A Faire Guide for Newcomers
Compiled for use by the Southampton County Renaissance Faire Board
in June 2013
Welcome, newcomer!
Hail and well met, friend, and welcome to Southampton Renaissance Faire Planning
Board! On behalf of the Board, we thank you for your interest in our event, and your enthusiasm
in becoming a part of the planning process. Planning a faire takes time, patience, and the help of
many talented, hardworking individuals. It is our mission to present our community with a show
that takes the audience back in time in a way that is both educational, as well as entertaining. We
achieve this through the utilization of period performances, vendors, living history groups, and
others. In this packet, you will find information that will help introduce you to the “faire scene,”
such as the backstory on our Faire, customs and courtesies of faire culture, tips and tricks for
appropriate garb, the business logic behind a faire, and more! Let the journey begin...
Our Story
Our Faire was founded in the spring of 2009, when a small renaissance-themed gathering
was held in the backroom of the Walter Cecil Rawls Library in Courtland, Virginia. The seeds
for the idea of a faire were planted when one of our Board members attended the Virginia
Renaissance Faire, held at the Lake Anna Winery. In collaboration with the Youth Programs
Director of the library, the Friends of the Rawls Library and library volunteers, the Courtland
Renaissance Faire was established, providing a local opportunity to explore the history and
folklore of the Middle Ages in Europe. A year later, in April of 2010, our first official faire was
held on the grounds of the Library and Rawls Art Museum. It started out as a small, one day
festival, with: faeries, a jester, pirates, an herbalist, a medieval encampment, live-action sword
and steel tournaments, archery, and children’s games. Around 150 to 200 people attended.
Since then, we have experienced exponential growth, despite inclement weather and low
turnout in 2011 (the year of the “Little Ice Age”). Our Faire has grown from a simple, small
gathering to an established, one weekend event in the festival network--complete with a stage,
multiple performers, food, merchants, an expanded fantasy realm, an established cast, multiple
games and competitions, several living history groups, and many, many volunteers who make it
all possible. In the spring of 2013 during our 5th Anniversary, we changed our name to the
Southampton Renaissance Faire and were blessed with an attendance of over 1,000 patrons, with
people coming from all over the Mid-Atlantic region. Our event filled the local papers, the local
radio station, and we even received a most gracious shout out on WAVY TV 10’s Noon Weather
Forecast.
Where Are We Going?
It is the collective hope of our Board members that like with any established faire, we
will continue to grow, and grow in a smart, efficient manner, so as to not outgrow ourselves. We
would like to have our own permanent site one day; complete with period structures, multiple
stages, merchants’ booths, and all of the other amenities that are required for a successful, multiweekend event. However, that is the long-term goal. For now, we are still a small, southern
Faire. Our immediate goals are finding a location that can sustain that growth, increasing our
exposure in the public eye, building our funds, attaining official 501c3 Non-Profit status, and
improving upon what is already a beautiful work of art.
Participation
There are many ways to participate in our Faire. Becoming a part of our Planning Board is
one way to become heavily involved. The planning process typically begins between June and
August each year, and continues right up to the weekend of the event. Within the Board, members
are encouraged to hold an officer position, and anyone can be nominated. Officer positions include
Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Historian, et cetera.
 Subcommittees: The Board is also comprised of multiple subcommittees that specialize
in making sure certain parts of the Faire come together and run smoothly. Some examples
of subcommittees are Vending & Entertainment, SCA, Adrian Empire, Customs &
Courtesies, Marketing, Children’s Activities, Fundraising, et cetera.
o Other forms of participation:
 Sponsors - We are actively seeking sponsors to finance props,
decorations, building materials, fabric, entertainers, utilities, and more.
 Donations - Simple donations are always welcome, whether they are
in the form of money or donated items. Donations can be given to the
Chairman or Vice Chairman or to the Treasurer directly at any time.
 Volunteers - We are always in need of helping hands throughout the
year, during set up, and during the event. There are several community
events and parades that we use to advertise, and we utilize volunteers
to help us put our set-up together. We also utilize volunteers during the
setup and breakdown of the Faire, and during the Faire as well, to keep
things rolling.
 Auditions - Become part of the story! In the winter, when the planning
process kicks into high-gear, we hold public Auditions for those
talented individuals who would like to be a part of our Village Cast.
