Weapons
Approved Staff,
Performers and Merchants may carry weapons. At some events Patrons are
allowed to carry weapons providing they are allowed at the Event and the
weapon is peacebound by our Knights. Peacebinding secures a weapon by
the use of cable ties or other methods in such a manner that it may not
be withdrawn, or wielded. Eating daggers with a length of 5 inches or
less are not required to be peacebound except where local laws state
otherwise. Weapons carried by Staff,
Performers and Merchants are not required to be peacebound, mishandling a
weapon will result in immediate revocation of this privilege. Most of
the swords and bows you’ll see are very real, do not touch without
permission! A hiking staff is a good choice, most people used them in
medieval times. Only Nobility and soldiers could carry weapons of war
and defense. No one under the age of 18 may carry steel weapons with the
exception of eating daggers, however
they may be allowed to carry wood, bamboo or rattan. Anyone working
with MFC wishing to carry a weapon must have participated in weapons
safety training and have met the requirements to do so. Weapon
definitions: A sword, axe, mace, flail, pole arm, spear, bow, crossbow and
knives with a blade length greater than 5 inches. Patrons may not carry
spears or pole arms, arrows and bolts must be peacebound in a bundle in
such a manner that a single projectile may not be withdrawn. Chris Pugh or Mia
Pugh, the Company Owners, has final say on who may or may not carry a
weapon by anyone.
What do I do?
Most of all have fun! Be friendly with people; remember we want them to
think they have stepped back in time. So play your part and don’t be
afraid. If your accent is not quite right or the way you says things is
a bit off, don’t worry. Most people will not know the difference and
still think it all very wonderful! If you engage someone in a bit, and
they don’t want to participate, just give them an out and be on your
way! They will probably just smile as they watch you go elsewhere.
Additional information on specific jobs and assignments can be found in
Position Descriptions.
Street Etiquette
Here is a list of rules, or perhaps suggestions, which outline good
conduct as an Event worker, be you staff, performer or vendor.
1) Make sure a patron wants to play before pulling them into a
gig. Some people are shy, and don't want to be the center of attention.
Forcing them into a gig is unrewarding and could scare them away. Don't
let this dissuade you from gigging; just because a few people don't want
to participate. Most people want to play with the actors/actresses. Just
take no, as a no. Always provide them (and yourself!) with an out so
that the gig may be terminated without excessive awkwardness.
2) Stay in BFA (Basic Faire Accent) whenever patrons are present.
Too often people use "normal" English, which detracts from the
experience for the patron. The less you allow yourself to utter in
"normal" English in the course of a day, the less you'll find you're
tempted. It’s a weaning process, if you speak "normally" to your friends
during the day; your chances of getting it right with a patron are low.
For that matter, nothing prevents patrons from overhearing you quite
like muttered BFA.
3) Don't talk about the real world in front of/to patrons. Don't
ask them what the score was at the baseball game, or talk about getting
your new computer. Let them enjoy the Event atmosphere. More of the
same, if you're not buying into the fantasy, what're you doing wearing
funny clothing?
4) If you're a vendor, don't touch patrons physically when you’re
trying to get them over to your booth. It makes people uncomfortable
when someone assumes that kind of familiarity. Faire Folk don't seem to
mind it, as much but some people need their space.
5) Try to use period plates and utensils whenever possible. A
good mug isn't that expensive and on a hot day a huge mug is a blessing.
6) Make sure patrons water their animals regularly. Most visitors
don't realize how heat can affect their pets. Heat and dust will
dehydrate an animal very quickly.
7) Have fun, remember we're here to have a festival, if we have
fun so will the people visiting. Sometimes you must amuse yourself first
-- a smile on your face can put a smile on many faces.
Street Acting
The majority of acting at faire or an event is not rote and recitation,
though that has its place; rather its interactive and improvisational
acting. Improv classes certainly can help, but generally a few wits are
all that are required. Remembering three things make all street
interactions easier: a) offer a situation in which you possess an out,
something that can allow you to continue on your way; b) don't be afraid
to use your out, but allow someone else to speak too; c) speak slowly,
give yourself time to think. The terms used to describe street acting
include:
Bit/gig: A small bit of prepared material which can
generate conversation. Sometimes this is a material object: "I say good
man, have you ere seen a more magnificent fish?”
