Any tips on becoming a Rennie?

Question

I've wanted to be a real Rennie for years. I can't afford the SCA (and they aren't terribly active out here anyway) I was SO close to being IN, I joined up with a fighting group that was just starting out .. it was split off from the other side of the state.. but we only had 3 meetings and the two "leaders" fought.. and ended it.

I have volunteered at our local Faire.. I have talked to other members .. I don't know what else I can do.. I am a bit shy, and I do need some work in the acting department.. (I've never done it..) .. The guy that was training me with the Bo-staff said I was doing really well my first day.. (I had practiced with my friend before that).. but the other group has practice every other week on the other side of the state..

I don't care THAT much if it's fighting, but I want to be cast at some point.. anyone have any tips?

And for the record, I already have garb (not necessarily SCA quality, but still great at ren faires) and I also have at least one character.. (working on getting another one just for fun)

Answer 1

You can find lists online for renfaires in your area. Look them up and see when the auditions are and when the faire itself will be running and see if you can arrange for the time off, first. THEN go to the auditions (bring a friend or two, if possible). If you pass them, be prepared to get involved in the workshops that will help prepare you to be a part of the company, as they will teach things like speech patterns, basic history, behavior, theatre skills and fighting if you choose to get involved in that. All of this will help you be a better Rennie performer.
If, however, you find you can't get to the auditions, or can't get the time to attend the workshops AND the faire, go to the faire grounds a week or two before they open and see if you can get in to talk to the merchants and work for them. Merchants have a looser behavior pattern to the actors, because of the business transactions involved, and almost always look for locals to help in the shop. That can make it a little easier to get started and, be a bit gentler for someone who has a problem with shyness, by giving you something to do which is a bit more familiar... just "dressed up" a bit. Also, working for a merchant usually means you'll get some kind of payment. A LOT of the performers, especially those who come in off the street, the beginners, so to speak, are offered the trade-off of training in lieu of cash for their performances during the run of the show. Most Rennies will do a bit of bouncing back and forth, from merchant shops to trainee program to "paid court" positions, and back again. It all depends on what you're willing to do, what you're willing to put up with, and the kind of budget the faire in question has to work with. A lot of the smaller ones are 95% volunteer. Good luck.

Answer 2

ok I am the one in the dark here, can someone tell me what a Rennie is and what a Faire is?