Working at Faire?

[Rookie]

Greeting all,

I am fairly new to the faire scene and was really looking forward to auditioning and trying to make cast this year. The original intent of this missive was to ask for some hints/tips for the faire season, but now I am not so sure.

I have been reading the articles on this board and the now defunct GLMF main board. And I really must say that I'm not so sure I want to work at Faire (at least this one) after all. So I guess my revised question is "Is it really that bad?" The last few weeks have brought nothing but the bad side of faire out. Is there anything good and fun about GLMF? Or has it become a chore for those of you who work the faire normally? And I guess I'm wondering, if it is that bad why do you come back? Surely there must be some reason, I thought I saw it but now I am not so sure. Is GLMF the place to "test my wings" so to speak? Or has it become a putrid, infected sore on the back of the faire circuit? Any thoughts?

I hate to be so pessimistic, but while I once found the idea of working a faire exciting and something to look forward to, I now am approaching with a sense of dread of fear...and I have never even set foot at a faire before! I am, however, interested in hearing your thoughts before I make up my mind. Maybe this can be a celebration of the good things of faire, a raison d'etre. Maybe in just pointing out the good things, the bad won't seem so bad.

Yours in Service,
A disillusioned rookie

[Sir Trevor]

While I only speak for myself, I must say that faire is 'worth it'.
Yes it is still fun.

What you have been seeing is a bunch of us old time / hard core friends of the faire talking about things that can be improved with the faire.

No matter how good something is, there is always room for improvement.
So if you are still interested in trying out, I say go for it.

Faire is what you make of it.

There might be things that I don't like, but I sure am going to enjoy everything that is there as much as I can. And one of the things I always enjoy is the cast. They are fun to interact with, and always fun to watch.

[Magda]

I'm not sure whether I can alleviate your fears, but I'll tell you what I thought of my summer at the faire.

I was new to the volunteer GLMF cast this past summer (2004 season). During the rehearsal process and the season itself, I really enjoyed myself. I had an enormous amount of fun as a character and I feel I learned a lot about interactive theatre. I made a lot of friends and I found that the experience was definitely worth having. Much of the animosity and negativity surrounding faire did not become apparent to me until it hit the official faire boards last month.

Personally, I have not lost all faith. The faire was a huge growing experience for me, and while I have my reservations, I think that I will probably audition again this year. Depending on the experience and other unrelated outside factors, I will see if I will be able to be part of the cast.

Not exactly advice, but that's my take.

[Patty Chophouse]

Faire is an absolute blast. Yes, a lot of drama hit the fan over the past month, and a lot of dirty laundry was aired. But being on cast is incredible fun.

Yes, there is negative drama. But it's a group of actors, so that's kind of expected - I've never been in a play, faire, show, whatever that didn't have a hefty share of histronics and drama and overreactive actors. And the drama was usually good for some entertainment and inside jokes, at least if you weren't embroiled in it.

Being on cast is hard work. You're probably going to be on your feet almost constantly for about 7 to 8 hours each Saturday and Sunday during the faire season (I swear I lost 15 pounds over the faire season). You have to keep a high energy level all day, and remain in character, and be outgoing and interactive with patrons, even if you're more of an introvert. You have to stretch and grow. I can almost guarantee you that after a season of faire, though, you probably won't have any trouble dealing with strangers!

But I wouldn't miss faire for the world. You couldn't pay me to stay away. You collect a huge amount of stories--so many of my conversations still end up with "One time at faire...". There's an insane cameraderie that develops among the majority of the cast; they become instant family.

You learn a lot, too. You learn to improvise. You learn how to develop a character, and how to speak in dialect; you learn how to perform street. You learn all sorts of crazy cast games like psycho circle ("Quarter pounder!" "With cheese!").

And best of all, you get an extra two months of faire!

And look at it this way. Even if this season turns out to be a huge disappointment for long-time fairegoers because they'll be comparing it to past faires, it'll be your first time, and I can assure you that you'll have a lot of fun. With any luck, future seasons will be better, so your faire experience will only improve with the seasons. You won't be starting on a high note and watching faire decline; you'll be starting on a lower note (which will still be enjoyable, I bet, especially if you do cast) and watching faire improve.

(To the pessimists out there - yes, I'm being optimistic about the improvement thing. But I have to be or I'll get really depressed. Let's just assume they'll improve, make our suggestions and hope for the best? Yeah, a bit of a turnabout from my earlier pessimism, but I was in a rather low mood then due to everything going on. I'm doing better now and trying to keep a positive outlook...)

