So, You’re Going to a Demo ....

Branches of the SCA perform educational and entertainment demos for private groups and the public. Our goal in presenting these “Current Middle-Ages” demonstrations is to show what our society is all about. To accomplish this, we have to put our best foot forward.

Dress and Persona
~ Dress in your period, or as close as you can. If you have a French persona from 15th century don’t dress 9th century Viking because it’s more comfy.
~ Be careful of wearing mundane items; Watches, modern jewelry and shoes, runners, and foam core sandals have not been invented yet.
~ Develop your persona; At least know who you are, where you came from and what your current year is.

Food and Furniture
~ Keep your meals as period as possible. Keep all plastic containers hidden. Dish up your food onto your feastware, pour the beverage into your mug.
~ There was no McDonald's in the middle ages. If you want to eat out - eat out - if you need to bring take-out food back to the demo; Transfer your food to your feastware and get rid of the garbage quick. Nothing can jar a spectator out of the enchantment we are trying to create than seeing a regally garbed noble sucking on a DQ milkshake.
~ Hide your coolers and cover your lawn chairs with a cloth.
~ Try to keep all mundane items out of sight.

Children
~ Children are always welcome at our Demo’s. Just like you, they need to be dressed in period clothing. We are a family organization and want the public to know that our entire family is included.
~ No one wants to hear a child whine or cry all day. Bring lots of things to keep them busy.
~ During the entertainment part of the Demo it is your responsibility to keep your child from being loud or distracting by running around.
~ If you are performing, prearrange for someone to watch your child while you are busy. Do not assume that other members are watching your child.
~ Demo’s are busy places and it is easy for a child to get hurt or lost.

Speaking With The Public
~ If someone asks you a question be prepared to answer it in a friendly helpful tone, “I don’t know.” is not an acceptable answer. “Come with me and I’ll find someone who can answer that.” is much better.
~ Never act in a way that would make the public think you are unapproachable.
~ During performances, everyone who is not either involved with the performance, or at the info table, should be mingling with the crowd, space yourselves around the list field. Members huddled together talking sends a message of exclusion to the public.

Putting Our Best Foot Foreword
~ Our goal is to present ourselves in the best most welcoming way. To attract new members and to entertain the public.
~ Don’t come off sounding superior or act too aloof to take a minute to talk with someone. And be patient, most of the public are not aware of history and may ask some silly questions.
~ Find a friendly smile for anyone who approaches you.
~ If you can’t answer a question find someone who can.
~ Always be aware that you are in the Public eye; They are listening to every word, and watching every move you make.

Danescombe's Chatelaine