Humans of OKRF

[humansofokrf]

“I have survived a lifetime of depression, abuse, alcoholism, and a suicide attempt. I have lived in borderline poverty, sadness, anger, and unsureness. I survived a repelling accident, a brain injury, a damaged spine.

And yet ... I am NOT these things, I am more. In this festival--these PEOPLE--they seize my hand, guiding, loving, encouraging through the years, in my points that were far from graceful, and celebrate with me through each victory, no matter how minuscule. They are my faire-mily. They are precious and dear to me, and to one another.

I am still hopelessly flawed, which comes with my humanity, yet they love and embrace me. Site crew to King, we are all the gears in this mechanism. None are ever more or less important than the next.

The patrons are the lifeblood of this festival; we are here for them. The thought of someone slipping through the cracks is heartbreaking, and it is a personal goal of mine that none would be overlooked or ignored. We each have a story to tell, if we would only open our ears and minds to listen.”

[humansofokrf]

"This is my first time here."

[humansofokrf]

"I bought this mask and headdress at another renaissance festival last year. I just loved everything about it. When this year came, I couldn't wait to wear it again."

[humansofokrf]

"What I remember most of those years would have to be the people. We didn’t all agree, but we could work and play together. We shared laughter and tears. We were there for each other. I made many friendships that I will always treasure. I never felt any destructive criticism from anyone, but received helpful hints, encouragement, and support.

I met people that were so talented it was amazing. Not just music talent, but acting, storytelling, stage craft, stage combat, and artistry in so many forms. What I hold most dear is how I have been embraced by Hawke andCedric, always welcoming me, always encouraging me, and always pushing me to be “more”. I learned stagecraft, I crawled out of a thick shell of insecurity, and in the process learned so much about who I was.

I may not be a “full time performer” at OKRF any longer, but I will always find time to return to visit friends, share laughs and perhaps encourage those just starting as others encouraged me so long ago."

[humansofokrf]

"I remember long ago, when I first started playing at faire, seeing the cast gathering at closing, singing the closing song, wondering to myself what it would be like to be part of something like that. Over the years I became part of that experience – and could see faces in the crowd wondering “what would it be like to be up there like that.” I knew that look because I still felt it in my heart."

[humansofokrf]

"I’ve been playing at faires for somewhere between 30 to 35 years. I’m not sure what year I got hooked but I do know it was my first trip to Scarborough Faire. Something about the people and the fun rang a resonant bell within me. When OKRF started 21 years ago, I had to go. I've never missed a year – and in all those years missed very few days."

[humansofokrf]

"OKRF is one of those great big families that really cares - you may be weird, but we'll take you anyway."

[humansofokrf]

"I enjoy making people laugh. When I was a kid, I had a fridge magnet that said 'the most wasted day is the day you have not laughed or smiled.'"

[humansofokrf]

"I had been coming to OKRF off and on for several years as a plain patron. Then in 2007 my sister invited my wife and I to come down and rent costumes. Since we had a friend doing spinning demonstrations, we went. The experience was so much more enjoyable that we bought the costumes and made plans to come back the next week. From there she became a spinner and I became a mark I mod zero playtron. In 2012 I joined the Friends of the Festival and learned the fun of interacting with cast and entertainment and making friends with many of them.

The things I get from coming to OKRF are an escape from the stress of day to day adulthood, good friends, and a chance for my inner juvenile delinquent to run wild."

[humansofokrf]

"It fascinates me the way the community has changed with the advent of social media. If you listen carefully on opening day, you can still hear the old-school (and/or the unplugged) ask each other 'How was your year?'

I love how multifaceted the performers are. It's reminiscent of old Hollywood, when nobody was only an actor or just a tap-dancer. You were either a well-rounded entertainer or you weren't in the scene. Around here, that acrobat can paint, that cellist knits wonders, and that actress dances, sings and designs costumes. It's impressive, but it's also kind of intimidating. One of these days a mermaid is gonna unravel the secrets of time-travel and I'll still be over here like 'Oh yeah, well I can clap on beat.'"

[humansofokrf]

"My day job is serious - and sometimes scary- business. I encounter the bad side of humanity during the work week, so it's important to have a hobby that's full of laughter and music and hugs to keep the balance.

Several years ago, I was considering moving back out west. Top of the “cons” on my list was OKRF and how much I would miss it."

[humansofokrf]

"I was seven or eight years old when my parents first took me to a Renaissance Faire. The sets, the costumes, the talent, the energy, the magic. I decided right away: this. This is what I want to do when I grow up.

My first costumes were gypsy-flavored. Then I went more traditional wench when I worked a booth. But once you go pirate, you never go back."

[humansofokrf]

“Wrangling a 1 year old at a renfaire can be huge undertaking, especially when you are a stage act, but being married to the best mommy in the world and having a huge, extended network of friends/family at the faire makes it much easier. He is never happier than he is at a renfaire; it makes all the work completely worth it.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, that has never been truer than at the renfaire."

[humansofokrf]

"I have such a great crew. I'm so proud of them."

[humansofokrf]

"I'm Aiwendil the Wanderer, Wizard of Gallifrey."

[humansofokrf]

"I'm fascinated by people 'dropping character.' It's a really trusting thing to do with someone. I didn't realize for a long time how much I put on character, even before faire. I always had a character in metal bands too and it became pervasive to the point I had close friends that didn't know my real name. It's kind of a security blanket.

For as guarded as I am with people - I think people would be surprised how quiet I am out of character - I've made a few friends here that are surprisingly dear to me. I could probably do a better job making sure they know who they are. Only getting them in my life a few weekends each year seems incredibly unfair for the impact they've had on me."

[humansofokrf]

"Self-doubt is a huge part of what makes performers. You bomb, you analyze why. You see the hurt in the world, in your world - you see the pain and frustration in your own life and you try to either obviate it or at least alleviate it through catharsis"