| (okay, it's corny. YOU think up a better name for an official newsletter!) The Official Newsletter of Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein. Published monthly, or whenever I get around to it. The opinions contained herein are strictly my own, as are any typographical errors. Not to be taken internally. Entire contents copyright 1995 by Paula Peterka, unless otherwise noted or authored. Yeah, like you'd WANT to steal anything out of here! Void where prohibited by law. Marshmallows not included. |
| Volume 2 | Issue 5 |
Date Unknown | |
It's that time again! Enclosed with this newsletter is a reply postcard asking which weekends you can commit to doing. We must have a minimum of four soldiers and one campfollower per day, or we will not get the contract, so please be realistic and honest when you make your commitments. The festival is being extended one extra weekend this year, and runs from August 26 to October 22, with Dress Rehearsal on August 19.
Additionally, there are some rehearsals we are being asked to attend. July 17, July 31, and August 14 are the dates for the evening character rehearsals. They have asked for us to attend these, if only to give the other performers a chance to see who we are. These are very low-key, and concentrate on "Meet-and-Greet" skills. They are held in four locations, usually in Baltimore, Annapolis, Northern Virginia, and the District, from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. July 8 will be the group character rehearsal , which will take place at the Festival site, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. On August 5 is the Big Court and Village rehearsal on site, very much like the "Grand Get-together" that some of you attended last year. This will start at 10:00 am, and go until "whenever". Please plan to attend these rehearsals. We'll pass on more information as we get it.
The last round of pre-Fest workshops is beginning. Unlike last years', which concetrated almost exclusively on costuming, these workshops will emphasize language and character skills, as well as drilling and campfollowing. For those of you still needing costume pieces, yes, we will be doing some sewing, but plan on doing a lot of (simple) sewing work on your own, with only the more complicated stuff (bodice and pant fitting, etc.) during "prime time". The first workshop will take place on June 24th, starting at 10:00 am, at the Peterkas' apartment. This will be a one day workshop. If we run very late, and you wish to stay over, you may; however, Larry and Paula will be leaving early Sunday morning. The remaining workshops will be scheduled around MDRF rehearsals, and we will have the dates for those soon.
Oh, no! Not another one! Yes, Boys and Girls, it's that time again. (After all, this is a military unit!) KIT INSPECTION IS MANDATORY!! Kit Inspection will take place on July 15th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, at Larry and Paula's apartment building. If necessary, inspection may be extended to the 16th. If not, plan on the 16th as a workshop day. This was originally scheduled for the 8th & 9th, but had to be changed due to a conflict with a MDRF Rehearsal. If the weather is good, inspection will be held out on the front lawn. If not, we'll try to get everything inside our apartment. The Apartment management now charges by the hour for the Conference Room, which is why we are not using it again. You may check-in and begin setting up your costume pieces and accoutrement from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. If you have not checked in by 1:00 pm you will be considered AWOL, and dealt with accordingly. It is not necessary to wear your full costume and accessories (unless you really want to), but you must bring everything that you have, that is appropriate to you character and rank, even items you are borrowing from someone else. (well, maybe not your 18' pike, but anything that's smaller, including armor and personal weapons, and any tentage that has not already been seen).
The purpose of this inspection is not to chew anybody out or make fun of them in front of the unit. It is to look over what you have, tell you what you need to get before the Festival starts, tell you what you need to have in order to qualify for your current or next rank, and to catch any anachronisms ourselves before someone else does. There are some things that are not-quite-period that we have been letting slide, but that need to be fixed before our next event. This will also give everyone a chance to see each other again, and meet some of the new members. New members without any kit to inspect are not required to attend, but are strongly encouraged to do so, since this will give them a chance to see what items are and are not acceptable. However, if you are planning to work Maryland with us, you must attend, (and must have started work on your kit before then, anyway)! Any items that do not pass inspection will not be at Maryland.
The Norfolk Renaissance Faire was held in Town Point Park, Norfolk, Virginia, on May 20 & 21. We made quite an impression as Henry's guards, not only on the public, but on the other actors and administration as well. Despite last-minute Hotel changes and other inconveniences, the group pulled together very well, once again showing our professionalism and adapability (or, as our Hauptmann would say, "To Heck with it, Drive On!" Okay, that's not exactly what he would say, but this is a family newsletter.) They paid the group $60.00, provided snacks and lunch for both days, and provided us with two connecting hotel rooms. Since there were eight of us in the two rooms, everyone had bed space. They apologized for the small amount of money, and promised more for us if we come back next year. The group decided to pay everyone involved $10.00 to help with gas and other expenses, so you may expect your checks soon. (Well, it's better than saying "It's in the Mail")