Sometimes it’s a query: "I possess a terrible boil, could you help me?”
Or even a metaphysical question: "While the Moon is a lesser body than
the lordly Sun, they occupy the same sphere; how does the moon not catch
fire?”
Out: Your ticket to freedom or a convenient way to end a bit.
These are generally tailored to suit a bit, but can be very general. "Thankee
good gentles, I can tarry no longer." Or "Gods teeth! I've forgotten my
baby!" And when they've just grown tedious, "Allow me to ponder these
words; I will speak with thee anon."
Stall: A phrase, sound, gesticulation used to stall for time.
Ideally you should be able to spit it out whenever you get stuck and
give you or someone a moment to jump in. "Be that the truth.” "Weeellllll
thennnn."
Block: A refusal to participate. A block differs from an out
because an out accepts the other person's bit and passes on it. A block
ignores whatever has been offered. An example: "Hast thou a three-eyed
pig seen?" "Nay”. Patrons block all the time because they feel shy or
put upon, gauge this carefully. Finally, there's a big difference
between "No" and looking around furtively, sticking your hands in your
pockets, looking up at the sun, whistling, and saying "Ahhhh, no."
Proper Elizabethan Accents
Proper Elizabethan language is not the modern 'snooty' English of many
plays and movies, nor the drawn out cockney accent; proper Elizabethan
is more akin to the speech of back wood communities on the East Coast of
the United States, where language has not changed significantly since
the founding of those communities. Language is a living thing and
evolves with time: new words are created and old ones altered. This
evolution is obvious when comparing Swiss German and High German (your
high school German won't help you talk to the Swiss), but even in the
United States the comparison may be struck between a New York accent and
New Orleans patois. Mainstream English, under the relentless influence
of media's unifying force, is fast becoming a dry and brisk language,
devoid of character and romance.
Altogether another reason for faire: filling the void. So, after you've
put on suitable clothing to project yourself into a different era, you
need conceal your speech. To this end, back to grade school! The three
things to learn are: pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Learning to
speak passable faire Elizabethan is easy. It simply requires some
practice of the pronunciation, and some memorization of common
vocabulary. The problem I had when first working at faire was that I
felt very self-conscious about my accent: DON'T BE! To the traveler /
guest / visitor / person off the street, nearly any attempt to sound
'authentic' will be music to their ears! The workers at faire, who
through practice have gotten good at speaking, aren't going to make fun
of you either -- we all know it takes work and faire is the best place
to practice! (Start ranting about “Aye Sir and beneath my feet the earth
did tilt tossing my ale hither” while in a bar and you'll be lucky if
you're only asked to leave...) More advice: speak slowly. Take some time
and think about what you're going to say, scratch your head, look
around, and finally answer.
So practice at faire or in your car or with friends (careful, this is a
quick way to lose non-faire friends). You're learning a new language and
you won't be perfect overnight.
Start by learning where the sounds of Elizabethan differ from modern
English. This has the side effect of teaching you many short words. Then
work on some other words and learn the terms of address for the
different people you might meet. Finally, load yourself up on insults
and words of praise, smear your face with dung and try to find a date!
References: William Shakespeare is the most cited reference to
Elizabethan speech. In particular, The Merry Wives of Windsor provides
excellent examples of peasant speech. Other contemporaries include Ben
Johnson.
Forms of Address
The Elizabethans had a very socially stratified society. Unlike modern
day in the USA, people were well aware of their social standing as
compared to the social standing of the person they were addressing.
While it’s not uncommon to address someone as Sir or Madame, most people
don't use such honorifics while walking down the street. Sometimes in
modern usage we address people by their professions as the Elizabethans
did; this manifests itself in certain situations such as: Good evening,
Officer or Yes, your Honor. This is also found with Doctor, Professor,
but note not with Lawyer; respect is given where it is due!
While at faire, in order to feel comfortable addressing people, you need
to have a feeling for your social level and theirs. Fortunately, people
wear clothing in accordance with their social standing, making it easy
to make a quick judgment.
The words used to address someone are based on both social status and
familiarity.
For example, the Earl of Warwick could refer to the Earl of Pembroke as
Pembroke, My Lord, cousin, Sir, etc. depending on the circumstance.
