[SCA-AE] Bardic performance at feast

[Caryl Biel]

>>I'd rather not have someone force entertainment on me while I'm
dining. 
>>It's kind of like when a telemarketer calls me during dinner.  I'd
rather
>>pay attention to the people sitting around me than be expected to shut
up 
>>so someone can perform at me.

Performance during feast is a touchy issue.  Everyone doesn't like the
same kinds of performance, or the same performers.  I love to watch
juggling, not everyone does.  There are some performers who hold me
entranced, others who I listen to politely and pray the piece is short.
I love to perform, but I often hesitate to do so because I don't want to
be "that damned bard who won't shut up".

The key to successful feast performance is SHORT, SHORT, SHORT!  Being
trapped at your table for a 20 minute story, saga, or whatever is no fun
- even if it is really good.  I have in the past referred to this as
"Guerilla Dinner Theatre". Short performances give everyone a chance to
have non-performance time too.

The bardic arts are difficult to fit into our well packed schedules at
events.  Even the event this summer in Coppertree - Jugglers, Tumblers
and Bards - didn't really allow for bardic performance.  There were
classes - but almost too many of them and not enough attendees to make
them work.  The classes I attended had 2-3 people in them, and the one I
taught - or I should say was willing to teach - was not attended at all.
There might have been a bardic circle - but if there was, it was after I
left - we left right after feast.

Most bardic circles happen late at night at camping events...when I'm
usually too tired, or already gone.  During the day you are competing
against tournaments, classes, meetings...a problem we recently hashed
out on another thread.

I'm not sure what the solution is - and I have certainly given it a
great deal of thought.  I don't know that there is a solution that will
please everyone.

-Caryl