Ren Faire: Acting

Street Acting

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he majority of acting at faire is not rote and recitation, though that has its place; rather its interactive and improvisational acting. Improv classes certainly can help, but generally a few wits are all that are required. Remembering three things make all street interactions easier: a) offer a situation in which you possess an out, something that can allow you to continue on your way; b) don't be afraid to use your out, but allow someone else to speak too; c) speak slowly, give yourself time to think.

The terms used to describe street acting include:

bit/gig: a small bit of prepared material which can generate conversation. Sometimes this is a material object: "I say good man, have you ere seen a more magnificent fish?". Sometimes its a query: "I possess a terrible boil, could you help me?". Or even a metaphysical question: "While the Moon is a lesser body than the lordly Sun, they occupy the same sphere; how does the moon not catch fire?".
out: your ticket to freedom or a convenient way to end a bit. These are generally tailored to suit a bit, but can be very general. "Thankee good gentles, I can tarry no longer." Or "Gods teeth! I've forgotten my baby!" And when they've just grown tedious, "Allow me to ponder these words; I will speak with thee anon."
stall: a phrase, sound, gesticulation used to stall for time. Ideally you should be able to spit it out whenever you get stuck and give you or someone a moment to jump in. "Be that the truth.", "Weeellllll thennnn."
block: a refusal to participate. A block differs from an out because an out accepts the other person's bit and passes on it. A block ignores whatever has been offered. An example: "Hast thou a three-eyed pig seen?" "No." (or the Lang Zerner End the Gig Now Comeback - "Shut up."). Sometimes blocks occur because two people are working to different ends and not accepting the other person's offer: you can work through this problem using the improv Yes, And... game where you accept the other person's statement AND THEN add to it. Customers block all the time because they feel shy or put upon: gauge this carefully. Finally, theres a big difference between "No" and looking around furtively, sticking your hands in your pockets, looking up at the sun, whistling, and saying "Ahhhh, no."

What else? How to pick who you interact with. Beginning, gigging, and ending. Ideas for gigs. Bad people. Courtesy. Memorization. Improv books. Improv games.