confessions of a ren fair actor

[marchaunt]

I was reading a thread where folks were complaining about their local ren fairs and many of the comments were about how the day wasn't long enough or the cast were not historical enough and the like and I realized that most patrons have no idea what a cast member deals with

Comments

[arwensouth]

Wow. I knew it was bad, but I didn't know how bad. I do know one of the reasons the SCA stopped doing demos there was because we were getting something like $50/group (for the whole fair), which wouldn't even cover gas. Not even at 1980's prices!

Which just reinforces my opinion that the owners are a bunch of money-grubbing bastards--and that the actors should go on strike to at least get minimum wage.

[marchaunt]

A few years back some folks talked about striking, there was even a Yahoo group put together to discuss asking for better working conditions, the management found out and fired everyone who was on the Yahoo group and tried to get them to rat out anyone who even mentioned possibly joining the group. That was the second time I was fired and banned for life, they re hired me the following year

[hlwoods]

See, I just don't understand working for those kinds of rates. Especially not on that kind of schedule.

Especially especially if you have to buy your own food on the economy, while on the clock. Over 8 weekends, spending 300 on food is not implausible.

Insane.

[flummoxicated]

That's exhausting!

[starlightmasque]

I appreciate you! I think the ren fair workers are awesome!

[marchaunt]

There are some amazing people out there and you quickly become family. The talent is off the chart and it is the toughest acting gig I have ever taken on but when you make some kids day or make a senior gentleman blush it can be so very rewarding.