Coming from a merchant or peasant, both would be addressed as my Lord,
my Lord Earl, or similar.
Sir or Mistress is always a safe bet for someone who is not nobility but
who is dressed well. An older man might be addressed as Father. Someone
of your social standing or slightly above could be called Goodman,
Goodwife or by their name or profession as Master Patrick or Master
Brewer. A familiar tone may be taken by calling someone Cousin.
To children, my lad/lass, or good young sir is appropriate, perhaps
erring on the side of safety with my young lord/lady.
To nobility, my Lord, or my Lady is safe if you don't know their exact
name or title.
The Queen is of course referred to as Your Highness or Your Grace. In
the third person, the Queen can be called Her Majesty, but this is not
appropriate for addressing the Queen directly. Similarly, the King is
Your Majesty or His Highness. Dukes, Duchesses can be likewise be
addressed as Your Grace.
Archbishops and Bishops are referred to as Your Grace, whereas lower
members of clerical orders are referred to as Sir Priest. Deacons,
Sextons, etc. would be referred to as Master or, if of obviously lower
economic status, Goodman.
Officeholders, such as judges, constables, or bureaucrats, and esquires
may be called Your Honour or Your Worship.
In general, extra words such as Good may be thrown in to add further
flattery and pomp to an address. Good my Honorable Lord Constable!
Wench refers to a serving woman and is a perfectly acceptable form of
address when appropriate. Personally I hesitate at addressing travelers
as wench unless they've demonstrated a willingness to play. Sirrah
doesn't have the same modern-day meaning as wench, but it should! It is
a slightly demeaning way to address someone: such as a surly child, or
in jest to a friend. Coming from a better, this address would sting a
bit.
MFC conducts many
types of events, Faires, Weddings, Birthday Parties, School and Living
History Programs just to name a few. There will be times when Staff,
Performers or Merchants are needed for these Events. A “Now Hiring” ad is
placed on the website for these openings. The job is usually specific
and often only for that particular event. Specific information will be
listed on the website for the job. Sometimes a person or Merchant has a
particular talent or ware that we need for that Event and preference
will be given to those persons. Other times it is whoever contacts us
first. Please see the Position Descriptions for more information.
Workshops and training
Instruction for your particular job, such as Games Attendant, Gate
Keeper, etc is usually offered the day
prior to the Event or the morning prior to opening. If more involved
training is required arrangements with the Staff member will be made. The date and time of training will be specified in
your Application/ Contract, failure to attend this training could result in
forfeiture of your job.
Staff
All Staff must fill
out and sign an Application/Contract for each Event. Specific
information regarding the Event will be listed on the
Application/Contract. MFC is not responsible for Staff’s transportation, food or lodging
while at an Event. Staff must provide proper garb and are responsible
for meeting appearance standards of MFC. All Events are held rain or
shine with some being held outdoors. MFC is not
responsible for any personal items that might be stolen, damaged or
destroyed in any manner while on the Event grounds or elsewhere. Staff
might have their photograph taken and used for promotional purposes by
MFC. Staff will be compensated within 14 calendar days after the Event.
Failure to perform the duties assigned may result in forfeiture of this
compensation.
MFC provides no benefits such as
unemployment insurance, health insurance or worker's compensation
insurance to Staff. Staff is responsible for payment of all federal,
state and local income taxes. When working as a Shoppe Keeper, Game
Attendant or Activity Director, we expect you to be outgoing and
interact liberally with Patrons. Invite Patrons to play and loudly
“hawk” your game or activity. If you lose your payment check you may
request a replacement check within seven (7) calendar days. A $20 fee
will be deducted from the replacement check. Staff are expected to work
each day of an Event unless other arrangements have been made. Non
compliance with these requirements may result in forfeiture of payment
to the Staff member. MFC Staff T-shirts, shorts, sweatpants and Sweatshirts are available to
wear during Setup/Takedown at Events. Please contact Chris or Mia Pugh
for more information.
Living History Groups
All Living History Groups must complete, sign and return an Application/Contract
for each Event. Specific information regarding the Event will be listed
on the Application/Contract. MFC is not responsible for Living
History Group’s
transportation, food or lodging while at an Event. Living History
Groups must
provide proper garb and are responsible for meeting appearance standards
of MFC. All Events are held rain or shine with some being held outdoors.
