This section is a summation of the details for joining - requirements, etc. Bear with me - it's brief.
The Seadogs are many things: We are a group of sailors... we are a singing group... we are a group of friends... we are an extended family - but above all, we are a Troupe. With that in mind, here are the basics on how one joins us:
1) Play with us at a Faire (or two).
This is both a suggestion and a requirement. If you know us already, chances are that you've already been out to an event with us and played with us. If you haven't, then the best first advice is to come out to an event we're at and play around with us. If we REALLY don't know you, I'd strongly suggest taking the time to introduce yourself and make a few friends. Consider this as a "pre-audition" kind of thing... this is where you find out if you like and can play with us, and we find out the same.
Doing this will also help to get you 'Gatelisted' (i.e., put on the list for an event as a "Seadog"). Current requirements for audition include having gatelisted for at least two events prior to auditioning. In order to gatelist, you must:
- Be sponsored by a current Seadog in good standing.
- Be approved by the Guildmaster and/or Event Coordinator (some events we may be unable to accept gatelists for due to attendance caps placed by the event itself.)
- Pay a $15 Gatelist Fee to the designated person for that event. This fee covers your attendance, lunch with the guild, any 'guild' activities after hours (we frequently provide dinners), and you are considered a "Seadog" for all intents and purposes for the event. Note that gatelisting can be revoked for cause by the event coordinator, or by the Guildmaster/Assistant Directors at any time.
2) Let us know you want to join.
Seems obvious, but some people don't actually realize that it's necessary.
3) Audition
This year, (2001), our auditions are currently scheduled to be held at the Santa Barbara Renaissance Faire and at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco. If you plan on auditioning, you MUST gatelist for this event in addition to the two required weekends. Further information regarding the audition process will be made available from individual Seadogs in the form of rumors, taunts, and the occasional tidbit of real info.
Once you've been accepted, you spend a year officially as an 'apprentice'. For all practical purposes, you're a member, but you don't receive your official St. Dymphna Medallion and 'full dog' status until you've made it a year and... been initiated.
Be aware that
traditionally
people who have done more events with and been around us tend to do better
in the audition process. This is not a bias, more a matter of people
who have been around us know what is being looked for. Also, be aware
that just because you are not accepted on your first try, that doesn't
mean that we will NEVER accept you. A large percentage of Seadogs auditioned
over several seasons (I had to try twice). If at first you don't succeed,
come back over the course of the next season, and try it again. The
more you play with us, the more we get to know and like you.