Ren Faire: Acting: Etiquette

Street Etiquette

ere is a list of rules, or perhaps suggestions, which outline good conduct as a faire worker, be you guild or boothie. The author of this list is unknown (speak up if you wish your fame;). My specific comments from working RPFI follow in italics.

Make sure a customer wants to play before pulling them into a gig. Some of the people are shy, and don't want to be the center of attention. Forcing them into a gig is unrewarding and could scare them away from Faire. Don't let this dissuade you from giging; just because a few people don't want to participate most people want to play with the actors/actresses. Just take no, as a no. This is called an out, always provide them (and yourself!) with an out such that the gig may be terminated without excessive awkwardness.
Stay in BFA (Basic Faire Accent) whenever customers are present. Too often people use "normal" English which detracts from the faire experience for the customer. The less you allow yourself to utter in "normal" english in the course of a day, the less you'll find you're tempted. Its a weaning process, if you speak "normally" to your friends during the day, your chances of getting it right with a customer are low. For that matter, nothing prevents customers from overhearing you quite like muttered BFA.
Don't talk about the real world in front of/to customers. Don't ask customers what the score was at the baseball game, or talk about getting your new computer. Let them enjoy the faire atmosphere. More of the same, if you're not buying into the fantasy, what're you doing wearing funny clothing?
If you're a hawker, don't touch customers physically when your trying to get them over to your booth. It makes people uncomfortable when people assume that kind of familiarity. Faire Folk don't seem to mind it as much but some people need their space. Used effectively, this is an excellent way to capture someones attention. For most people, 'effectively' means offering your arm to lead them somewhere, or opening your arms to lend the suggestion of a touch. Some people are good at this and some are not -- by no means ever pull on someone.
Try to use period plates and utensils whenever possible. A good mug isn't that expensive and on a hot day a huge mug is a blessing. A huge mug of ale is always a blessing.
Make sure customers water their animals regularly. Most visitors don't realize how hot a faire can be for their pets. Heat and dust will dehydrate an animal very quickly.
Have fun, remember we're here to have a festival. If we have fun so will the people visiting. Amen. Sometimes you must amuse yourself first -- a smile on your face can put a smile on many faces.