Faire Information Booth
                Beginner's Q & A on the "Ren Faire" Community
                            By Jaroduane Preunner

This is the second in a series of columns designed to inform Faire Virgins and
Veterans alike.  If you have any questions of a general interest about faires,
write to the Information Booth care of the Renaissance Shopper; either I or
someone else may write a supplement to this column - if interest continues, it
will become a regular feature.

QUESTION - Where do you get those great costumes?

That depends on who you're asking.  Most faire goers buy a few ready-made
garments at various faires, maybe add a special accessory or two and become
peasants.  The more elaborate the garb, however, the more likely that it was
either made by the wearer or specially made for them.  If you see one you
like, ask!  Most participants are pleased to talk about it (especially if they
made it themselves).  A couple of the larger faires provide costumes for a few
key employees and performers, but the vast majority of participants provide
their own through purchase, borrowing, renting, custom order, creative
talents, etc.  There's a large community of very creative and talented
costumers that includes all levels of skill from high school girls and
housewives who make garb for themselves (and perhaps a few friends and family)
to the professionals who have gotten so good at it that they have to charge
for their works because of its popularity and quality.  The better and more
ambitious of these sometimes get their own booth at faire and sell to the
general public.

QUESTION - Where can I get a costume?

First things first; decide what you want to be - Noble, Peasant, Middle Class,
Military (Mercenary or Soldier), once that's done you'll find it much easier
to proceed.  Most enthusiasts start out as a peasant and "elevate" themselves
as their tastes become clearer.  If you have a knack for sewing, try making
peasant garb for yourself - not as difficult as it might seem, if you use the
right sources.  A welcome sight at many smaller Faires are the Notions Vendors
like Raiments, or Das Edelweiss who stock costuming books, patterns,
accessories, period buttons, corset stays, natural fabrics and trims, and all
manner of rare treasure (to costumers).  If you're looking to develop or
change your faire character, try the clothing merchants at your next faire,
check the ads in the Ren Shopper, or network among the garbed folk.

(TRANSCRIPTION NOTE: If you're a guest on any of the ChainMail links, this
 typist humbly recommends that you send Email to Gabrielle Flamethorn, our
 resident seamstress - she has crafted the garb of many regulars here, in
 all styles from peasant to noble, and is very reasonable.)

QUESTION - How can I get a job at Faire?

Many ways -
1) Contact the faire organizers to find out what openings there are in
security, parking, etc.  Some of the smaller ones and the charity fundraisers
don't actually pay the workers.  They are volunteers who help out for the love
of it.  They get in free, sometimes can camp free overnight (the public is
never allowed to camp onsite, and many of the after-hours parties and
entertainments have become the stuff of Legend), and sometimes get fed in one
way or another.
2) Talk to "boothies" or vendors.  These are tradesmen who pay the faire
organizer for a space to set up and sell their goods - either food, clothing,
or what have you.  The only booths that are usually operated by the faire
itself are the ale stands, information booths, souvenirs, and ticket sales.
Boothies are responsible for providing their own employees to man their
booths.  Again, many are volunteers who work for very little or nothing beyond
the fun of it - and the after hours social life.
3) If you're a talented performer and want to work at faire, you can apply to
the organizers for permission to perform on stage or in the street and then
"Pass the Hat" to earn your way (you have to be approved through the
entertainment coordinator, or you won't last long).  To act in a play or
singing group, talk to the members - some are paid, some are volunteers and
enthusiasts.  KEY POINT - It's not common to get rich working at faire, but
it's a great deal of fun.

QUESTION - I've got this great (sword, dagger, wheellock, etc).  What can
           I do at Faire to show it off?

Many young bravos like to wear swords, knives, blackpowder weapons, and all
manner of lethal hardware as part of their faire persone; if you have a weapon
and attempt to indulge in any impromptu demonstrations, in earnest or in fun,
YOU WILL BE NEUTRALIZED BY SECURITY and sometimes thrown out!  All blades must
be "safety-tied" into their sheaths, none may be worn or carried with bare
cutting edges (however dull) and any unauthorized discharge of firearms
usually results in criminal prosecution.  The weapons demonstrations, battles,
melees, etc. that you see at faires are choreographed and scripted parts of
the entertainment and no one participates without sponsorship and
authorization of the faire itself.  In other words, anyone who wants to play
Three Musketeers on the spur of the moment can expect to get pretty much the
same treatment that such behavior would get in a shopping mall or bank.  In
simple terms, it can hang there as a costume accessory, but don't use it.

QUESTION - I've heard these things get pretty risque, why are there so
           many kids here?

KEY POINT - Faires tend to target themselves for a more mature experience - if
you bring children, don't expect it to be geared for a "G" or even a "PG"
rated target group.  In the periods being recreated, the young weren't lumped
into the modern category of children as we know it - they were considered and
treated as adults-in-training.  Violence (simulated) and bawdy behavior are
fairly common and expected at Faire.  Children are welcome at faires, and
there's usually a lot to entertain and even enchant them, but it's like
clicking around the channels on your TV - don't expect all channels to have
only cartoons and quiz shows; there are monster movies and adult dramas, too.
If you're a properly responsible parent and concerned about what your children
are exposed to, just stay alert and give them some guidance at faire, and
you'll have a Grande Olde Tyme!

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Address your questions to: Information Booth c/o Renaissance Shopper
                           PO Box 422, Riverside CA 92502