Participants may audition with 60 to 90 seconds of a memorized or
well-read song, poem, play, soliloquy, et cetera.
The Basics of Faire
 What is the Renaissance? - The term “Renaissance” originates from the French
language and means “rebirth,” or “renewal.” We call these events “Renaissance
Faires,” because they portray a time in Europe when all things, from music and art to
science and politics, were rapidly changing. Before the many aspects of the
Renaissance took Europe by storm, the continent had been rocked by nearly 800 years
of devastation and turmoil. Beginning around the year 700 A.D. when the Roman
Empire collapsed, the “Dark Ages” began and lasted until approximately 1400 A.D.
During this time, European civilization had shattered into factions of warring feudal
states, and national borders were constantly changing from one conquest to the next.
The Roman Catholic Church had risen to such a position of power, that it influenced
the political and social game down to the local level. And city street corners were
often piled high with corpses--those poor souls who had succumbed to such diseases
as Bubonic Plague. After the Plague reached its peak in the late 14th-century, the
disease suddenly vanished. However, this was not before wiping out a third of
Europe’s population. In a sense though, this was a critical occurrence that had to
happen, for it sparked a chain reaction that changed European society forever. By the
turn of the 15th-century, the Plague was gone, weather patterns were improving and
so agricultural yields improved. People began to build families and communities
again, and ancient ideologies that had failed the people in the past were giving way to
new, revolutionary schools of thought. The Renaissance was taking hold, and after
first sweeping across Italy, it began spreading outward in all directions. People found
that they had money to spare, unlike their predecessors, and so they began to invest
extensively in the arts, in science, in overseas voyages, in new schools, in
infrastructure, and in their churches. Over the course of two centuries, this spread of
affluence and new ideas had built a legacy that would last for an eternity; one that we
still reminisce about today.
 What is a Renaissance Faire? - Renaissance Faires began in the United States
during the 1960’s, when the first Renaissance Pleasure Faire was held in Irwindale,
California. Renaissance Faires are like arts and crafts expositions, mixed with a
healthy dose of living history and live entertainment. One will find that all Faire Cast
and Faire Staff are dressed in period costume or “garb,” which typically resembles the
clothing of the Britain during the 16th-century (Tudor Era), but you may also see
people portraying other times and places in the medieval world. Other personas that
can often be found at faire include Vikings, Celts, Pirates, Romani/Gypsies, and even
Samurai! At Faire, the lanes are lined with colorful merchants selling both period
gifts and foods, and royal pageants parade through the festival, offering a glimpse
into the pomp and circumstance of Court life.
 What is appropriate “Faire Attire” or “Garb?” - Many people have clothes in
their closets and drawers that will pass as garb, and they don’t even realize it. For
footwear, natural leather shoes, boots, and sandals work. Barefoot works, as well, but
be mindful of garbage or sharp objects lying around! Peasant blouses or “poet’s
shirts” in natural colors with leather vests, corsets, or wide belts are also acceptable,
as are blowsy dresses in natural colors. For pants, tights can work, as well as cotton
pajama pants that are solid colored, natural colors, wide striped, checked, or plaid.
Since most Faires take place in the spring and summer months, you’ll want some
form of headwear to not only shade your eyes from the Sun, but to help prevent
sunburn to the face, too. Wide-brim, straw hats are acceptable, as are tricorns, berets,
snoods, french hoods, flat caps, jester’s hats, and cavalier hats. If you are participating
in an event as part of the cast or staff, cowboy hats and baseball caps are not
acceptable. Wearing modern sunglasses and wristwatches is also discouraged.
Prescription glasses are fine, as are pocket watches and "clipclocks".
 General Faire Info for Cast, Staff, and Vendors:
o Smoking onsite during the event is prohibited. Please proceed to a designated
smoking area.
o Cell phone and portable radio use is strongly discouraged during the
operating hours of the faire, except in the event of an emergency. In most
cases, if you must use your cell phone, please go off site or do so discreetly.
Merchants may use their cell phones in their booths to process transactions
only, as long as it is done with discretion.
o During Faire, especially for Faires held in Spring or Fall, the weather can
change on a dime. Having a cloak on hand, preferably made of wool, is the
perfect fix for cold nights and rainy days. Having a cloak will not only keep
you warm, it will also keep you dry!
o Also have a bota, mug, tankard or horn to drink from. It’s easy to get
dehydrated. Drink water or sports drinks all day, all the time. Have a pouch or
basket with light foods. Fruit, pickles, cheese and bread give you lots of
energy. They are easy to eat and are authentic. Use sunscreen liberally, it’s
easy to get cooked! Take a break once in a while.
o Weapons are allowed for Faire Cast, Staff, and patrons. However, they must
be peace-tied.
