This is the Seventy-Seventh article in a semi-permanent column for Stroud Arts that appears in the Stroud American. The mission of these articles is to inform, educate and inspire you, the reader, to Make Art Happen in your life and the life of our community.
Over the next few weeks, this column will focus on preparing local volunteers for the 2nd Annual Stroud Arts Medieval Faire. The first step a volunteer must take to create a character that fits into the setting of 1000 A.D. is; learning about the physical environment, customs, politics, economy and folklore being reenacted.
The Stroud Arts: Arts & Sciences Medieval Faire The SAF was introduced in 2019 at Foster Park in the City of Stroud. Its debut showcased 9 Games, 8 Street Characters, 4 Activities, 2 Performance Groups and 2 Merchants, with over 100 Guests Attending. With the 2020 event being cancelled due to Covid-19, the 2021 Faire looks forward to increasing our Street Performer Cast and Activities for the public to participate with.
Performance Dates for the 2021 event are: September 4, from 10am to 2pm.
The Kingdom of Urbania
SAF is a theatrical facsimile of a 10th century European Kingdom at the southern end of the Holy Roman Empire adjacent to the Adriatic Sea and Bordered by the Kingdom of the Southern Croats.
There is a rumor that the Holy Roman Emperor, Otto III may travel through this region as he makes his return trip to Northern Germany, so the Margrave has requested that the locals; crafts-people, musicians, performing troupes and food vendors of Urbania; gather together to create a day of celebration and festivities in the village green.
As a performing cast member inside the kingdom, it is up to you to keep the Urbania Story alive! It is a happy village and you must share the excitement with each and every guest you interact with! “Have you met the Emperor!?” “Oh, what a most beauteous day!!”
Your exuberance keeps the story alive!
Your character need not be based on an actual historical person, but you can do so if you wish! Many of the inhabitants of the Kingdom are fictional creations based on people who could have lived in this land in 1000 A.D. The choice is yours!
In addition, Urbania is on the Major Trade Route and peoples of all lands, faiths and philosophies, can be found in our Kingdom.
The Faire and You
As a cast member of the SAF, you are a representative of Stroud Arts and we ask you to be polite, friendly and gracious in your interactions with your fellow cast members and our guests. Your actions will enhance the experience for everyone… including yourself, so make it a great, fun time for all!
After all, no single performer is more important than any other single performer.
If you would like to be involved then mark follow Stroud Arts on Facebook and look for more information in next week’s column!
Make Art Happen!