It's been over a year since I posted to this blog. I've been reading some interesting comments about Ye Merrie Greenwood Faire on other blogs. It's been very complimentary. It's nice to know that others love the Faire as much as I do.
Greenwood has started up for 2011 and the Celebration of 25 years of "Playing Faire" in Howard Amon Park. For the folks who have been following Greenwood doings on this blog and on Facebook you know that we have begun another Faire in Toledo Oregon for Mothers' Day weekend. It's been more than a little busy working on both of them at once. If it wasn't for Anthony Bucas in Toledo there would be no way I could have done this. He's been a real go getter and is usually about 2 weeks ahead of me on the timeline. Now if I could only get him up here!
Another thing that I've been working on is getting a new site for the Richland Greenwood Faire. I've been working off and on for nearly 2 decades to get a hold of a parcel of land that the City owns. We are closer than we have ever been, so cross your fingers. With the help of Richard Roddy the proposals and maps are going out to prospective support for this project. Go Richard!
That's the news I guess. Just two weeks until the Faire in Toledo opens. I think I may be able to breathe around May 14!
Well, it's here again. Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire season has begun. The first Staff meeting was held and projects and new presentations for the Faire have been outlined. This month we will meet again to firm up the plans and then it's off to the races!
If you are interested in joining in the fun this year please contact me from this web page. Our rehearsals start on March 6 at 9:30 AM. They are held at the Benton PUD.
The first rehearsal is really a misnomer. We really don't rehearse or audition anyone. We start out our Season with a set of performances from each of the groups. Musicians, Dancers, Singers, Storytellers, Swashbucklers and Scots all get time to show off. What they are doing is recruiting for new members. This is a great deal of fun for the new folks and the seasoned Greenwood Players.
It's also a great time for folks to get together after being apart since the end of last year's Faire. They get to re-connect with their friends and swap stories. We used to hold a get acquainted parties on that first rehearsal evening. Since so many folks went out and had their own get together parties that evening we just made sure that the new folks were invited out too.
Then I get to give the usual explanation of Greenwood Players is. (not are, really) This year we have a couple of important choices to make. Will we bring back the Chess Game, will we tour? We will have a sign up sheet available for both questions. Some folks have already let me know that they are ready, willing, and able to do both.
Greenwood Faire now has a Facebookpage. Look us up and become a fan! I promise to send out messages to the fans about important things. I am also uploading loads of photos from the Faires marked by year and annotated. Be sure to let me know what you think. If you are a Facebook user and have photos of Greenwood Faire you can share them there too.
Wow, What a Truly Great Faire!!!! It was Terrific from start to finish.
We had Fun, Fun, Fun.
If you missed it you really did miss a Wonderful Show.
The Weather was Perfect
The Acts were Perfect
The Audience was Perfect.
It took me until Thursday July 2 to finally have enough energy again to stay awake for the whole day. I slept through Tuesday and most of Wednesday. I had happy dreams however.
My usual after the Faire nightmare is that either I forgot to get the money for the gate, or the Opening Parade is starting in the wrong place at the wrong time. This year I had the money nightmare before the Faire, so that one was dealt with.
I am putting out an All Call for Actors, Musicians and Tech folks to join us starting in February 2010 to help us create another wonderful Faire.
Vendors, I should have the Applications on the web site in December/January. I am still looking for a Coffee Vendor. Interested?
On the first day of Faire Week the Directors said to me, get the Jester Press Done!
It has to go into the printer this Friday, early. Sigh.
I have most of it finished. The vendors, the Acts, the Ads and most of the Articles are all done. The Schedule is in place. I only have 3 pages to finish. The Greenwood Players Membership, the map and possibly another story or two.
Nothing to it. Especially if this wasn't in the two week count down. Sigh again.
I did promise to give you the run down on the Queen's show. This a show outline, the story for the Queen's show follows.
