Rehearsals

Rehearsals prepare our skills and talents for the outdoor, immersive performance environment of the Festival.  The information provided and experience gained at rehearsals is mandatory knowledge all cast members must have to succeed.

Every attempt is made to arrange a convenient time and location for rehearsals.  The rehearsal location often dictates the schedule. It is understood that all cast members have a variety of work, school, and family obligations that may conflict with rehearsals. And yet, your fellow cast members still make attending rehearsals a priority. Why? Attending rehearsals have a direct impact on the success of your participation and therefore your overall enjoyment of the Festival.

The Entertainment Department tries to present as much helpful information as rehearsal time allows.  Still, there is so much more information, therefore you must actively review ALL of this Cast Section of the website, and communicate any questions or concerns to your supervisor.

Rehearsal Resources:

• 2024 Rehearsal Schedule

• 2024 Entertainment Handbook & Songbook

• Online Character Development Guide to completed by New Cast Members prior to the start of rehearsals.

• Advanced Song Book for those looking to expand their knowledge.
  

Songbook Songs Available for Download:

Right Click and Select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" to save the songs linked below to your computer for transfer to your MP3 player.  Special thanks to cast members Lee and Marie Arnold for taking the time to record these songs for the Cast.

• Wild Rover

• Wild Mountain Time

• All For Me Grog

• Health To The Company

• Parting Glass

• Drunken Sailor

• The Mermaid

Additional Resources

• Period Crafts (physical lazzi)

  • Cord Knotting

  • Finger Weaving

  • Knitting

• Period Games

  • Skittles (Yard Game)

  • Bocce Ball (Yard Game)

  • One and Thirty (Card Game)

  • Dice Games

  • Kitty In The Corner (Activity Game)

  • Drop The Handkerchief (Activity Game)

  • Alfonso X's Book of Games (Resource for More Games)

  • Resource for more Card Games

  • Period Looking Games available for Purchase

• Information about hairstyles

• Accent / Dialect Resources - Audio Recordings

• The following link leads to a summary of life in Elizabethan London and was written with Renaissance Festival performers in mind. It addresses things we will not have an opportunity to discuss in rehearsals. While we are not a recreation event and we do not represent England specifically, there is a great deal of interesting information here that will give you an idea of what life was like in the days of yore. As always, feel free to do greater research if you wish -http://pages.unibas.ch/shine/linksrenaissancewf.htm

• The following is a website for hoopskirts. The nice thing about the hoopskirts on the page is that the hoops are adjustable and, sometimes, removable, which makes washing easy. Avoid the Southern Belle style with ruffles. You are looking for a 4 to 6 hoop skirt. Keep in mind that, if you have the time to look, you can find hoopskirts at thrift stores and second hand shops (especially after the spring wedding season and prom) for a better price considering the wear that you can put on one during the Festival. This is not an endorsement of this particular company as we have never dealt with them and have no comment about quality, reliability, etc. - http://www.hoopslip.com/

Online Courses

• Click here to access the Care & Feeding Online Class

• Click here to access the Care & Feeding Online Quiz (required)

• Click here to access the Sumptuary Laws Online Class

• Click here to access the Sumptuary Laws Online Quiz (required)

• Click here to access the Festival Rules & Regulation Online Class

• Click here to access the Festival Rules & Regulation Online Quiz (required)

• Click here to access the Promotions Online Class

• Click here to access the Promotions Online Quiz (required)

• Click here to access the Chivalry Online Class

• Click here to access the Chivalry Online Quiz (required)

• Click here to access the Social Statuses Class

• Click here to access the Social Statuses Online Quiz (required)

Bale & Bench Day

Bale & Bench Day occurs on the two (2) Saturdays preceding Opening Weekend.  It is dedicated to putting into place the Village's final preparations.  Setting up decorations, props and furniture, audience seating, and preparing the stages.  Bale & Bench Day is not mandatory.  Volunteer participants receive complimentary admission tickets, lunch, and the opportunity to be the first in the camp grounds for setting up their camp.  It is also an opportunity to bond with your fellow cast members.

Dress Rehearsal

Dress Rehearsal occurs on the Sunday preceding Opening Weekend.  It is part of the preparation process and is mandatory for all cast members.  At Dress rehearsal:

• It is mandatory you attend in your full, completed costume.

• A professional photographer will be onsite to take group and individual portraits and a cast photo. Photos are made available online for free.

• You will receive a packet that includes important information, complimentary admission tickets, and your Festival participant ID pass.

• Your supervisor will lead you and your team in exercises and activities specific to your Troupe.