MFC holds the right to delay, cancel or reschedule any presentations due
to inclement weather or other unforeseen reason. MFC is not responsible
for any personal items that might be stolen, damaged, lost or destroyed
in any manner while on the Event grounds or elsewhere. Living
History Groups might have their photograph taken and used for
promotional purposes by MFC. The display and demonstration of
weapons or other
hazardous presentations must be done within an area where Patrons are not
endangered. Allowing Patrons to handle weapons is not encouraged however
for educational purposes may be done with strict supervision of the
Living History Group. Living History Groups are responsible and will be held accountable for
the safety and welfare of Patrons.
MFC encourages passing the hat or taking donations. Living History
Group
information will be posted on the official MFC website including name
and logo (if available) and on printed advertising materials. MFC offers free vending spaces
to Living History Groups wishing to vend, who
must also complete a Merchant Application/Contract. MFC provides no
benefits such as unemployment insurance, health insurance or worker's
compensation insurance to Living History Groups. The Living History
Group shall be responsible
for providing all tools, props, and materials required for the
presentation agreed to. The Living History Group is responsible for payment of all
Federal, State and Local income taxes. Living History Groups are to be on site and
ready to perform no later than ˝ hour prior to opening. Living History
Groups
arriving one hour or less prior to opening are considered “No Shows” and
their compensation terms will be considered void. Living History Groups are
expected to be open and interact with Patrons on each day of an Event unless other
arrangements have been made. Non compliance with these requirements may
result in removal of the Living History Group from MFC's listing. Living
History Groups except for those involving animals, weapons, fire or other hazardous forms
are not required to have insurance, however all Living History Groups are
responsible for their own insurance.
Performers
All Performers must complete, sign and return an Application/Contract
for each Event. Specific information regarding the Event will be listed
on the Application/Contract. MFC is not responsible for Performer’s
transportation, food or lodging while at an Event. Performers must
provide proper garb and are responsible for meeting appearance standards
of MFC. All Events are held rain or shine with some being held outdoors.
MFC holds the right to delay, cancel or reschedule any Performance due
to inclement weather or other unforeseen reason. MFC is not responsible
for any personal items that might be stolen, damaged, lost or destroyed
in any manner while on the Event grounds or elsewhere. Performers might
have their photograph taken and used for promotional purposes by MFC.
The display and demonstration of weapons, fire juggling or other
hazardous Performances must be done within an area where Patrons are not
endangered. Allowing Patrons to handle weapons is not encouraged however
for educational purposes may be done with strict supervision of the
Performer. Performers are responsible and will be held accountable for
the safety and welfare of Patrons. Performers will be compensated within 14 calendar days after the Event.
MFC encourages passing the hat or taking donations. Performer
information will be posted on the official MFC website including name
and logo (if available) and on printed advertising materials. Available
option: MFC offers free vending spaces in lieu of
Performance fees. Performers wishing to vend and not use this option
must also complete a Merchant Application/Contract. MFC provides no
benefits such as unemployment insurance, health insurance or worker's
compensation insurance to Performers. The Performer shall be responsible
for providing all tools, props, and materials required for the
Performance agreed to. The Performer is responsible for payment of all
Federal, State and Local income taxes. Performers are to be on site and
ready to perform no later than ˝ hour prior to opening. Performers
arriving one hour or less prior to opening are considered “No Shows” and
their compensation terms will be considered void. Performers are
expected to perform at least once on each day of an Event unless other
arrangements have been made. If payment check is lost, request for
replacement check must be received within seven (7) calendar days. A $20
fee will be deducted from the replacement check. Non compliance with
these requirements may result in forfeiture of payment to the Performer.
Performers except for those involving animals, weapons, fire or other hazardous forms
are not required to have insurance, however all Performers are
responsible for their own insurance.
Merchants (Vendors)
All Merchants must complete, sign and return an Application/Contract for
each Event. Specific information regarding the Event will be listed on
the Application/Contract. MFC is not responsible for Merchant's
transportation, food or lodging while at an Event. Merchants must
provide proper garb and are responsible for meeting appearance standards
of MFC. Food Merchants are encouraged to wear period garb however it
should not interfere with safety. Black slacks with white button up
shirts as well as natural colored aprons are acceptable. No ball caps or
t-shirts with logos or writing. All Events are held rain or shine with
some being held outdoors. MFC is not responsible for any personal items
that might be stolen, lost, damaged or destroyed in any manner while on
the Event grounds or elsewhere. Merchants might have their photograph
taken and used for promotional purposes by MFC.
