Daily Diversions: Meet and Greet Welcome patrons at the gates. Make sure patrons know what's going on. Involve them in street gigs, and get across intrigue, gossip and colour. Remain in character, mention the shows, vendors and activities at the Faire, you can also accompany patrons if they ask for directions somewhere. Later in the afternoons, bid patrons farewell at the gates, invite them back. Attending the Joust The Seattle Knights shows are at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. They tend to last about forty-five minutes, and are exceptionally entertaining. Knights and fighters battle on horseback and foot for the entertainment of the crowds. It's good to know the Knights "gossip" and history, and to impart said knowledge to patrons, while remaining in character. Speak with Mel, Guildmistress of Pleasant Pastymes (Children, Family and Revelries), for more information about Volunteer Actor support of the Knights. This year, we welcome our Volunteer Actors, especially peasants and middle class, to learn the storyline and characters of the Knights' show, and assist Mel in selling faction ribbons in Knights' colours. The female royalty will choose their Champions before the first joust of the day, and we encourage our Volunteer Actors to actively take sides! Different factions have different personalities, and it's far more fun to watch the Knights when you're cheering on your favorites. Betting on individual Knights is a great street gig, especially in the Tavern. The Knights maintain their own web site at: http://www.seattleknights.com. This web site features biographies of the Knights, and is a great way to get to know the characters, and we'll keep everyone posted in which Knights featured there will be at our Faire. Please be very aware of the security measures taken by the Seattle Knights and do not ever, ever, ever walk onto the list at any time, especially not during a show. Horses can spook easily, and a panicking horse can be very dangerous. Do not ever handle the armour or weapons of the Knights, or enter their encampment without their permission. Do not disrupt the Knights' show, but feel free to cheer as loud as you can. Nobles have special seating within the Knights' encampment. Please do not enter this seating area unless you have been given permission, as there will be a separate entrance to avoid "walk-ins" for reasons of safety. Try and get seats at the joust ten minutes before it starts, to avoid disrupting the show. If you are wearing a costume that would block the view of other patrons, or make it difficult for patrons to be seated, please stand at the back of the crowd, or seat yourself somewhere where you're not in the way. Involve the crowd in what's going on, tell them about the Knights that are fighting, who's Champion they might be, etc. Get patrons to choose sides, by following what the "Narrators" of the show are doing. Generally, the Knights have someone introducing the fighters, and whipping the crowd up to choose sides. Follow the lead of the Knights, and support the show, the crowd just loves it when everyone gets into it. Noble Games and Dances At various times during the day, the nobles will engage in games such as Bocci, Badminton, and social games such as "Court of Love, Court of Lust" and "Queen's Challenge". Come to watch, but be ready, the nobility is likely to involve the crowd, and other Volunteer Actors. The nobles are also known to perform dances, such as this year's Masked Pavanne. The Tavern If you are over 21, and a reasonably sensible person, the Tavern is a fabulous stage. Shows will be held every other half-hour, to provide the perfect mix of built-in entertainment, and time for in character interaction with the patrons. Please respect the stage of the performers in the tavern, as most of them are working for tips only. Do not disrupt their performances, and be supportive. When there are no performers active, interact with patrons and other Volunteer Actors. Make bets on the Knights, start arguments over bar tabs, discuss Spain's naval prowess, the wool trade, what you heard about the nobles, etc. If you know appropriate Renaissance songs, teach them to the patrons and sing. Please do not sing songs with inappropriate lyrics. Remember, bawdy and earthy is fine..vulgar is not. Remember as well, it is far easier to play a drunk when one is sober than it is to play someone sober when you're plastered. It can get very hot outside, and that affects anyone choosing to have a drink during the day. Make sure you drink lots of water to negate the dehydrating effect, and don't overdo it. All alcohol is to be kept in the confines of the Tavern, and all state, city, county and federal laws in regard to alcohol consumption are in effect. Anyone deemed to be "in their cups" will be cut off. Noble Court Come and visit the nobles during the hours they hold court. Times for open court will be published in the program. Visit the nobles as they sip from golden goblets, enjoy musicians, puppet shows and the Commedia, and indulge the little ones with stories and lessons in history. Encourage patrons, especially patrons with children to visit the noble court. For more information on protocol involving the nobility (ranks, how to address various nobles, social protocol, etc.), click on our article Noble Protocol. The Rom Observe the Rom as they make shady deals, dance, sing and generally make merry. Times for stage shows will be posted, and when they are not on stage, they will be around the Faire site. Please keep in mind that the Rom live by different social standards than other characters, and even though they exist by mercy of the Crown in Scotland, they are not always so quick to bow and scrape to the nobles....unless it suits their purposes. Children's Activities Join in the revelries brought to Faire by the Guild of Pleasant Pastymes! Children and families are invited to enjoy the games, parades and merriment provided by the Guild, and we encourage patrons and their children to be a part of the fun. Check the schedule for the Children's Parade, which will wind its way through the Faire, and keep an eye out for the wee bairns singing, dancing and having a delightful time. Stage Shows Support our stage shows! Come and watch musicians, jugglers and dancers take the stage and provide entertainment for patrons and participants alike. Please always remember to be respectful to those on stage, and never interrupt their shows. Contribute if you're asked to, but never steal the thunder of those on stage, especially those that maintain their own gallows! Check the schedule for times and stages that shows will be taking place, and make sure to draw in patrons, so they don't miss a thing. Support our Vendors! We happen to have some of the best merchants around. Make sure that you let the patrons know this! Faire can sometimes be intimidating for first time patrons, and they may not have any idea how to go about shopping. Make sure you take a few spins around the green, and take a look at all the booths. Learn what merchants sell. Let patrons know about it. For example, if you take a shine to a jewelry booth, why not linger near it, and exclaim loudly about the fine quality of items sold within. Invite patrons to look as well. Vendors love support! Never be shy to ask vendors if they need a drink of water, a break to use the rest-room, or any other assistance. They're trapped in their booths, for the most part...and anything we can do to help them is always appreciated. Visit the Middle Class Come and see the Mayor's Court! Bring your petty squabbles, land arguments, civil unrest and so forth to the table, and let the Mayor sort it out. A perfect chance for a good improv gig, think of it as a Renaissance Judge Judy. Also present with the Middle Class Guild this year will be paper-making. Patrons and participants alike will be invited to press their own paper, something children especially will take pleasure in. Pitch In! It's always hard to find people willing to help out with some of the Faire's dirty work. Be aware that your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Anyone with spare time is encouraged to assist with the gate, food service, site maintenance and parking. We need all the help we can get out there. Please make sure you inform the person overseeing said department of your time restraints, and know how long you can spend helping! Let them know if you have a half-hour, hour or so on to help, so they are more aware of how quickly they will have to relieve you. Faire cannot function without this kind of help, and your assistance will be prized.