Another question, another answer.

[vakkotaur]

Q: What do you love about renaissance festivals, from a patron's perspective?

A: I had started to write a long(er) answer about a bunch of specific things but realized that they all added up to about the same thing: a feeling of inclusion and participation.

It's not just street interaction, though that can easily be a big part of things. It's the feeling that I'm in on things, I suppose. There is some involvement, but it generally isn't pushy (I do dislike stage acts that badger an audience member into getting on stage - and dislike them more if they then proceed to do things at the audience member's expense). When things are right, there's the feeling of being in on the joke or similar. It feels like I'm not just watching, even when it really is that I'm just watching, if that makes any sense. It's also not overly demanding. There's no feeling of "You must..." which is the feeling I often get from things. A renaissance festival is more, "Hey, we're having a party, care to join us?" Or at least that's what I think it should be. I've been to some lesser renfests where that feeling and attitude was quite prominent and though the festival was small, I had a great time. I've been to more successful renfests (as judged by both the till and longevity, which are of course related) where that feeling was faded or fading and found I wasn't having (as) much fun.

Comments

[chakawolf.livejournal.com]

>(I do dislike stage acts that badger an audience member into getting on stage - and dislike them more if they then proceed to do things at the audience member's expense)

One of my pet peeves. This is not fun for anyone -- the audience included. There is a general feeling of strain at such a performance. The stage performers should ask for volunteers, and be ready with plan 'B' if there are none.

[jmaynard.livejournal.com]

A renaissance festival is more, "Hey, we're having a party, care to join us?"
Just in case it's not blindingly obvious, this is what I like best about Siouxland. Hear that, Melissa? Keep it that way, and everything will be all right.

[ginafae.livejournal.com]

Very interesting! So it's definately the "rennie-american" community and not the festival itself? Basically, you're attending a party thrown for the rennies! Makes sense.

[vakkotaur.livejournal.com]

That's pretty much it. Though the festival done right creates that atmosphere, so in that sense I am going for the festival. It's not just the rennies, unless you mean everyone who cares to show up can be considered a rennie or potentially so. It's a pretty open invitation. Occasionally it does get mistaken for being "anything goes" which isn't quite the case.

I suppose that's also why I like the (smaller) furry cons I've attended. I get a very similar feeling from them.

[ladyariyana.livejournal.com]

Well there is ONE "must" You MUST hug Ariyana when you see her!!!! see thats a rule that should be written down! Other than that.. I often refer to faire (or my Lost viking gatherings with Eddval) as a big fun family reunion with relatives you actually WANT to see and hang out with!

{{{{bearhugs}}} miss you darlin'

[vakkotaur.livejournal.com]

If all "musts" were so pleasant as that, I'd not be so put off by them.