Merchant spaces are specified below, the size indicated includes
space needed for all ropes, stakes, awnings, attachments, signage,
camping shelters adjacent to Merchant Booth and other miscellaneous
features.
Merchant’s Fees are as follows:
Strolling Merchants - Mobile presentation that does not require a
stationary location. Strolling Merchants are charged a fee of 10% of
their sales for the Event. Examples would be a Merchant selling from a
small mobile cart or carrying their wares in a basket or similar.
Booth space larger than 20'x20' need to contact Chris or Mia Pugh for
information and prices.
Merchants are responsible for providing all tools, props,
shelters, tables, chairs and materials required. Merchants are
responsible for payment of all Federal, State and Local income taxes.
Food Merchants are responsible for complying with all Local and State
Health Department regulations and meals tax. There are a limited number
of Merchant spaces available, and that space will be granted or denied
at the General and Assistant Manager’s discretion based on available
space, previously approved Merchants, and merchandise being offered for
sale. MFC does not encourage “exclusive rights” to sell particular types
of items. For example: a Merchant requesting to be the only jewelry
vendor on site. However if a Merchant insists on doing this, the
Merchant is allowed to ONLY sell the items specified and the Merchant fee
is then $200 per day per 20x20 space. Merchants entering into this type
of agreement and then offer items not authorized will no longer vend at
MFC events again. Merchant's information will be posted on the official
MFC website including name and logo (if available) and on printed
advertising materials. Weapons are allowed for sale at designated
Events. ALL weapons for sale MUST be peace-tied or boxed. If a box is
available, it must be taped shut with the weapon inside when it leaves
your booth. If no box is available the weapon must be secured in such a
manner that it may not be drawn or brandished. Polearms and Spears may
not be sold. Remember to bring your
cable ties and packing tape, these will not be provided. You will not be
permitted to sell weapons without following these rules. Setup of all
tentage, decorations and associated needs of the Event will begin the
day prior usually no earlier than 12 noon, exceptions will be
noted on the Application. All Merchants must check in with Chris or Mia
Pugh prior to unloading. Take down may not begin until the closing
announcement of each day of the Event. Merchants closing early without
permission may be refused participation at future Events. Merchants are
to be set up and ready for business no later than ˝ hour prior to
opening. Merchants arriving one hour or less prior to opening are
considered “No Shows” and will not be permitted to setup and will not be
refunded their Merchant fee. Merchants are expected to be open for
business each day of an Event unless other arrangements have been made.
All trash must be kept picked up and placed in the proper receptacles
provided. At the end of the Event all trash will be taken by the
Merchant to the trash
containers or dumpsters provided prior to leaving. Non compliance with
these requirements may result in removal of the Merchant from MFC's
listing. Merchants except for those offering weapons, food and beverages are not
required to have insurance however all Merchants are responsible for
their own insurance.
Merchant Do's and Don'ts
Tent/Pavilion Specifications for Merchants, Performers, Living
History and Staff
Merchants, Performers,
Living History Groups and Staff are responsible for providing their
own tent or cart. All structures must have a Renaissance/Medieval theme
in their appearance. All Merchants, Performers,
Living History Groups and Staff needing
shelters are expected to supply period style pavilions, tents or booths
or adapt modern structures to the theme of the Faire. All modern
features must be masked and hidden. All non-period/metal
tables/chairs/etc. must be covered, including legs, in such a manner
that suggests they conform to the Medieval/Renaissance theme. (A canvas
drop cloth, painted or dyed, is a cheap way to hide any bright blue
plastic tarps or EZ-UP.) All "non-period" equipment on your person or in
your booth (fans, cell phones, pagers, credit card machines, coolers,
etc.) must be out of sight of Patrons. All pagers and phones must be in
silent or vibrate mode or turned off. The general set-up and display
media used in booths is expected to appeal to the Medieval and
Renaissance period styles. It is the sole responsibility of the
merchants to provide their own display media.