*3:30*Parade in, opening remarks*
*35*Court settles down, Musicians Play*
*40*de Simier Surprises the Queen*
*45*Walsingham looks for distractions, Raleigh flirts with the Queen*
*50*Walsingham calls for Master Etcher & Master Shakespeare * *4:00*Sir John Hawkins enters with "News"*
*05*Master Hume presents the gift from Ivan of Russia, Sir John leaves to get his own presents*
*10*Walsingham calls for the English Country Dancers*
*20*De Simier suggests that the Prince is a fine dancer, they dance the Contentezza*
*25*Walsingham calls for the Bridgetowne Morris Dancers*
*35*Walsingham calls for the Fire Eater
*45*Sir John Hawkins enters with his present*
*50*Walsingham calls for Queen’s Madrigals to sing*
*5:10*Walsingham calls for the Greenwood Renaissance Singers present to the Queen*
This is a slightly altered version of what will be printed in the Jester Press. I hope that you will enjoy it.
First dear reader allow me to assure you that this information about the Court of Elizabeth the First of England is true. Granted that we at Greenwood take a few liberties as do all Theater Presentations, however, the following information on these people is real history.
The Notable Courtiers of Elizabeth at Greenwood are:
Sir Francis Walsingham He is the original inventor of the British Secret Service. He would be the first “M”. (“W” upside down?) He is the Queen’s left hand, and exceedingly powerful. He is not above torture and murder to keep the Queen safe.
Sir Philip Sidney A Knight well loved by all of England. He has spent years in the home of Sir Francis and will marry Sir Francis’ daughter.
Sir Walter Raleigh A Sailor of great reputation. He has just recently come to Court and will prove to be most interesting to the Queen.
Sir John Hawkins Well respected Sailor and responsible for the safety of the English Channel. He has been keeping the Spanish from getting a toe hold in England.
Master Tobias Hume A Soldier and Musician lately in the employ of the Russian King, Ivan the Terrible. Really!
The Notable Foreign Dignitaries at Greenwood are:
Francios, Duke of Alecon and Anjou, Prince of France Possibly the only man after Sir Robert Dudley that Elizabeth ever considered marrying. A dashing, bold and handsome young man who’s ambition and military strategies have made him a threat to his brother, the King of France.
Jean de Simier The most trusted servant to the Duke. A French nobleman who has charmed the Queen of England to the point that she has named him “My little Ape” in a play on words of his name.
And now to my story
The year is 1581 and Her Royal Magestie has just arrived at Greenwoodshire. The court is bored. That will not last much longer.
The Courtiers are not favorably disposed to the possible alliance of the Queen and the Duke of Alecon. They are glad of this little “Progress” into the country. While they dally in the glade, de Simier arrives. This is a bad thing for many reasons. First of course, why didn’t anyone know that this Frenchman was in the country? Second it means that de Simier has brought some messages and gifts to the Queen from Francios, Duke Alecon that will help cement their possible “engagement”.
Sir Francis and Sir Philip are wary for good reason at the sudden arrival of de Simier. They watch him intently. He approaches the Queen with his usual flair and She is as usual charmed by him. Sir Francis and Sir Philip glare. Sir Walter, who is new to the Court asks these two Worthies what has them so upset. Before he can get an answer De Simier tells Her Majestie that he has a present for her. She requests him to bring it in.
While he is gone Sir Francis and Sir Philip quickly fill in Sir Walter on the dangers of the Frenchman. Before they can finish de Simier returns with his surprise, The Duke Alecon himself.
Sir Francis crushes the sweet he held in his hand. Sir Philip chokes on his. Sir Walter is amazed. How did the French Prince get here? Who failed to let Sir Francis know? Whomever it was will be visiting the dungeons soon. What will Sir Francis do to keep the influence of the French Prince from winning the hand of the Queen?
When you Visit Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire, drop by the Nobles’ Glade behind the Merchants’ Stage at 3:30 on either Saturday June 27 or Sunday June 28 and find out.