 Street Etiquette:
o Before interacting with a patron and trying to suck them into the medieval
world, be sure that they want to play, first. Some people are shy, and may not
want to participate in a sequence that makes them the center of attention. If
you are going to interact with a patron in such a way, make sure they have an
easy way out, as to avoid making the situation awkward and scaring them off.
o If you are capable of talking in an authentic European dialect/accent, and
patrons are still able to comprehend what you’re saying, then by all means, do
so!
o Please refrain from breaking the atmosphere by talking about the mundane
(real) world in front of patrons. Do not discuss sports, electronics, media, et
cetera. And if you absolutely must...make it period. (Ex: Instead of “the
President addressed the nation on television yesterday,” say “the King gave a
rousing speech to the populace.”)
o If you’re a vendor, please refrain from touching patrons to direct them to your
booth. This is very off-putting to mundane folk. Faire folk don’t seem to mind
as much, but some people just need space.
o Remember to eat with period plates, bowls, and utensils if you have them.
o Make sure patrons that bring pets along keep their pets watered. Many people
don’t realize how the heat can affect their furry friends. Be sure that all pets
are also kept on a leash!
o The most important rule of all--HAVE FUN! We are not here for us. We are
here to put on an amazing show for the community. We want patrons to feel
like they have left the modern world behind, and entered a forgotten world.
 Forms of Address:
o In Renaissance society, unlike today, people were more aware of their social
standing and the standing of those they were addressing. You might hear
someone address someone else as “Sir,” or “Madame,” but this wouldn’t be a
common form of address for simply walking down the street.
o While at Faire, it is important to have a good understanding of your social
status in period society. Often, people will dress according to their status,
which makes it easier to utilize the appropriate form of address.
o The words used to address someone are built upon both status and familiarity.
 Ex: The Earl of Essex may refer to the Earl of Southampton using
“My Lord,” “Sir,” “Cousin,” et cetera, depending on the
circumstances. Coming from a peasant or merchant, both Essex
and Southampton would be addressed as “My Lord.”
o “Sire,” “Mistress,” or “Milady” are all good bets for one who is not nobility,
but well dressed. Someone of a similar status as you might be called
“Goodman,” “Goodwife,” “Father” if they are older, or “Master.”
o Children are often referred to as “lad” or “lass.” “My young Lord/Lady” is
also acceptable.
o For nobility, “My Lord/Lady” followed by their name is appropriate.
o The King or Queen are referred to as “Your Grace,” “Your Highness,” “Your
Royal Highness,” or “His/Her Majesty,” if speaking in third person.
o Dukes and Duchesses may also be referred to as “Your Grace.”
o Within the Church and the Legal system of the Middle Ages, the titles “Your
Worship” and “Your Honor” would have been used.
o “Wench” is a serving woman, and is a perfectly acceptable form of address IF
the situation is appropriate. This is not something you would call everyone,
and can be demeaning to some.
 Recommended Films & Shows:
o “Shakespeare in Love.”
o “A Knight’s Tale.”
o “Robin Hood.”
o “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.”
o “Snow White: A Tale of Terror.”
o “Merlin.”
o “Brave.”
o “Beowulf.”
o “Centurion.”
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“Romeo & Juliet.”
“Hamlet.”
“Elizabeth R.”
“Anonymous.”
“The Other Boleyn Girl.”
“The Tudors (TV).”
“Game of Thrones (TV) (?)”
“Merlin (TV).”
“King Arthur.”
“Braveheart.”
Thank You!
 Thank you for taking the time to read through this packet, and thank you for your interest
in our event! We hope that the information in these pages has helped you build a basic
understanding of who we are, and what a Renaissance Faire is all about. If you have
questions, or suggestions to improve this newcomer’s guide, please contact Garrett Piersa
at 757-556-3887, gchevolazski@yahoo.com, or 22424 Linden St. Courtland, VA 23837.
-Garrett A. Piersa,
Head of Vending & Entertainment, Webmaster.