothing; preferring instead the brighter hues of the day. An aesthetic, rather than historically based preference. I can understand the aesthetic principle, but to cloak this under the guise of 'historical "fact"' rankles me. Little more was said or covered of worth during this session, but I did immediately consult with the lady who is in charge of approval of fabrics and colors for my class to obtain an exemption due to my profession. Those who practice the arts of levitations will understand why I sought certain pattern and color requirements. Fortunately, the lady was amenable, and my exemption was obtained- even to the point of using velvet, which is also frowned upon due to the difficulties in keeping it uncrumpled, clean and un-faded. Even a single season does horrid things to velvet... this I can attest to. That, and it's ***edably hot. So, I decide to set velvet aside, which had the effect of killing the remainder of the garb I was already in possession of. So alas, I would be expending coin and time to make new, and more suitable garb. But before I could set off on the Great Fabric Hunt, one must create and have approved a sketch of your garb; which was the requirement for the meeting after next. Finally breaking after an interminable amount of time (which I mainly spent practicing my coin rolls, catching the missed manipulations into my hat... practice, practice, practice...) we broke until the next week. So, gentle readers, I leave you with this missive and return to my tailoring... if thou desires, I can post portraits of the work in progress. More anon, but until then, I wish you all a Good Eventide.
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
Portraits and illuminations would be delightful and, well, illuminating!
-Patrick |
Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
I have not forgotten this, gentle readers... but I at the serious time crunch stage. We're three weeks from opening, so now that my sewing is done, my attention has moved to props and set routining. Likely I won't have time to sit down and finish this until after Faire, which will be April.
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
Understood. Please take a few minutes every day to make a personal note about lessons you learn or strange requests, though. It will help you write the rest and serve as a wonderful resource for your own use.
Thank you for undertaking this project and I hope you have a great season to share with us! -Patrick |
Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
Oh, fear not, good sir. I have an eidetic memory; everything I am exposed to goes in and is filed away for future review/need.
'Tis all locked in my noggin.
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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MagicDan3333 New user Sun Prairie, WI 38 Posts |
I too am seeking to perform at rensaissance faires. I have performed the last two years at a small faire but would like to get into a larger one. When I auditioned two years ago at Bristol, I was told I must master an English accent, charge my garb and magical effects. Still working on this. Would appreciate ideas..
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MagiUlysses Special user Kansas City 504 Posts |
Greetings and Salutations MagicDan
Bristol, eh? Great festival! Used to attend regularly, but haven't been in a few years. For the accent, you may want to visit http://www.accenthelp.com/. They have scads of accents. As to changing garb and magical effects, I'd ask for more direction. Were you too well attired - dressed above your station, or too lowly? Were you wearing the wrong colors or combination? - some festivals reserves purples, golds, red, and blacks for royalty, etc. Or was the cut and design of your garb either too modern or too medieval? With the right directives, I believe you could likely stroll through Bristol the Friday before Opening Day, buy everything you need, take it home for a quick wash and dry, and be good to go in the morning. Similar questions on the magic. If there's more than one magician, you don't want to repeat any effects, although, honestly, a fellow mage and I performed nearly the identical sets, back-to-back, busking and no one seemed to notice, and busker festivals and ren fests share much in common, including crowds and their ability to pay attention. If your effect were good enough to pass your audition, I'd talk to th ED and see why he's asking you to change up your effects and what he'd like to see you doing differently. Good luck and fat hats to you. Joe Zeman aka The Mage Unlysses |
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