Wow, was it really back in March that I last posted any information? I guess I've been busy.
What have I been doing?
Lets see ..........
I have
Booked all of our vendors Scheduled all the acts Rehearsed the Greenwood Players Given several School presentations Bought advertising in the newspapers Bought advertising on the Radio Gone over the contract with the City of Richland Arranged for the Port-a-Potties Walked the site and confirmed the layout and started a new costume.
Of all that I despair of getting the costume done.
Currently I am working on getting the Jester Press, our program, ready for the printer. The Jester Press is an 8 page Newspaper size program with articles, character descriptions and their want and for sale ads, a list of the Greenwood Cast, the Schedule of performances on each stage, and of course a map.
So far I have the Schedule done. Only 7 more pages to go. (Why do I always wait until June?) Sigh
I said in my last post that I'd tell you more about the acts that we have. Considering that there are currently over 34 of them, amounting to 102 performances a day or so, I think what I'll do is just give you a quick description of who we have.
Troupe Du Soleil, Middle Eastern Dancing, run by a former member of Bare Naked Bellies.
Bridge Towne Morris Men, Dancers, who will be dancing for the Queen too.
The Reverend Chumleigh who has been with us since our second year in existence. There are only 3 acts who have been with us as long, Payne, Clay Martin, Janet Naylor and Dan Roberts. Dan and Payne have only missed one Faire since we started in 1986. Pretty impressive.
Payne's Natural Magick's, Magician, like I said, he's been with us for a long time. He even wore one of our t-shirts when he was performing in England. Is that dedication or what!
James Funke-Loubigniac, Musician, from Spokane. I'm not sure I pronounce his name correctly even now.
James The Obscure, Storyteller, and master of the I-Ching. A former Librarian with a love of Norse tales.
William Barr Juggler, one of our first acts back in the 80's, I think he still wears tennis shoes with his costume. Some things just never change
Alan Gramond, Musician, flies in from the Mid-West. He heard about us and thinks we are really cool. If you catch his act, ask him for Sea Shanty
Nuwwar Al-Sahraa Middle Eastern Dancers, this is a brand new group to us. Run by a former dancer from another group here too. This should be fascinating.
Rod Moltzan, Shakespeare Speaks, the Queen just loves Rod. If I didn't schedule him into the Queen's Show, She'd have me in the Tower forthwith.
Sherwood Singers, Madrigal Singers, really great Madrigals and I'm so glad that they are at Greenwood.
Idlewilde, Musicians, Storytellers, these folks come from Utah, so please give them money when they pass the hat so that they have gas money to get home.
Janet Naylor, Harpist, another of our long time performers. She is one of my personal favorites.
Clay Martin, Puppets, started as an actor with a troupe at Greenwood and then took up Puppets. He is considered one of the best in the North West.
George Klepac, Musician, from Hood River. He called me a few years back after I had finished booking the show. He was so cool that Greenwood Players adopted him and took him to their cast party with them. He's been with us ever since.
Adria the Juggler is a legally blind knife juggler. No, really. She holds a title in Washington as the Best Knife Juggler. Wow. She said that you only catch a knife wrong once. I can understand why.
Magical Strings, harpist, and Harp Maker. I heard of this man long before I started the Greenwood Faire and I am really pleased that he joined us.
Animul Haws Puppeteers, come from Spokane. They called me one day, and like George Klepac I had already finished booking the show. They said they would come anyway. After I saw them last year I just had to have them back.
Mathew Van Zee, Magician and Harley the Stilt Walker. This guy is terrific. You have got to see him.
The Barony of Wastekeep's Company of Players and Fools. Once upon a time I helped to start a little SCA shire called we called Wastekeep. I moved on to creating a Renaissance Faire and they moved on to create a Barony. Success stories all around.
Last Leaf presents, Shakespeare's "Merry Wives of Windsor" and "The Taming of the Shrew". I met these folks quite some time back and they have been driving over from the Coast for our Faire ever since. They are good too, so do catch their show.
