We've got an interesting Rennaissance Faire here in my area--in Britol, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, no puppateers--no puppets. I thought it'd be a really neat place for a puppateer to practice his craft (I'm just a student that's still learning about all this, so my efforts don't count)--I just wanted to put the suggestion out there for others to think about and/or discuss...
--Klaus S.

I have been debating on doing a Punch and Judy adult show for the Shakespeare Festival in our town.  We don't have a Ren Faire here in Hawaii but if we did, I would definitely want to be a part of that.  Great mention of this idea when I believe these festivals will start popping up.  I think they are usually in May and June months.  Thanks for mentioning!

Aloha,
Nikole

Ren Fairs start around April down in Florida and run through October and span the US.  I used to work them traveling the circuit and it can be fun but a lot of work. When I was still in high school I started at the Kansas City festival and presented both a hand puppet show and a walk around performance with a Hand in Mouth puppet. Later when I went on the road I built a marionette show that involved myself and another puppeteer along with one musician. They can be a good venue but often do not pay very well and much of your income can rely on tips you collect from your audience after the show.

I say go for it!  It was an experience I really enjoyed and although I doubt I would do it again am glad I did it when I was younger. 

I go to Bristols R Faire every year. I did see an act that consisted of a skeleton puppet (full  body), and a man in an iron mask. The iron mask covered up the mans face and mouth so you never really saw his mouth move and the effect was really good. He had about 200 peoples 100% attention...the gimmick worked without a flaw...great idea. Something I will remember.

About 20 years ago when it was called King Richard's Faire I bought my first puppet and still have him today. a brown fuzzy wookie looking thing for like $15.00....lol

Did you ever see the "mud eaters" Thats hilarious, They'll eat mud for 5 cents.  If you can get to this event, its a fabulous trip back into time.....and the food is fit for a King..lol

Heres a link to the Faire : http://www.renfair.com/bristol/

Very good advice Shawn...thanks!


Sonny, that Faire that you described sounds tempting!!!  I will have to think of a way to swing a "business trip" during that time.  Are there any theme parks in that area???  HA HA HA...I only say that because my husband teaches theme park design/develop/management at the University here so he gets "paid vacations" to theme parks for "research." 

I would love to go to a Faire like this.  I only wish Hawaii would do something like this.  At least we have the shakespeare festival but it is still not the same.  :'(

Aloha,
Nikole

I go to a Renfest over here in MD...I generally like to take one of my dragons with me as we walk around the faire...My problem is, that I have had a tendency to attract a little to much attention especially during shows when I'm sitting in the audience (except for that one time during the sword swallowing show, but we won't go into that right now.). Good thing is everyone takes it all in good fun...I'll have to take some pictures this year when I go. The fun thing is, you get some really great practice in and really get to see what your character can do especially in front of people...

I also used to take a puppets to theme parks during the halloween theme times as well...good times!!!!


Spoon

The dragon is PERFECT for this....great story.  I wish I could have seen you.  If you wanted to make money while attracting so many onlookers, I guess you could also have a sign around your neck that said something like, "Donations accepted to feed my dragon." 

Nikole

I saw an awesome puppeteer at a Ren Faire down is Sarasota, Florida years ago. He was a tall, slim guy who really put his dragon marionette through its paces.

I wonder what ever happened to that guy...

 

Ron G.

I want to go to one.............. I don't get to go anywhere. I'm going to my room now and pout.

Billy D.

I know how you feel Billy.  I've wanted to go to a Ren Fair ever since I started college and that was 20 years ago.  I still have been able to get to one and we had a big one only a few hours away.  Oh well, maybe when I retire in another 30 years.  That is if I can afford to retire.