Thread: Ren Fairs?

Anyone work Ren Fairs? What's the deal? I've never been to one, but I'd like to go, and folks have mentioned to me that the one near me has belly dancers and that I ought to check it out.

What sort of pay arrangements are there? I know it pays, but as much as restaurants? More? Less?

Any info at all so that I can get a frame of reference would be helpful ... thanks!

I never worked at one, but had a friend who did. They pay by the hour most of the time if they just want you to wander around during the day or hang out in a particular area. They paid a lump sum for special shows.

I've done them but it was so far back in the mists of time I've forgotten the details -

However, it was a blast.

The local one here doesn't pay anything. As a result, the professional dancers won't touch it.

we are paid a lump sum to set up our encampment for the week end
we have done the 2 local faires for 10 years and have a large following
we do 2 shows a day that include education in the story line.
it is tons of advertisement as well.

If you should want to pursue a Ren Faire gig, be sure to negotiate the type of stage that you will be performing on. Otherwise, you may find yourself performing outdoors on grass, with no roof or canopy, in a downpour of rain.

Another consideration: some Faires forbid the use of electricity-powered technology for music. So you may need to provide your own live music.

My troupe has done the OSU Renfaire for a long time. It's my favorite event of the year!

Originally Posted by *Shira*

If you should want to pursue a Ren Faire gig, be sure to negotiate the type of stage that you will be performing on. Otherwise, you may find yourself performing outdoors on grass, with no roof or canopy, in a downpour of rain.

Another consideration: some Faires forbid the use of electricity-powered technology for music. So you may need to provide your own live music.

The stage situation I sort of figured might be TBA, but the sound ... now that is something I might not have considered. Thanks!

If you check YouTube for Baraka Mundi clips, I think you can see parts of their Tennessee Ren Faire shows. They have story line for their show. Domba and Awalim also have a history in performing at Ren Faires (and of course there is Bal Anat and Habi'Ru).

Our RF, Maryland, has a long run. Some of us are talking about putting in a proposal for next year to work a part of the run. The faire wants dancers to have full show with a theme, and I think the music cannot be prerecorded. The management also wants it to fit the faire and not just have dancers in modern costume on stage.

Right now dancers are not allowed to perform unless they are a part of an group/performance that is already under contract, that is, a band can't decide to have a dancer perform with them one weekend. The dancer has to be a part of their proposal and be a part of their contract. One of my troupemates tried to get us a few dates with one of the MDRF bands and they were not allowed to have us as we were not included as a part of their contracted show. I think this is probably for payment and insurance reasons. I have also speculated that it is also a way to keep less than professional dancers off the stages, though there is a lot of dancing for fun in the crowd.

find out what level of authenticity the faire is looking for. Some are more strict than others, some would be more accurate calling themselves a fantasy faire than a Renaissance faire. For the former you can probably wear a modern costume ("cab", ATS, tribal) and may or may not be able to bring electric music.
for a faire that wants authentic, you'll have to come up with musicians, whether it's your troupe doing their own drumming and zilling and you're talented enough to pull off a full set with no melody, bringing in a band, or anywhere in between. You'll also need to have folkloric costuming in natural fibers and may need to be able to present folkloric dancing, with a backstory about where your troupe came from, why you're in Europe, and so on.
if it's a day-long thing, you'll want to plan costumes for it, layers and natural fibers. ren-fairs tend to be either dusty or muddy, so you'll want to be able to wash your costumes, breathable fabric is very helpful in the summer, and consider any differences in temp that the fair being in an open field or in the woods or w/e applies.
also consider food and water. it tends to be expensive inside.

we have a huge tent..it sleeps many in the mundane section.we do dance on grass in front of the tent..it is part of why we are watched....they come at show time, and the gypsys perform from our tent..we "take you there" fire pit and all !.we have our own drummers. i also have youtube footage of faire.

Originally Posted by zamora

we have a huge tent..it sleeps many in the mundane section.we do dance on grass in front of the tent..it is part of why we are watched....they come at show time, and the gypsys perform from our tent..we "take you there" fire pit and all !.we have our own drummers. i also have youtube footage of faire.

Originally Posted by zamora

crap..well, i tried!

ok, so so sorry...first time i posted the clip..it said it was embedded and go to youtube...wtf! ha ha ha ..ok, getting ready for the next storm coming through central ca...hope all of you are ok!

Originally Posted by *Shira*

If you should want to pursue a Ren Faire gig, be sure to negotiate the type of stage that you will be performing on. Otherwise, you may find yourself performing outdoors on grass, with no roof or canopy, in a downpour of rain.

Another consideration: some Faires forbid the use of electricity-powered technology for music. So you may need to provide your own live music.

Yes, we travelled with musicians, they were part of the group anyway - and you are so right about the working conditions.

LOL.

Originally Posted by zamora

ok, so so sorry...first time i posted the clip..it said it was embedded and go to youtube...wtf! ha ha ha ..ok, getting ready for the next storm coming through central ca...hope all of you are ok!

Stay dry & safe!