Royal Magic, without Zinger this year. Zinger will be at a wedding, but his team with be here without him. While the cat's away??? We'll see.
The Seattle Knights, Fighters and Jousting, really what more can I say. Oh yea, Dameon is very good looking and his wife, Dara is a beauty. They are a very handsome pair, but don't challenge either of them to armed combat.
Puget Sound Pirates, Pacific Northwest Privateers, Cannon Fire, Gun Demo and Whip Demo. What Fun!!!!!
The Fighters of the Society for Creative Anachronism. Once upon a time, oh, wait, I already told you that story.
Sultana Middle Eastern Dancers, one of the oldest troupes in the area.(the troupe, not the dancers ) They are fun to watch.
Harper Tasche, Harpist, ah my Harper of the Silver Hair. He has been playing for us for long before it was silver.
The Oak Leaf Actors and Master Etcher are a good deal of fun. Have Master Etcher and Shakespeare square off against each other for the fireworks. This is another one of the acts the Queen must have.
The Monger's Guild (blacksmiths) will actually let you try your hand at blacksmithing. Who knows, you might like it and join them on the spot.
Plus our own Merrie Group
The Greenwood Noble Fox Hunt
Phillipe’s Tales of Adventure
The Bare Naked Bellies Dancers and the Red Throbbing Hand Gypsie Musicians The Greenwood Company of Musicians English Country Dancers Renaissance Dancers and Singers
Her Excellency’s Uniquely Magnificent Madrigal Singers Michaella, Queen of the Gypsies and her Storytellers and the Greenwood Swashbucklers Scots Puppets Nobles
Well, that's the news so far. If I can remember to, I'll post the schedule for the Queen's Show before the Faire (want to bet??)
Wow, what a great turn out and rehearsal we had on Saturday!
The Swashbucklers buckled their swash, the Storytellers told stories, the English Country Dancers laughed a lot, the Musicianswere perfect and the Madrigals, well you should have been there. The Gypsie Dancers and Gypsie Musicians were fun. The Gypsies had folks come out and join them dance as well as dancing 3 dances under the guise of "rehearsing".
Each of the Performing Groups gave a quick presentation of what their groups do. Even the newest group of Street Performers showed us some great acting. There is a plan in the works to revive the Monks of St. Polly Esther.This would be really great fun!
There is another rehearsal scheduled for this next Saturday. It will be a "Costume Swap" when Greenwood Folks can trade their old costume parts for someone else's old costume parts, making a "new" costume from them for them. I know, it sounds a bit confusing trying to explain it, but really it's much easier to do than say. I have a few boxes of items that I intend to bring.
It looks like this will be a great season, and a great Faire. I hope that some of our readers who have emailed us but never got around to attending a rehearsal will come out and play this year. We will continue to accept new folks until after the April 11th. rehearsal.
The First Rehearsal for Ye Merrie Greenwood Players is tomorrow!!!
All of the Performing Groups Directors have worked up a 10 - 15 min. performance for the Rehearsal to introduce their groups. They will have "sign up" sheets to join their groups along with the information about rehearsal times, dates and locations. The Gypsie Dancers and the "Red Throbbing Hand" their musicians will be doing a presentation, as will the Greenwood Musicians, Madrigals, Scots, Puppets and Swashbucklers. I probably forgot someone in there.
I really enjoy the first rehearsal because I get to sit and enjoy the show with everyone else. All I have to do is introduce them. Of course the real work started in January when the different Staff Members got together and started work on this year's Greenwood Faire. There are some great ideas that we will be implementing that came out of that meeting.
Thinking of the Faire, the vendor applications have been arriving and the acts are all booked. There is a little over a month left before the vendor deadline, and I do hope that folks who are used to getting their applications in the mail will look on line. Granted I did send them an email, but you never know if it wound up in a Spam filter. Heavy Sigh
That's the news for today. I'll try and get a note in about how the first rehearsal went.
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