The following booth constriction items are not acceptable: No plastics
may be used for signs or canopies; No exposed chicken wire, unpainted
plastic pipe, shiny metal, or cardboard. No military issued tents. Ropes
may be of any natural product or color - No day-glow or neon colors.
Merchants participating with MFC on a regular basis are entitled to
purchase Period Tents at a discount from MFC.
Merchants, Performers,
Living History Groups or Staff participating at MFC Events and using
Period Tentage are entitled to receive one free
MFC T-shirt per Event, contact Chris or Mia Pugh for more information.
Merchant
Tent/Pavilion Examples and Ideas
Signage Examples and Ideas
Fridays
at Faire
All Managers are to
be at the Faire site on Friday before the Event unless otherwise
arranged. We will set up props,
signs, decorations, etc. Work begins no later than 12 noon, if you can’t make it that
early, please be there as soon as you can. Staff, Performers and
Merchants may set up anytime after 12 noon on Friday unless other
arrangements have been made. If permitted and as long as they do not
impede traffic, vehicles may remain at your site until Saturday morning.
Saturdays and Sundays at Faire
All Staff, Performers and Merchants must be set up and have their vehicles
off the site no later than 9:00am. Please see Chris or Mia Pugh for your
booth location prior to setting up. No vehicles other than Emergency
vehicles are allowed on the grounds after 9:00 am until the Event is
over on Sunday evening and Chris or Mia Pugh or the Captain of the Guard gives an “All
Clear”. Anyone arriving after 9:00 am will be considered a “No Show” for
the Event, there will be no payment or refund to anyone not arriving on
time as Contracted unless other arrangements have been made. Chris & Mia
Pugh's cell phone numbers or other contact numbers will be listed on
Application/Contracts. Those unable to attend at all due to unforeseen
circumstances may have their compensation or fee transferred to another
Event.
All Staff, Performers and Merchants must be in garb and ready no later than 9:00am
unless other arrangements have been made. No sunglasses, wristwatches,
cigarettes or modern drink containers allowed. Cigars and pipes are
permitted outside of booths and shelters. Non period items are at the
discretion of Chris or Mia Pugh, who have final say.
Monday at Faire
All Staff
that are able, are asked to help with take down and clean up on Monday.
Sometimes cleanup must occur Sunday after Faire ends. Please stay and
help clean up if this is the case!
All Staff, Performers
and Merchants are invited to enjoy the ball. Costumes or formal wear
required. Masks will be available. You may bring your own if you wish.
Merchants wishing to remain open during the Ball are welcome to do so.
Unless otherwise advised torches, candles and lamps may be used for
lighting. Please see section on outdoor fires and lighting.
Camping
Camping for RV and modern tents if available on site or off will be
specified on the Application/Contract. Merchants may camp within their
shelters. All modern tentage and camping equipment on Event grounds must
be removed at least 1 hour prior to opening. Parking locations
will be specified on the Application/Contract or onsite by Chris or Mia
Pugh. All vehicles must be removed from the grounds no later than 1 hour
prior to opening. Vehicular access to the grounds is at the discretion
of Chris or Mia Pugh or the Owner of the
grounds.
Outdoor Fires & Lighting
Outdoor fires may be allowed in specified locations within the Event
area as well as the Staff Camping areas providing they are attended
and contained within a proper UL approved metal container
supported above the ground and a minimum of 15 feet from any tent,
building or other combustible material and are in accordance with Local
and State Laws/Ordinances. A fire extinguisher must be readily
available. Only wood, charcoal or propane fuels may be used. Liquid
or propane fueled torches must be at least twice the distance of the
height of the torch from any tent, building or other combustible
material. Propane or Coleman type lamps may be used in tents or shelters
that are rated fire resistant by the NFPA and a certificate is available
for inspection. Unattended fires will be extinguished by MFC personnel
and the privilege of having a fire may be revoked. Fires causing
property damage, injury or loss of life will be prosecuted to the full
extent of the law.
Animals
If permitted at the Event, all animals belonging to either Staff,
Merchants, Performers,
Living History Groups or Patrons must ensure proper leashes or
restraints are used in accordance with local leash laws. All Staff,
Merchants,
Living History Groups or Performers with animals must have on hand records proving
proper and current immunizations. No horses will be allowed entry
without proof of Coggins, Herpes or other applicable immunizations.
