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Post by CapnRedShirt on Aug 16, 2011 12:50:03 GMT -5
Yeah. You should have seen what the stages looked like before. And if you think some look a bit scary from the audience side, you should be back stage to get a better look at them. (There is a reason that the upper section of Johnny's stage doesn't get more use.) Part of the problem though, is the whole litigation issue. They can repair things, but they can't actually tear down and build new. (At least last I knew.) The other reason is organization and materials. IF I knew they had the materials on hand to actually rebuild some of the stuff, I would make time to get out there in the spring to do the work. I can certainly understand that. If I had the money (how often do I say THAT?!) I would go buy enough materials to build all the stages over again and donate it, but I don't. Oh well... maybe I'll win the lottery this week...
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Post by ivywoodwings on Aug 16, 2011 16:01:42 GMT -5
Great topic!
Off the top of my head if and I were Pope of the Universe, I would:
- Re-open the freakin' pubs. Yes, I'll be THAT person. Speaking as a responsible person over 21 who occasionally enjoys an adult beverage, I feel liike the town drunk nursing two beers clinking in my purse. Watch anybody who asks you "hey, where did you get the beer?" and then watch their eyes gloss over as you tell a long-winded story about Township Trouble and Fire-Trucks. They don't care and hey, there's a reason comedy clubs have a two-minimum. It honestly loosens up the laughs and the pocketbooks.
- Yes, book Circa Paleo NOW! Even if they can't do all weekends, book them for all they can. Hire an additional UPBEAT and louder musical band if possible. Few people feel comfortable joining into an audience if they are crashing a private show. Crashing a a loud, enjyoable party where you're not missing the plot is kinda fun however.
- Hire at least one show for kids that's not just volunteer cast members. Whether it's the Mud Show, the Water Dragon Show, or (in past) Fool Hearty, there needs to be at least one professional show that will appeal to both genders under 10 years old.
All in all, I work in the arts. I don't know much about Ren Faires (which is why it appeals to me a a paytron) but I know that killing your adult crowd and killing you family crowd leaves you with just the diehards in the middle. Yes, the diehards may spend more in a day indivually but the general public probably spends more as a whole throughout the season. Without the money to market research, the Powers To Be are just left to guess.
Knowing the demographic most of us on the site, we really need to base our thoughts on OTHER demographics to keep this faire alive. Us diehards will always be diehards - no matter the reasons and/or excuses. But we should know that the general public's money is what keeps the event viable year after year.
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Post by blueguy on Aug 16, 2011 22:03:13 GMT -5
Honestly, I can live without the pubs too. I get a little tired of fending off drunken trash that has decided to throw itself in my direction. With the pubs it was a daily thing, since they are gone it only happens seasonally. (then again, i'm getting old and may just not be all that cute anymore). More honestly we all know what needs to happen to see the pubs return... So no breath holding. I am with Ivy on the need for kid shows. Lots of them around and they just need something to keep them busy at the end of the day when all the comedy shows start into the adult shows.
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Post by bunbun / Hank on Aug 16, 2011 22:07:05 GMT -5
I have to agree with Blueguy on that point. If I hear Barrett play once, that is enough bagpipes to last me for a year! When the Geauga Highlanders were there I just made it a point to be somewhere else. With the exception of Amazing Grace, every tune played on a bagpipe sounds like every other tune played on a bagpipe.
HANK.
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Post by Seriously on Aug 17, 2011 7:47:46 GMT -5
- Re-open the freakin' pubs. Yes, I'll be THAT person. Here! Here! Let the adults buy an ale if they want. You honestly think that closing of the pubs has stopped the people that want to be stupid drunks? It just made it cheaper for them. Open the pubs, I'm lazy, I don't want to carry a cooler any more.
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