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HOW TO DEVELOP A REN CHARACTER...PART 3
by Mark Davio, ATF Staff Writer

Putting it all together...

Let’s review what we talked about it last two articles. As we look back, we see that a character is built from a group of attributes that distinguish or set apart. We learned in our first segment that we need a soul to complete our character. We understood that to achieve a quality character, we needed the depth that comes from building a character with more than just what we can don — your accents, behavior and performance. We worked on a character-building exercise as well as an exercise to create attributes. Now it’s time to wrap it up.

Now you have the tools you need to do this for yourself. You have the imagination, ambition, the knowledge and skill. Take what you’ve learned and put it into practice. Because it is your character, you and only you control your presentation. Remember, the amount of work you put into your development is what you can expect out of your performance. If you skimp, you will be fake and shallow. However, if you work diligently, you will reap the reward of excellence. You’re expected to be authentic and believable. The more you are the more money you can demand.

************** Quality acts get top dollar! ****************

Now lastly, I want to mention what I call “adornments”. Adornments are what I have purposely downplayed so as not to distract you as the reader. These are the accents, costumes, protocol, methods, etc. These are the jewels, the pluses to your character. However, all I will say about these is that they all need to be as well-done and professionally as your budgets, skills, and means can afford. I purposely did not emphasis them because I did not want you to make the mistake of making them your character. Your character should be so solid that you could perform plain and naked and be just as convincing. (Though I don’t recommend it!). Seek out the best costumes, shoes, and props. Get the best speech/dialogue coach. Research the period. Do the very best you can, but start with the character development first.

With that, here is a few performance notes you might want to keep in mind: (Some of these may be elementary, but you would be surprised how overlooked some of the this list is. This list is by no means conclusive, just some good basic tips.)

THE DO’S:

• Be practiced and polished.
• Be as authentic as possible.
• Be professional to your employer and co-workers.
• Show up early or at least on time.
• Obey the fair rules, you work for them…. conform!
• Stay in character at all times even when you think you’re not being watched.
• Fulfill your agreements… contract times, etc. If you say you will do it then do it.
• Treat all patrons with respect. (Self explanatory)
• Stay in the period. Don’t ask a patron, “Do you know what time it is?”
• Continually work on developing your character.
• In performance, leave them wanting more.

• Don’t ever under any circumstances emulate, steal, copy, or borrow anyone’s persona, costume ideas, personality, material, jokes or anything. THIS IS HIGHLY UNETHICAL!!!! If you can’t come up with your own ideas...find another job!
• Don’t ever embarrass a patron. If your character is “rude” don’t go overboard.
• Don’t use hardcore profanity...ever! You’d be surprised how “G*d” sensitive people are. Be careful not to “Oh my G*d”...or “G*d damn” anything.
• Don’t ever touch a patron of the opposite sex inappropriately. The same sex for that matter. The last thing you need is a lawsuit.
• Don’t hand out personal promotional materials. Business Cards, brochures, pictures, web addresses… if someone wants to book you for their event direct them to the person who hired you for the faire. It’s the right thing to do unless you get expressed permission from the director to do so.
• Don’t be age insensitive. If your act or character is blue in nature (I recommend family material, it sells better). Don’t take the attitude of, “Well if people are that stupid to bring there kids to a ren faire, I guess they’ll get an education.”
• Don’t cut into another performer’s stage time. Too many times performers at ren faires share stages...and it never fails. The 4pm show starts at 4:45 because “Jerkweed” the juggler decided to impress the crowd with this his 5 over the head toss and he runs over his allotted 30 minutes…. this is bad...keep to the schedule.
• Don’t take the “opportunity” to teach patrons about...whatever. You are a performer, not an instructor. This can come across very condescending.
• Don’t choose to be a PIRATE!! I see more and more rouges and pirates all the time at faires. Be more creative in choosing a role. Swash-buckling pirates are not period.
• Don’t expose your true identity to the paying patrons. This is not professional. You are a paid actor. Live the illusion.

I could go on for another month with this list. The best advice is be professional at all times and… of course, have fun! I hope this has helped. Good luck!

See you …At The Faire!!!

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6. Nebraska Ren Faire (NE)
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8. wenchville.com

1. anothercrappypodcast.com
2. atthefaire.com
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4. perin.atthefaire.com
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6. renreporter.com
7. sirclisto.com

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Permanent festivals in our area: Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bristol Renaissance Faire, Des Moines Renaissance Faire and Minnesota Renaissance Festival.
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