Police and Emergency Services animals are exempt from these
requirements.
Smoking and consumption of Alcohol
Staff, Performers,
Living History Groups and Merchants may not smoke Tobacco Cigarettes or use
Smokeless Tobacco products on site during the hours of operation for the
Event. Pipes, Cigars and Clove Cigarettes may be smoked during the
hours of operation of the Event outside of booths and shelters but not
in lines for food, beverages or other services. Staff, Performers,
Living History Groups
and Merchants may smoke Tobacco Cigarettes or use Smokeless Tobacco in the
designated break area, usually off site. The use of illegal smoking
materials or illegal drugs anytime at an MFC Event will be prosecuted to
the full extent of the law. When permitted alcohol may be consumed after
the hours of operation of the Event, or at the Masquerade Ball in
moderation, Chris or Mia Pugh or the
Owners of the Grounds may determine the limits of moderation. Illegal
consumption of alcohol will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Who are the Knights?
These individuals are responsible for safety and security at the Event.
They are trained in first aid, and security and they are identified by
their Red Belt Sash. If you see the Knights moving toward a situation, DO NOT
follow them! Stay away from the area until advised otherwise. The
Knights are supervised by Chris or
Mia Pugh who have ultimate authority over the Knights.
In an emergency
Remain calm, if possible isolate the public from the problem
Go to the MFC booth or table on site or contact any Knight (look for red
armband)
These are “save words” that could mean safety and security to the people
attending and working at events:
"IN SOOTH" (in truth) This means that the person speaking may be
in character, but what they are saying is serious...Example - "In-sooth,
I am feeling faint.....They are saying that they do not want to break
character, but get them out of there, and sit them down in a quite
place....
"DRAPE" When you hear this, the person using it is being sexually
harassed or is in an uncomfortable situation and needs assistance.
Example - when a scantily clothed wench or fairy uses the word "drape",
she needs for someone close by to come up and put an arm around her
shoulder and lead her out of the situation.
"HEY RUBY" - This phrase is the most serious thing you can say
and should only be used in cases of extreme danger! This is to be used
only if you see a knife or a gun, or some sort of life-threatening
situation. It was used one time at a faire, when a woman was attacked by
a man and was being drug off into the woods. She screamed "Hey Ruby",
and large men with sharp, pointy objects immediately surrounded her
attacker where he was held until the authorities arrived. Most patrons
were never aware of the situation.
No alcohol, firearms
or drugs allowed.
Remember, have fun!
Staff
Position
Descriptions – Managers are identified by Gold
Belt Sash at Events
Lord of MFC - General Manager (Pay rate - $10/hr)
Oversees all
aspects of company
Ensures
Quality Control
Has final say
in resolving any issues that cannot be resolved by lower management, or
at the General manager’s discretion
Develops
short and long term goals to ensure the future of the company
Develops
plans, proposals and contracts for all events
Develops and
updates, Ye Olde Instructional Gyde
Reviews and
approves / disapproves site plans set by managers
Maintains
frequent communication with managerial staff to avoid absence, conflict
and confusion
Conducts
staff briefings at events
Chairs
monthly company meetings, attending a minimum of eight (8) per year
Ensures all
W-9, 1099, W-2, and other necessary tax forms are filed
Obtains and
maintains insurance for all events and activities
Maintains
frequent communication with managers, staff, performers and vendors to
avoid absence, conflict and confusion
Visits
potential event sites for evaluation and to make needed arrangements
Assigns
projects and tasks to managerial staff as needed
At events
oversees all aspects of the event
Manages company accounting
records; deposits and dispenses funds as needed
Makes
purchases for supplies, goods and services as needed
Acts as
liaison with venue owners and management
Oversees
website and yahoo groups
Develops
Event Promotions, distributes promotional material
Develops
signage for use on site of event
Develops
contracted signage for use off site
Promotes
events in newspaper, radio, TV.
