Great Lakes Medieval Faire UPDATE!!!

[Scott Hendricks GLMF ent dir]

Ahoy one and all! I thought I would update you on the upcoming season.
We are working hard to make 2008 the best year ever and are bringing back many of your favorites and also some new acts. So far for the 2008 Great Lakes Medieval Faire we have:

-Broon
-Johnny Phoenix
-Zolton the Adequate
-Thom of Bedlam (Pirate Magician)
-Foolhardy
-The (Water) Dragon Show "Dragon Tails"
-Porter and Stout
-Silent Lion
-Maiden’s IV
-Menagerie
-Elysium (formerly Emuziki / new guitarist)
-Amadon Crest
-Axel the Sot
-Rio Blue
-Barret the Piper
-Judy Plester
-Michael Manderin

This, by no means, is a complete list (acts like the Mud show, Washing Well Wenches, Owen etc... are expected back). There will be more to come, negotiations continue and we are searching out additional talent. If you don’t see someone on the list, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be here. I wanted to let everyone know the progress that is going on in the entertainment division.
Also for 2008 we are working on the idea of having contests (with real prize money) for Pipe Bands, Vocal Groups and/or other categories that would fit with our Medieval theme. It is only in the planning stages and if it comes to light an official notice will be posted. I would be interested in how people might like this idea. There is a lot of local talent out there and we would like to see it.

-About Cast:
Auditions will be in the Festival office March 15, 16 & 29, 30 from 10:00 till 3:00. Look for an upcoming thread by Sara (production manager) for complete details.
This year expect “Scenario Light”. Less scripted scenes/shows and far more interaction in the lanes. We will be concentrating on fully realized characters that will truly bring much life to the village streets. We hope to bring in additional seasoned performers to help with the cast classes, to give the cast more ideas and tools to work with (not to mention having more fun).

As I stated, this is just some of the entertainment and ideas to look forward to in 2008. I expect to update you all again in the future.

I hope everyone had wonderful Holidays and I will see you all at the Faire!!!
-scott (axel the sot) hendricks e.d.

[Lady Catharine]

Gramercy for the update!

Nice...This sounds like a fun year..

agree?

[Nightshade]

Wow. This year sounds like it will be even better than last year! Of course, with you as E.D., Scott, I wouldn't expect anything less.

As to the contest thing, that might be more of an incentive to draw more local talent to our Shire. Would a bluegrass band be eligible? I know a group that's willing to dress in either hillbilly garb or pirate garb if they're accepted. The band would like to try and perform for at least one weekend. None of them have internet access, so any information on how they can audition would be wonderful.

Looking forward to hearing more updates whenever you get around to posting them!

[Scott hendricks]

Once we figure out how we might be able to do this (the contest), a thread will be posted with lots of details, instructions, prizes and rules on how to participate (keep your fingers crossed). Huzzah!

[Xian Jung]

Will there still be combat chess?, you can message me privately on here or at [e-mail] if you wish

[Higgins]

Huzzah! What a wonderful selection of talent you've already rounded up! Thank you for the update, I've been dying to hear any "real" news about GLMF. I am thrilled to see groups like The Maiden's and Emuiki/Elysium return, and am looking forward to a few new acts too! I have to admit I was afraid that being busy with running the entertainment, Scott wouldn't be able to appear as one of my favorite acts, Axel the Sot! While I hope that opening gate, the chess match and other events still take place, anytime you can manage to have more interaction with poeple in the lanes is bound to have a positive effects.

[Sir Trevor]

YAY!

2008 is looking great!

Nice selection of acts already signed.
Can't wait to see the final list.

I love the idea of a pipe band competition.
I am sure there are some great local bands and it would be good to get them some exposure. (and possibly find a new returning act for our faire. )


And of course. Any time you can keep more cast in the lanes, it is a good thing.

Hopefully this will put any doubts about the 2008 season to rest.
Sounds like you will be hitting the ground running in you first year as ED.

[Scarlett]

THanks for the update Scott! The Pittsburgh folks will be most pleased to hear of the new and returning acts. (What's this about E Muzeki and their new name?)

I am thrilled to hear that the cast will be free to do more improv interaction in the lanes. I was never a fan of scripted acts. One of the things I can't stand about PARF is the scripted routines.

The season approaches!

[Christine Prince]

The contest for bands sounds like a great idea. Really neat concept!

Do you know what shows you will still be doing with the cast yet?
Just curious! Will there still be a chess match?

Can't wait to see the great work you do Scott.

[Allyn]

Scott/ Axel......
Thanks for the info! Nice that you posted it, best wishes to you as E.D. Again looking forward to another great season!!!!
Allyn

[Mallory Fauve]

And just this past week I was wondering and longing to know when auditions would be. Very happy news.

[Sir Trevor]

Ooo!
Good to hear you want to come back

[Sawyer Coffin]

Wonderful news! I wonder if the classes would be open to playtrons? I'm new to dressing for faire and love to play my part even better.

[Sir Trevor]

No. The classes and such are only for the street cast.
The staff spends a ton of time working with them to help them become the quality crew we have come to expect.
Besides. There is no real set 'class'. The education and training happen during rehersals.
Which run every weekend for 3+ months before faire opens. Usually 8+ hours a day.
Not trying to rain on your idea, just giving a little insight into how things work.

[Nyneve of the Oakes]

Scott said:

-Elysium (formerly Emuziki / new guitarist)

OK - so I'm confused...

Both Jenny and Mark play guitar (Mark also playing Greek Bouzouki, and Jenny the violin/fiddle, respectively). So...does this mean one of them is being replaced or are they adding another guitarist?

Just looking for some clarification....