TIPS FOR TIPPING
by Mark Davio, ATF Staff Writer

As the Ren Faire season starts up in many parts of the country and we as paying patrons go back into time... don't forget to bring your pocket books, purses, money bags or what ever you carry your currency in... For you see tipping the performers you are entertained by is our way of saying "thank you". Oh yes we all like to hear "Bravo", "good job"," well done", etc... however, nothing speaks louder of gratitude and appreciation than someone tipping you generously.

We as a society have lost the "art" of tipping... but we will tip the waitress who gets paid to bring us our food. Or the bar tender who may slip a little extra gin in our drink... But when it comes to performers we think... Oh they were good but all they need is a standing O, (ovation). The next time you eat out, see if the eating establishment that you are dinning at takes tips... if so, instead of tipping...after your meal when the waitress brings you your receipt stand and clap for the wonderful service you received. I don't think they will invite you back.

Artist work very hard at what they do... especially performers..several hundreds even thousands of hours go into rehearsals. Not to mention all of the expenses of props, costumes, meals, travel and lodging. They deserve to be well compensated for what they do. Unfortunately, performers are as a whole, very much under appreciated and underpaid.

Folks, this season, If you have been touched by a performance, if someone makes you laugh, cry, feel good...or just plain old entertains you... ask your self how can I say thank you? then give generously... you feel glad you did.

TIP FOR PERFORMERS.

Performers, asking for tips can be very humbling and intimidating. Try some creative ways of asking (ONLY IF YOU ARE PERMITTED BY THE FAIRE YOU ARE WORKING FOR!)

1. "Folks you been such a great audience that I want to send each of you a thank you card for being here today. So if you will take a pen and a piece of paper... preferably a 5... and write your name and address on it and put it in his hat".
2. Thank you, for being such a great crowd today, I do so many shows all over the country that it is very difficult for me to remember all of your wonderful faces...so I was wondering if you all would give me a token to remember you by, So I don't soon forget you.. 5'S, 10'S and 20's work GREAT!
3. I want to thank all you today, those who made this show possible. The IRS for making it necessary. And to all who want to see me go away, I can be bought, with 5s, 10's and 20's...
   

Hope this helps get you off and running. Have a great Faire Season.

Till this fall...
Mark Davio

Help keep us online. Book your travel here, or patronize some of these folke:

1. Des Moines Ren Faire (IA)
2. Iowa Ren Festival (IA)
3. Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Fest (IA)
4. Greater Quad Cities Ren Faire (IL)
5. Midlands Pirate Festival (NE)
6. Nebraska Ren Faire (NE)
7. Ren Faire at Sleepy Hollow (IA)

1. thescotsdragon.com
2. threegryphons.com

1. danzamystique.com
2. gypsycomedyshow.com
3. mydragonstories
4. phoenixswords.atthefaire.com
5. piratecomedyshow.com
6. queenbea.atthefaire.com
7. revelers.atthefaire.com
8. wenchville.com

1. anothercrappypodcast.com
2. atthefaire.com
3. crocolyle.atthefaire.com
4. perin.atthefaire.com
5. renbanner.net
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.
Other ATF sites: DisneyFans.com DMHauntedHouses.com