FriendsOfMDRF.org - THE BLOG!

I the recent past, the Faire Ever passes are ready to purchase during the first or second week of January. I asked about this on MDRF's facebook page and got this response from Carolyn:

We are updating our ticketing system, so we don't have any information to pass along until that is in place.

So stand by folks, I'll let you know when we can rush them with orders for the new season!

Hey guys,

(I'm messaging everyone who can spread the word on this.)

Apparently, the alcohol board has been really watching MDRF,
and if they find people with liquor on site,
and it looks like anyone who works at MDRF
had anything to do with that -
MDRF could lose their liquor license.

Basically, there just can be no coolers seen @ Pubs, on site, etc
so that no patrons can say, "But THEY have one!..."

If you guys could all spread the word to all the regulars you know,
that hard stuff simply cannot be on site?
That would be great...
It sucked to lose fire,
it would suck more to lose beer, I personally feel.

As for no coolers -
apparently the little lunch sack ones are ok.
(but if you want to call and confirm - that may be smart)
And if you are worried about losing cool/temp -
I know you can buy dry ice at Harris Teeter?
Or I am willing to sing a song in front of a mylde drink stand in exchange for free ice if it's a money issue.

And thank all of you
for being the voice of reason to MDRF fans,
and letting them know even though it may feel like home to them,
they have to remember to not "make themselves at home"
at the expense of the beer/wine license.

(Sent from Daisy O'Danny)

Because we were at my 30th HS Reunion all weekend (fri-sat at least) and we couldn't pick up the dogs from the doggie daycare till after 5pm on sun, we decided to head down to MDRF for the day and go in civvies.

Made for the perfect day too!

Stopped by Steak on a Stake and not only was I greeted with a smile and a yummy piece of dead animal flesh, but the group behind the ledge sang for me. I tipped 'em an extra $5 for treating a non-garbed customer so well!

Next stop was to be some water but was stopped by two castmembers that I didn't recognize who wanted to help me decide what show to see first (I was glancing over the map of Revel Grove while walking). They gave Cyn and I some direction, with a smile, then set upon the next set of wandering guests.

We got our water and the young lady behind the ledge recognized me out of garb and complimented me on my new, stylish black bowler. . .she got a $2 tip for being so nice.

Since not a lot of folks recognized us out of "uniform," we got to run here and there without stopping to chat with different peeps. It was a wonderful day, albeit short (we left at 1pm).

It just goes to show that it doesn't matter what you wear when you walk through the gates of MDRF, you're always greeted with a smile by everyone, be they cast, crew, vendor, or guest. . . . and the smiles are always addictive!

Link: http://www.rennfest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=26

Scroll down the entertainment page of MDRF's main site and read "The Royal Court Agenda" and see what's happening at The Globe. "Who better to ask about the King as husband and lover than his previous five wives. All most certainly have opinions to give to the woman who may be the sixth wife!"

That's right, Carolyn Spedden (The Entertainment Director) has penned into play a wonderful idea that I personally can't wait to see! The idea of having the unlikely meeting of all of Henry's wives for a confab is GREAT!

According to Carolyn: I have been toying with the idea of a show featuring all six of Henry's wives for many years. What would they say to each other? And how would you structure a show - obviously some of the women are dead, and I don't want to do a ghost story.
I thought of the old television program, Steve Allen's "Meeting of Minds" in which various historical characters from all time periods gather for a round table discussion.
I've decided to use that approach - just ignore the fact that four of the women are dead. But I am giving all of them the opportunity to speak to each other.
For the history buffs, I will offer this disclaimer - I have researched, read, and written for these six famous women for more than twenty years. I shall offer my interpretations on their personalities. You may completely disagree. I am not trying to present an educational lecture. This is how I see these women after twenty years of trying to get inside their heads and their hearts. Enjoy!

I, for one will try to catch every show, every weekend!

From Carolyn:

We are looking for the next generation of variety performers to grace the stages of the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Do you juggle? Do acrobatics? Perform magic? Then the Festival has an opportunity for you. Take part in our “Tomorrow’s Talent” competition.

The first step in the process is to send in a DVD of your act for consideration. See below for details. From the submissions, we will choose up to 5 acts we feel show the most promise. Those 5 acts will be given 5 minutes to perform live at the Maryland Renaissance Festival on Saturday, October 16th. Judges will choose the top 3, who will return Sunday, October 17th. First, Second, and Third place prizes will be awarded.

First place winners will receive a one-weekend contract for the 2011 Maryland Renaissance Festival, plus $500. Second place winners will receive $300. Third place will receive $200.

Eligibility:

1. Age: Entrants must be between the ages of 16 – 25 years old.

2. Availability: Performers must be available to perform for the talent competition on BOTH Saturday and Sunday, October 16th and 17th. Competition will be held in the late afternoon.

3. Employees and independent contractors of the Maryland Renaissance Festival and members of their families are not eligible to take part in this competition.

4. The acts must be of variety skills – NO singers, musicians, or actors. Also, no use of fire is permitted. There can be no use of pre-recorded music or electronics, as those would not be permitted during a live performance at the festival.

5. All material MUST be family-friendly. Keep it clean!

6. All performers must make their own travel and, if needed, accommodation arrangements to the Maryland Renaissance Festival for the weekend of October 16th & 17th, 2010.

How to apply:

1. For preliminary auditions, we need to see a DVD of your act. Please keep submissions to 5 minutes. Also include a cover letter, and any performance experience you’ve had. These can be sent via FedEx or UPS to: Carolyn Spedden, Artistic Director. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 OR – it can be sent electronically to Carolyn@rennfest.com Make sure to mark it "Tomorrow's Talent Competition".

2. Materials must be postmarked- or emailed- by SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2010 to be considered.

3. Please make sure to include a contact phone number and email address in your submission!

4. Our top five finalists will be notified by Wednesday, October 6th. They must be available to perform the weekend of October 16th & 17th.

GOOD LUCK!