So you wanna be a rennie huh? Interested in trying out some of your skills and/or talents? We have a lot of wonderful positions for interesting people with positive attitudes! Will you make a lot of money? No, this is a not-for-profit event that happens because of fantastic, dedicated *volunteers*. Will you learn some things, gain some knowledge and have fun while doing it? Yes!

If you're new to faires please read the bottom of this page, first, to get an idea of what to expect at most ren. faires.

Merchants please e-mail the Merchant Coordinator for more information. Merchant Application

There are various types of people that help the ren. faire run. They are listed from from least involved, (for those coming from a distance or just very busy), to the most involved.

>>>> Shire Folk: These are people who come in garb, (renaissance-ish clothing), who just wander around the site helping patrons that look confused or other volunteers in need of backup. These are also the folks that support the ambiance of the faire, booing the bad guys and cheering the good, (or their side since most things are subjective :).

>>>> Set Up/Break Down Crew: These are the people that do all of the "behind the scenes" stuff like; setting up or breaking down pavilions, (tents), moving things that need to be moved, putting signs where they need to be etc.. Although not a visible position this is a good position to learn things in and these people are the unsung heroes of the faire... though we do try to sing for them as often as possible! During the day these folks will double as security and/or replenishment... walking the grounds making sure all are being safe and respectful of the land and others. As for replenishment we will have hot and cold beverages throughout the grounds and will need people refilling them and their supplies as needed as well as checking in on the privies, trashes etc..

>>>> Parking/Front Desk Crew: This is another deceptive position. This is one of the most important areas of the faire for multiples reasons; 1) You are the *first* people patrons see! Therefor you are symbolic of the faire and it's atmosphere. This is a good job for people that know how to make a good first impression and like working with people, (without chatting *too* much, people need to be parked in a timely fashion). 2) If people are not parked properly getting out could be rather messy so good directors are important to have. 3) We are considering making the parking and front desk crew one area to expedite the check-in process so you'll need to be good at math to do the latter. For this position there will be a rotation so you won't be stuck in the same area all day.

>>>> Graphic Artist: This position is a good starter position for a local artist to showcase their work. In our pamphlet we sometimes need ads designed for sponsors and merchants and Gypsy~Rose would *love* some assistance with that part of the process. As with all of these positions it's volunteer but your name will be listed under all ads that you design with a link to your web site or e-mail.

>>>> Crew "Parent": This year we would like to delegate one person, (or a couple if you have a s.o. or friend that's interested in helping you), to be the crew's parent(s). Your job will be to check on the staff and make sure they're eating, drinking, taking breaks, staying warm and staying happy. You will check in with Marghi & Bob regularly to let her know how everyone is and if there are any issues that need to be addressed. It would also be nice if you could check in on single merchants to see if they need "privie breaks" since there's no one to relieve them, (pun intended :). The person, (or people), for this position should live nearby to the shire, (Kingston, NH), so that you can meet the cast and learn the ins and outs of things beforehand. Attending meetings and/or practices would also be a good thing. If you would like a small role to help with during the day that would be fine, (like selling flowers, nuts or apples for the faire). Please let the Volunteer Coordinators know what you'd like to do as an "extra" little job if you'd like to have one.

>>>> Musician or Singer: If you're a local, musically inclined, person that would like to entertain, (solo or with a group you already have), please let us know and send us some examples of your work, (see below for the address). We had some wonderful singers and musicians last year and are hoping to have even more this year! Being the above type of singer or musician is a fairly easy option since you wouldn't have to attend meetings or practices on a regular basis. If, however, you'd like to become singing / musical "crew" and practice with us regularly that would also be wonderful! Once again please send examples to the address below or e-mail a link to pieces and info. if you have one. * If you are accepted to entertain at the faire a link with a small bio. and photo will be added to the website.

>>>> Playtron: If you're interested in acting for the event please let us know. *No experience is necessary*. Some "roles" are very basic and don't require remembering a lot of lines. This is a dedicated position, though, so it will be important that you can attend meetings and practices in Farmington or Kingston, NH regularly. * If you are accepted to entertain at the faire a link with a small bio. and photo will be added to the website.

>>>> Dancer: If you're a bellydancer, fire dancer or troupe and would be interested in performing drop us a line with your experience and/or a link to your web site if you have one. * If you are accepted to entertain at the faire a link with a small bio. and photo will be added to the website.

>>>> Fighter: This year we're hoping to have more fighting involved, of various types. This, again, is a dedicated position being that practices will be *extra* important for safety's sake. * If you are accepted to entertain at the faire a link with a small bio. and photo will be added to the website.

If you are interested in any of these positions please copy & paste the info. below, fill it *all* in and e-mail it to the appropriate person(s), below;

Volunteer Coordinators, (they also coordinate the grounds & adverising)

Plot Coordinators

Merchant Coordinator, (also in charge of acts/demonstrators)

* What to expect to see/experience at a ren. Faire by Gypsy~Rose

Renaissance faires are a lot of fun and, although based in history, the goal of most ren. faires is fun, not solely recreation. You will see many people in garb, period clothing that would have been worn in, say, the year 1588 like the NHRF is based in. The knight and two poppets, (children), above were all patrons of the faire. They attended the faire as seen above... garbed and ready to go!

Do you have to wear period clothing? No but it really *does* add to the ambiance of the event. Most faires have artisans on-site selling all sorts of wonderful things, including but not limited to, period clothing. So now that the scene is set, people are in costume and the site is set up as closely to the renaissance as possible, the fun can begin!

Many faires have games in common with one another, from children battling with boffer weapons, to marshmallow-shooting crossbows, (both of which we will have). Some also have things like a wench-auction, where one can put their s.o. or friend on the auction block and bid on them... who knows you might even fetch a mule or some gold! (All in fun, of course). Our faire does this but also does a "strapping young lad auction" because it's nice to be able to bid on the gents too! Human Chess Matches are a popular attraction also. There are lots of other things to do, visit the Activities area to see more of what we'll have.

There's a lot more that one might see at a renaissance faire too! Musicians and wandering minstrels, magicians, theatrical acts, soothsayers, (tarot and rune readers, psychics etc.), as well as local artisans selling their handcrafted goods and more.

A renaissance faire is a world all it's own. It's like being thrown back in time to the renaissance, minus the plague, with a little bit of artistic license thrown in for good measure! Some faires are more historically-based than others. Our faire, for example, is fantasy-friendly so you'll see fairies, trolls and hobbits wandering around as well as humans. Our faire is also family-orientated, (some are a little more "bawdy" than ours), so please bring the kiddos, there is LOTs for everyone to see and do!

We hope to see you at the faire!