[Tsura]

Please don't be disillusioned by all that is currently rearing its ugly head. Like Trevor said, If this faire wasn't worth the time and effort there wouldn't be people so opinionated on how to make it better.

My own experiences at faire are irreplacable and keep me coming back. Despite what it currently sounds like, a faire day doesn't revolve around garbage boys, food money, or drainage. Yes, they are important aspects that if modified might make a big difference in the enjoyment factor. But this doesn't mean their aren't many other good things people, especially cast, take with them.

-I've made many friends through the rehearsal process and season. Most of them people I would have never met or talked to if not for this. We share close bonds and there's a freedom with being whoever you are that many places (for me, anyway) lack.

-The experience is good. I'm a lot more confident in stage work and in general.

-Memorable moments and times.

-Creative outlet.

-The space we play in is beautiful. Except when it rains...but it's even kind of fun then. in a different sort of way.

So no, don't dread it. I would say give it a try and feel it out for a bit. Who knows what might happen.

~

[Tsura]

Rock on, Meirya. I couldn't have said it better. Wish I would have seen your post first before I tried


~

[L337Thespian]

faire is an excellent thing, this was my first year doing it and i loved it, nothign could replace the feeling you get at pubsing after a long day, the sun setting, your around your cast friends and ppl you met that day singing, its where i put myself when i meditate to calm down...ugh i cant wait for this year thinking about it

sure there are alot of polotics there (more than i care to get involved in) but if you avoid it like i did (which isnt hard, as long as you dont get nosey) you have fun, its hard work, but its fun

before faire, my confidence wasnt all that high, now that ive done it, i can talk to ANYBODY and say basically ANYTHING and not be embaressed or nervous, so thats a big plus ;D

[Fifika]

I couldn't agree more with what Meirya said. Yes, in the past few months shit has hit the fan, and I wont personally be back because of things that happened with some of my closest friends, I would still reccomend becoming part of cast. The experience is a magical one that has changed me in more ways than imaginable and brought some of my closest friends into my life. I remember my first day of rehearsals way back in...2002 I think. Maybe 2001. Sadly enough, I don't remember, but I came home and my face actually hurt from smiling. It's high energy, emotional, insane, hard work, full of heat exhaustion, bruises, and sore feet, and the best experience you could ever possibly imagine.

[Captain John Stout]

I want to set the record straight, so please listen to me in earnest.

I have had the best times of my life at the Faire.

For over a decade, I have lived each year knowing that Faire was coming up.

I was a patron for five years, enjoying it, loving it, playing with the cast and heckling the jousters. I was made to feel at home and made to feel like a king.

Then I had the chance to be a king. And more.

I have never felt better at the end of a day than at the end of a Faire day, seeing all of the people leave smiling and happy - and knowing I was a part of it.

I have left a piece of my soul in the soil that makes up the Great Lakes Medieval Faire, from the droplets of sweat, blood, and tears that I have shed for it.

I helped dozens and dozens of trepidatious new participants find their creative sides, and watched with the pride of a father as they grew up from a quiet and timid person to be a loud and explosive entertainer.

I helped bring smiles to young childrens' faces when I knighted them as King Richard, and I saw awe in their eyes when they stood next to Merlin. I listened to the laughter of parents when I offered to trade them camels for their kids as Papa Beshalde. I heard 500 voices cheer like madmen when I stood on the platform of the Growl Off as King Foraday. It's like no other feeling on earth.

I cried at the close of every year, and danced on the opening of every year.

There is no feeling like that - ever. I hope you all feel that way.

It is unfortunate that it seems I never will feel that way at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire again. I am sorry I have been a part of this farce that has unfolded over the past few weeks, and I am embarrassed to know I have caused shame and grief.

For my part, I hope that each and every one of you will continue to make patrons happy, children smile, and lift spirits - and I am sad that I cannot do it with you. It has been taken from me.

I once wrote something very special about faith. And for all of you who take part in the 2005 season of the Faire, I still have faith in you, that you will make this Faire the wonder of magic and fantasy that we have taught you. I give to you my faith - all except for one, who earned my trust, and then betrayed it.

You are all kings when you walk those streets - never forget that. I wish for you the joy I cannot have in Avaloch anymore.

