Looking to design new Ren Faire Material

[Thom]

Hello all,

I am part of a classic circus sideshow. A long time agent and friend of mine has recently started to try and put together a "Ren Faire" style park. We've been invited to entertain there.
The question is this: I would like to create a "unique" or at least different type of Ren Faire show. Does anyone have any suggestions?

REMEMBER: If you post it here and I (or anyone else) like it, we'll use it!

Here are a couple of brainstorming thoughts I've had:
Since there will be a fantasy element to the park, I thought that maybe I could play an Alchemist or a variation of the magician's apprentice (think Fantasia, but meaner).
Or I could present the individual acts as mythic characters; i.e. captured fairies, ogres, etc.... that's kind of lame, but maybe the premise would work?...


Anyone else want to brainstorm?
If you need an idea of what stunts we do, check out our website: http://www.ModernGypsies.com

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Thom Britain, Modern Gypsies Entertainment

[Brett Copes]

Thom
I have worked and Taught at ren-faires for over 10 years. I'd be glad to give whatever advice you are looking for. Go check out the other Florid Faires...they are happening now.

the biggest is to just do you show the way you are now, change costumes and add to you character a Reniassance feel. If you become to Preoccupied with the theme...it just wont matter.

look to the book...the art of play, by Gary Izzo...it is the bible for such themed events. He used to direct at Disney and the actors out of his renfaireare truely the best. He lives in Orlando....

If the Faire is small...like I would assume the start up one is....whatever you do on stage will be gang busters. It is really a very easy audience..... I only say that because of the large maount of CRAP (my self included in the early years) I have seen performed at small faires that the audience has eaten up and pissed their pants over.

Fear not....

--Brett
WHIPBOY
www.commidiots.com

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[Thom]

Brett,

Thanks for the advice. I'll get a copy of the book A.S.A.P.
You really helped a lot. I was probably too nervous about theme and forgot that a show's a show!

Thanks again. I'll let you know how it turns out!



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Thom Britain, Modern Gypsies Entertainment

[scot]

I was drawn in by the subject of the post. Putting together a new ren faire routine is a funny idea. Like reviewing the classics of modern art.

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scot nery
mailto:scot@juggle.comscot@juggle.com</A>
deadjugglers.com

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[Thom]

Scot,

I agree that the idea sounds fun. So far the agent hasn't really cared one way or the other about what I do. Since we've worked together a good bit, she's just kind of got this, "Oh, whatever you do will be great" kind of attitude. It's nice. Really takes the pressure off.
The best part is that I have Carte Blanche on design. Because she has confidence in us (unlike most agents who worry about everything) it gives me a chance to really stretch creatively.
The problem is that I think I might be re-designing the wheel. I don't want to change things just to change things. But there seems to be a standard type of Faire performance for a reason; it works.
The main change I'm working on right now is designing a "larger" show. Instead of juggling, ladders balance, and sword swallowing with comedy and then ending, I'm trying to get bigger and higher. Make it look more "Vegas Sized". For instance; large illusion shows, has anyone ever seen one at a Ren Faire?
Same stunts, same humor but with more dimensions.
As always, please let me know if an idea strikes you as good or even if it's just a brainstorming thing, type it up. I won't judge anyone by the ideas they "sew out".

Thanks,

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Thom Britain, Modern Gypsies Entertainment

[Pokie-Poke]

I cary my show on my back, was thinking of getting a cart but then I'll have to feed the damd goat

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The adventure cont...

[willie the clown]

hey thom, which ren faires are you going to do? they have changed alot since the days of california and the agora hills. so for the most part anything goes. there have been some large illusions,but not in some years.if you can get in touch with bobby rodriguez, he does two ren fest in florida. you can also try the colorado show. texas ren fest (TRF) is the biggest one and they stay open after dark so the fire stuff works good.you should try rennaisance festivals.com and they have a list of all of them. some have a very wide idea of what a period act is and the rules are always flexible.from what i've seen of your stuff, you guys should do great. the gypsy angle is a good one,in that they can't really say what a gypsie looked like can they? patshiva romany. vive gitano. willie

[Paul Garbanzo]

when I started doing ren shows, I already had a "regular" modern-day show. I pretty much came up with a character for myself and modified my show according to my character. After a while the character starts to take over the show. I've found that most people at Ren faires don't care if you can juggle a hundred things, they wanna see personality. the idea of an alchemist doing a magic show sounds pretty good. now just think to yourself WWAAD? (what would an alchemist do)

that's my 2 cents..

paul garbanzo