Organizes and
conducts live performance promotions
Makes
arrangements with location of the promo
Collects
needed materials, props, etc for promo
Places ads,
flyers, banner, signage, etc within a 50 mile radius of the event
Contacts
local businesses for promotional considerations, sponsorships and
donations
Makes
arrangements for promotional photographs/video to be taken at events
Solicits for
and organizes staff
Maintains all
associated forms, records and applications
Provides
basic training as needed for staff
Assigns staff
to specific tasks; Managers, Knights Gatekeeper, Games attendants,
Activity Directors
Maintains
frequent communication with staff to avoid absence, conflict or
confusion
Ensures all
staff have adequate food, water and breaks at events
Develops and
maintains resource list of staff to include availability status
Solicits and
organizes performers
Oversees and
organizes performers, bits and spectacles
Maintains all
associated forms, records and applications
Ensures all
participants of a performance are briefed before performance begins
Ensures
performers have all needed props
Works with
all animal performers
Responsible
for all performances done, to include all martial performances
Ensures
performers have adequate food, water and breaks at events
Develops and
maintains resource list of performers, to include their availability
status
Solicits and
organizes vendors (food, games and gifts), maintains all associated
forms, records and applications
Balances company bank accounts,
and keeps associated records
Writes checks as needed for
purchases, invoices, etc
Keeps records of revenues
collected at events and ensures their safekeeping
Reports all financial activities
at monthly meetings
Oversees
vendor locations set up and take down
Contacts
vendors in a timely manner to ensure their participation
Maintain
frequent communication with vendors to avoid absences, conflict and
confusion
Ensures all
vendors have adequate food, water and breaks at events
Develops and
maintains resource list of vendors to include availability status
Develops
activities and provides for Activity Directors to conduct them
Obtains
materials associated with Activities
Ensures all
Activity Directors have adequate food, water and breaks at events
Have fun!
Lady
of MFC - Assistant Manager (Pay rate - $10/hr)
Assists General Manager in all
aspects of company
Assumes all duties of General
Manager in his absence
Attends a minimum of eight (8)
monthly Manager meetings per year
Develops and manages company
website, printed material and online company store
Maintains frequent communication
with managerial staff to avoid absence, conflict and confusion
Balances company bank accounts,
and keeps associated records
Writes checks as needed for
purchases, invoices, etc
Keeps records of revenues
collected at events and ensures their safekeeping
Collects, deposits and records
revenues from Gate and Games Attendants
Makes purchases for supplies,
goods and services as needed
Maintains Company
Budget
Updates information on website
Collects revenues made from
online company store and provides for shipping of goods sold
Girl/Boy Scout liaison
Have fun!
Knights (Pay rate - $8.00/hr)
Provide for safety
and security at Events
Performs duties
assigned by the Captain of the Guard to include but not limited to:
Money drops
Gatekeeper relief
Peacebinding
Patron’s weapons
Traffic control and
parking
Have fun!
Knights will not be
assigned tasks that prevent or impair their primary duty
Wedding Assistant
(Pay rate - $8.00/hour)
Assists with set up and take down of decorations, chairs, tables, and
feastware.
Completes other tasks assigned.
Have fun!
Activity Director (Pay rate - $8.00/hr)
Conduct assigned activities. One Director will be assigned to no more
than five (5) activities. Additional Directors will be hired and
assigned to additional activities as needed
Have fun!
Activities include but are not limited to:
Masquerade Ball
Musical Chairs
Wooing Contest
Maypole
Medieval Games: Bocce, Quoits, Battledore and Shuttlecock
Human Chess
Mummers Play
Medieval Cruise Lines
Costume Contest
Shoppe Keeper (Pay rate - 10% of total sales for the Event or other
arrangement)
Operates MFC Gyfte Shoppe during Faires and Festivals
Maintains professional appearance of merchandise
Interacts liberally with Patrons
Distributes promotional materials
Keeps
record of sales
Collects payments for items sold (cash, check, debit or credit cards)
Turns
over all monies, forms and sales records to General and/or Assistant
Manager.
Have
fun!
Games
Attendants (Pay rate - ˝ proceeds collected)
Assists with setup and takedown of Games
Conducts play of game
assigned to
Interacts with
patrons to entice them to play (hawking)
Turns over monies
collected to the Knight collecting drops
Gives out prizes to
patrons playing
Have fun!
Games are listed on the Games page of the website.
Peddlers
(Pay rate - ˝ proceeds collected)
Sells pickles,
pretzels, and novelties to Patrons
Interacts with
patrons to entice them to play (hawking)
Turns over monies
collected to the Knight collecting drops
Have fun!