Take Care, and may the Light shine on you all.

[Rookie]

Thanks everyone for their input! Going to give faire a go this year - hope to see you all there! SO I guess now I will go ahead with my original thought for my post, i.e. questions about faire. I know you guys have probably answered all these before but with the removal of the other boards, makes it hard ot look up the answers. SO if you would kindly indulge a poor rookie!

What are auditions like?
Do you need to prepare something?
What should you wear to auditions?
Should you have a character already in mind at audtions?
How hard is it to get on cast?
After auditions how long does it take to find out if you are cast?
When are rehearsals?
How long do they run for?
What if you can't make it to every rehearsal?
What if you have to leave early one weekend of faire, or miss a day all together?
Does everybody go to rehearsal, or just rookies?
What do you do during the day?
Is there a cafeteria, or do you brown bag it, or eat the food stalls?
Any personal favourite things to do?
Anything to avoid?
Do you camp over the weekend or just drive up during the day?
How do you pick a character?
What sort of characters can you have?
Do you make your own costumes?

I know that is quite a list and so I thank you in advance for taking the time out to help a rookie. I'll try to keep further questions a little more focused. Once again thanks! and I hope to see all of you at faire!!!

The Rookie aka Julia ;D

[Panda]

Ok, where to start!!

1)Audition notices will be posted probably here and on the GLMF official site.

2)Wear normal clothes, we judge on talent not attire.

3)Prepare a 1 minute monologue that best shows your talents. No it doesn't have to be shakespeare.

4)It's not hard to get on cast, as long as you have something to bring to the table.

5)Rehearsals are every Saturday and Sunday starting in April through opening.

6) At that time, we will cast actual characters based on your personality and ability. We assign them to what would suit you best.

7)As far as rehearsals go, lunch can be brown bag or you can leave and go to Wendy's. On a faire day you can bring a lunch or go to the food booths.

8)On a faire day, expect 8 hours of "being" your character on the street. Interacting with patrons and entertaining everyone that walks through the gates. All these skills will be taught and developed in rehearsal. We provide you all the tools.(Improve, characterization, dialect etc)

9)Everyone on the local cast comes to every rehearsal. The veterans too. They have skills others can learn from. It also creates unity and a safe family atmoshpere.

10) If you need to be absent, depending on the circumstances we can talk about that upon casting.

11) Usually with in two weeks of auditioning we call everyone and let them know.

12)You provide your own costume. If you need assistance we will help guide you in the right direction.

13)We have all types of characters, pirates, gypsies, nobility, fairys, jailers, beggars...etc, the possibilities are endless.

14)You don't need a charater in mind on audition day, just show us what you can do!!

15) It's all about having fun and creating the fantasy of Avaloch!

16) Things to avoid...well...7th level wizards....

Any more questions? I think I covered it all

Sarah
Production Manager

[Patty Chophouse]

What are auditions like?

Beforehand, you memorize a 1-2 minute period monologue (Shakespeare's a common choice, but just about anything goes, I think) and write up an actor's résumé. There's a guide to writing one up here. Audition times will be posted on the site; I believe you call ahead and schedule an audition. You bring your resume and a black and white headshot. Then you perform your monologue in front of a few entertainment staff members. They'll ask you a few questions, and then you're done.

Do you need to prepare something?

Yes, a 1-2 minute monologue.

What should you wear to auditions?

Normal clothes, like Sarah said. I wouldn't go in wearing dirty cut-off jeans and a holey t-shirt, but yes. ^^; Business casual I suppose?

Should you have a character already in mind at auditions?

You'll be assigned a character. Generally just a name, social status, and occupation.

How hard is it to get on cast?

Not hard at all. Even if you're not that great an actor or have hardly any experience, because they'll train you pretty well. From what I understand, Brook loves having a huge cast, and is always looking for more members.

After auditions how long does it take to find out if you are cast?

Sarah answered this one already - within two weeks of auditioning.

When are rehearsals?

Every Saturday and Sunday starting in April. Hours vary... generally from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I believe, with a break for lunch. They might change it up this year, who knows.

How long do they run for?

See above.

What if you can't make it to every rehearsal?

It depends on the circumstances. If you've got a legitimate reason for missing rehearsal (not just "I don't feel like going" or "I want to go to this church picnic instead" or something ^_~ ) they usually let you off. You have a better chance of not getting in trouble about missing rehearsal if you give notice that you'll be absent a week or two in advance.

