[10.03.01] That's right, I admit it: I'm a rennie. Unfortunatelym I've found that there seems to be a connotation out there which depicts rennies as idiosyncratic weirdos. Why that stereotype is so rampant is beyond me, because it isn't true. Well ... okay, yeah, I'll admit that there are some very strange people to be found at renaissance faires. But those strange people are half the fun, because I guarantee that if you strike up a conversation with them, in character or out, it will be an entertaining little chat. In truth, though, you'll find that under most of those costumes are some pretty normal people, with families, educations, and real jobs. Through my involvement with ren faires, I've met teachers and doctors, mechanics and computer gurus, even a rocket scientist. The faires are an interest, a hobby, and an entertainment. Why is that different from folks with obdurate dedication to any other "normal" hobby or pastime?

For me, it began in August of 2000. My friend Lisa lives in Lansing, Michigan, and I make the five-hour drive up there occasionally to visit her. Last fall we decided it would be fun to go to the Michigan Renaissance Festival (in garb, no less). We both enjoy the Medieval and Renaissance time periods and tales of castles and knights, and we have both dabbled in similarly-themed role playing games, so the faire sounded like fun. I had been to the Ohio Renaissance Festival once about six years before, and she had been to an Oklahoma fair a number of years before as well, but neither of us knew much about renaissance faires, and I doubt we ever expected the addiction that was to come.

We attended the opening weekend of MiRF's 2000 season, and by the following weekend, Lisa was employed. All the cast positions had, of course, been filled, so she got on as a server for the King's Feasts and the various wedding feasts that are held in the Castle. I attended four or five more weekends myself, and was able to help out by serving in the Castle during some of their busier days, an effort for which I was awarded a 2000 Staff Pin.

During those weekends, I met tons of fun and talented people. We witnessed performances ranging from genius to unbelievable to uproariously funny, and many of them were completely impromptu. We sampled some yummy new foods, shopped more than was healthy for our pocketbooks, made some attempts at picking up fun accents, and learned numerous historical tidbits. (And did I mention that Johnny Jump Up?) All in all, we had such a great experience during the 2000 season that we both knew we would be back.

The next spring, Lisa auditioned for MiRF's 2001 season. She planned to try out for a part on one of the royal courts, but by some twists of fate and a bit of luck, she made the fight team.

I was only able to make three weekends of MiRF this year, but it was no disappointment, as I had every bit as much fun as last year. Lisa and I were able to camp with the security team at a campground near to the faire, which prooved to be great fun.

During the fest I followed the fight team around and photographed some of their scenes. Their team, (The Knights of Iron, out of Madison Heights, MI) is fabulously talented and knowledgeable on martial arts, stage combat, and swordplay of all kinds, and I immensely enjoyed getting to see their shows. A desire has been sparked in me to begin studying staged combat, but I don't know when or where I will find the opportunity.

I want to express my earnest thank yous to the cast members, fight team members, and security team members who were so friendly and welcoming -- and who put up with li'l ol' me tagging along -- most especially Jeff, Keith, Pete & Karen, Paul & Meg, Joni, Chris, Nick, and Rivka. And Lisa, of course! :o)

With all the great experiences I've had at MiRF, and all the folks I've gotten to meet, I would love so very much to be able to work there next season. I'm considering auditioning and committing myself to make the drive every weekend next year. But I guess I've some time to decide yet. Either way, I'll at least be in attendance for the 2002 season.

[10.25.01] Well, since the MiRF season is done and gone for this year, some of the MiRFs decided to invade ORF's final weekend. With all my beloved Michiganders coming down here to my turf, how could I not join in? We spent last weekend checking out the grounds down in Waynesville, and basically just goofing off. I've added another photo page with some pictures from the weekend.

[01.12.02] Lisa is no longer a Michigander. I spent New Year's eve packing and moving her to Toledo with help from Nick, Rivka, Seth, and Keith. This puts her two and a half hours closer to me. Yay!

Even better yet, Keith and Rivka have founded a new stage combat and historical reenactment troupe by the name of ShadowSteel Productions and  have based it out of Toledo. With Knights of Iron being in Detroit and the Ring of Steel in Ann Arbor, I just couldn't realistically get involved before, but now I'm a member of Shadowsteel. I only make it up to Toledo a couple times per month for the practices, but I'm just so excited about learning swordplay and staged combat. Miri with a sword ... who would have thought?

[03.02.02] I'm getting impatient for faire season to come back around. Even last season, I still believed that the addiction hadn't taken hold of me entirely as it had all my other festie acquaintances, but now I find myself counting the months. It's deliciously pathetic! And the worst part is that I'm still entirely uncertain how much I can be involved this coming season. I can't and don't expect to be able to have a part with the fight teams, since I am just beginning to learn and won't be along far enough by fest season to perform. I want so much to audition and make cast, but I just can't commit to making all the rehearsals. Attending all the weekends of fest is one thing; I have enough vacation time from work and am willing to put out the expense. But MiRF requires a lot of extra rehearsals and trainings that I would not be able to make. Le sigh ... So I'm sad to think that I shall again be just a tag-along, but I guess time will tell.

[06.21.02] I recently quenched my fear and timidity long enough to audition, and I have been cast to play the Village Laundress this season at the 2002 Michigan Renaissance Festival (insert applause and congratulatory remarks here)! All the driving for the Academies and Promotions is KILLING me. I sure wish gasoline prices would go down. But I'm having fun and I'm really excited about the coming faire season.

[09.19.02] MiRF is in full swing, but my circumstances have changed a bit. Being a member of street cast didn't work out for me; I really didn't feel I was doing a good job. I have no training or background in acting as many of my fellow performers do, and I had a great deal of difficulty with improv. I feel I could do well enough with scripted parts and, but I lack the wit and creativity that improv demands. I wasn't able to rise to the task of improving all day. I was simply greeting patrons for nine hours straight, without any play or conversation. I don't feel I was an asset to the cast. I got a bit depressed and wasn't having much fun. Street cast just isn't my niche at faire.

The third weekend of faire, I requested a new assignment, hoping for more direction and schedule to my days. I was offered a few choices (Thanks a bundle, Tawny!), afterwhich I began stage managing for special events. At first, the idea was simply to try it, but I found immediately that I like this new position. I really feel like I am actually doing something that helps out and is important. I like the people I work for and with, I like the tasks I've been assigned, and I can wear whatever garb I want and change my personas each day if I please. I also get some free time to roam the faire and visit people and even talk to patrons. I started having fun again at faire.

[10.02.02] I am certain now that I found my forte at MiRF. The 2002 season is now over, but I remained a stage hand for the duration. I am very happy with this role and I really enjoyed myself in it. If I am able to return for next year's season, I definately plan on continuing to work with Sara and the other stage managers.

The season was fabulous (fop-ulous?), but all too swift. I hope to have a lot of great pictures soon, but I already have a lot of wonderful memories. Thanks so much to everyone for such a fun season. I don't know how to say how much I value the aquaintences and friendships I have made: thank you all for being so warm and kind and groovy. I love you all, and extra-specially Maria, Tawny, David, Jeff, Brent & Holly, Sara & Shane, Keith & Lisa, Nick & Rivka, John M., Pat, Azalia (did I spell that wrong again?), and Dennis.

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