What if you have to leave early one weekend of faire, or miss a day all together?

See above. Give a good reason and a week or two of advance notice and you should be all right.

Does everybody go to rehearsal, or just rookies?

As Sarah said - everyone. Builds a sense of cameraderie, and everyone gets to know everyone else's characters, and people learn from each other, etc.

What do you do during the day?

On rehearsal days, it varies. Usually the day starts out with warm-ups. A relaxation exercise; psycho circle; voice warmups; stretches. Then whatever was planned for the day. Character building exercises, improvisation games/exercises, dialogue work, show rehearsals, etc. There's a break for lunch, and then back to work.

On faire days - it depends on what you're playing. First there's the opening meeting at one of the stages at 9:00-ish, where Brook gives a briefing, everyone gets lunch tickets, you learn whatever you need to know for the day. On themed weekends, every group of people (fae, nobility, gypsies, etc) gets a theme-oriented bit or task - for instance, on one of the celtic weekends last season, peasants were supposed to think anyone in a kilt was an invader and out to conquer them, and act accordingly. You start out at opening gate at 10 a.m., either helping with the maypole dance, or keeping patrons entertained before the gates open, or participating in the opening gate show. Then throughout the day, your main task is interacting with patrons, doing "bits" (improvised sketches), and more interacting with patrons. If you have a show, you'll do that show at its schedule times. If you're a fairy, you'll take two one-hour shifts at Faery Forest throughout the day. Some of the nobility are required to attend the joust. Feast cast has the feast show in the evening. And so on. At the end of the day you attend pub sing and join in on that.

Is there a cafeteria, or do you brown bag it, or eat the food stalls?

During rehearsals, you brown bag your lunch or go out to one of the fast food places down the road. During faire itself, you get a meal ticket at the beginning of the day - you get one free meal with that. If that doesn't hold you over for the entire eight hours, you have to buy your own food. I'd suggest eating a large breakfast during the faire season. Maybe bring a snack and put it in your area's green room as well.

Any personal favourite things to do?

As cast? Dunno, really. Just interacting with patrons is fun. Different people find their favorite places to hang out, though Brook might assign us "zones" this year (fairies must stay on fairy lane and that area; gypsies must stay in the joust/gypsy camp quarter of faire; etc). A lot of cast members come up with fun bits that they use on patrons, or at random times in the street, and so on.

Anything to avoid?

The word "okay" (it's anachronism; once in rehearsals, if you say the word "okay", you have to do the "okay dance". I'd suggest you try to stop saying it now; it takes some work!). Anything related to Monty Python. Any anachronism in general. Unnaturally colored hair (you can only get away with that if you're a fairy).

Do you camp over the weekend or just drive up during the day?

Depends on the person. A lot of cast camp over the weekend; some drive up each day. That's only during actual faire though; for rehearsals, everyone commutes.

How do you pick a character?

You'll be given one. In the third or so weekend of faire you'll get a character name, station (nobility, fae, peasant, scum villager) and occupation. You get to do basically whatever you want with the character (within reason) from there.

What sort of characters can you have?

I think Sarah covered that pretty thoroughly.

Do you make your own costumes?

Yep. Make or buy your own, or a bit of both. If you're not that great with a sewing machine, it's all right - last season we had a few costuming sessions where we got together at the fairegrounds mid-week and worked on costumes. People brought sewing machines, you bring your own cloth and thread, the costumer brings a bunch of patterns, and they'll help you with your costume.

Hope that helps!

[Rookie]

Thanks for the info everyone!. Hopefully I will get to partake in faire this year, but I didn't realize rehearsals started so early. My parents have a trip planned in the middle of rehearsals so i kind of doubt I will get a chance partake in the fun. So, anyway, maybe next year right?

[Panda]

As long as your vacation is noted from the beginning you can probably be excused from rehearsal. Last year we had 80% of our cast go to prom on the same day. WE ended up cancelling the whole day!!

[Rookie]

Greetings!

First thank you everyone for being SO helpful! But, as you probably guessed, I have another question. (Sorry ) If you haven't gathered I am totally new to faire, and I was looking over the GLMF website and they list Acting and Jobs as two seperate categories. What is the difference? Isn't working on cast a job? Don't the people looking for "Jobs" have to dress up and talk in a medieval manner and all that?

Rookie