Pastimes Entertainment

The Watch City Dickens Christmas Festival & Market

2011-11-28T16:43:00.000-08:00

Pastimes will be participating in the The Watch City Dickens Christmas Festival & Market, December 10th and 11th, 2011, hosted and presented by the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, located at 154 Moody Street, Waltham MA, features both performance and shopping experiences.

Throughout the day, Pastimes Entertainment will present interactive theatrical experiences, including Victorian Carolers, a Victorian Santa Claus and his workshop elf. Queen Victoria will hold court and roving actors will present scenes from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

Visitors may interact with Tiny Tim, the ghosts of Christmas past present and future, watch one of Santa’s elves make toys for good girls and boys, and more.

In addition the museum has gathered together twenty vendors offering hand crafted reproduction Victorian merchandise including wooden toys, leather gifts, porcelain china, top hats, jewelry and more. Hey kids you can also type letter to Santa on one of our nineteenth century typewrites and search for his elves in a scavenger hunt.

Ticket are $10.00 for adult, $5.00 per child, student or senior. Children under six, museum members, active and retired US Military are free. For more information, call 781 893 5410.

We're not dead yet...

2011-08-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Any of you who follow the Pastimes blog know that there haven't been any new postings since last October's Castle of the Damned. What has been going on since then?
Was everyone lost in a plane crash on some remote island?
Were they abducted by aliens? Did they give up the business to go "find themselves"?
No.
We at Pastimes just want to let you know that the company is still in operation, the staff is still alive and (mostly) well, and we continue to provide talent for corporate and private events.
The staff has both written and performed for several other area shows, including

the Connecticut Renaissance Faire,

The Boston Ghost Cruise, and the Mystery Café , through Comedy Theater Productions.

However, the large Pastime fairs in Gloucester, including the New England Pirate Faire, and Castle of the Damned, at Hammond Castle are on hiatus indefinitely.
There may be something new brewing for Halloween that promises to be new and exciting.
Check back here soon for more information.

A Date Change on Castle of the Damned

2010-10-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Just a note for those of you who may have missed it. Castle of the Damned will not be open on Sunday the 24th of October. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights only. There are no Sunday night performances this year. Check the updated schedule on the website at:
http://www.pastimesentertainment.com/PASTIMES/Castle_of_the_Damned.html

A Message from our Creative Director Dave about CASTLE of the DAMNED

2010-10-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody!
To all Pastimes Folk ,CTRF Folk, Pirate Faire Folk and friends of Dave,

We need you! Ever want to really scare people? Want to be part of an event that the Boston Globe calls "the scariest by far of the bunch" and "the weirdest, scariest haunted house in New England?" After many of you have been friendly and affable to guests at Faires all season, wouldn't it be nice to scare the piss out of people?
A Halloween junkie who just loves to terrorize people?

Then join us at the Castle of the Damned!Hammond Castle in Gloucester Ma is once again joining Pastimes to put on their biggest(and creepiest,horrifying and plain weird)fundraiser of the year!

AND WE REALLY NEED YOU! The Castle of the Damned......A haunted attraction in a real castle on the cliffs by the sea in Gloucester. This year's theme takes us to 1930 -when Inventor and builder of the castle -John Jays Hammond Jr. used his considerable electrical knowledge to experiment in an altogether different way- to contact a portal to "the other side" this October , we recreate those forbidden experiments to find out what happened on that terrifying night. We need you to populate the grounds, halls ,dungeons with assorted demon nuns,revival tent cultists, lovecraftian creatures, funeral mourners, bloofer ladies, and all manner of storyteller, clown,lunatic,interdimensional what-its........

Here's the pertinent info......The Castle of the Damned is open
October 22, 23, 29, 30 7pm to 11pm
Call time is 5:30 pm (although we do make allowances on Friday nights)
We are having a meeting at the Castle 7pm on Tuesday October 12 and
Thursday October 14

Contact me (Dave Stickney)at Facebook or at pastimes_world@yahoo.com
Stage Manager Robin Frank at rpf@comcast.net
You can do the whole run or just a night or two but WE NEED YOU....Thanks

Dave Stickney

CASTLE of the DAMNED is Back!

2010-10-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

In October 1930, in his magnificent seaside castle, noted inventor John Hammond experimented with piercing the veil of the spirit world in an attempt to contact the dead. To aid in his occult research, he worked Roman gravestones, tombs, reliquaries and more into the very architecture of his home...

What happened during those experiments has been shrouded in mystery...until now.

Join us this Halloween season, as we attempt to recreate his original experiments for a terrifying journey into the twisted worlds of the unknown. A journey that begins when you enter...the CASTLE OF THE DAMNED.

DATES: October 22, 23, 29, 30

TIMES: FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS: 7pm - 11pm (last tickets sold at 10:30)
SUNDAY: 7pm- 10pm (last tickets sold at 9:30)

PARKING: FREE AT STAGE FORT PARK,
TAKE THE SCREAM SHUTTLE TO HAMMOND CASTLE

TICKETS:
GENERAL: $15.00
STUDENT/MILITARY WITH I.D. $12.00

"Consistently voted the best haunted attraction in New England...and one of the best in the country"

Pillage the Village Poster!

2010-07-19T07:06:00.001-07:00

The new "Pillage the Village"poster, done by none other than Pastimes creative director David Stickney. Join us at Pioneer Village in Salem on July 24 and 25th for all the fun!

A Message from Dave

2010-07-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody!

I hope everyone is rested and enjoying their summer after a wonderful 2010 NEPF-

We have just been asked to do a pirate event at PioneerVillage:Salem 1630 on July 24 and 25 and i wanted to see who among our Pastimers would like to join us for the event - it is a fundraiser for the Pioneer Village:Salem 1630-, which was the very first living history museum in the country -think a small version of Plimoth Plantation - it has had a rather checkered history- of neglect ,some vandalism,various management trying to make it work and not- It was recently taken over by History Alive! from Gordon College and they attempting to bring the village back to full life -restoring and repairing buildings,etc.

I'm writing to you in regards to an event going up on July 24 and 25- called Pillage the Village-Pirates Invade Salem! - a fundraiser for Salem :1630- the first living history museum in the country-
this will require minimal rehearsal - three outlined scenario scenes - basically attack on the town, depredations of the pirates,and final rebellion/battle- this will also include several interactive scenes- Join the pirate crew,secret heroes' meeting , raising the jolly roger over salem etc. i would also love to do music for this show -we can utilize the songs we learned at NEPF - we will have a few vendors , and a gorgeous set to work on! I am also looking for black powder demos - if you have or know someone who could do that it would great. Music,swordfighting,interactive scenes - what more could you ask for?

I am planning a meeting at Paul's house on Weds. of next week at 7:30pm- and probably one more after that the next weds-July 21 at the same time

for more info on the event go to the pastimes website

So ,my brave lads and lasses ,who would like to join our crew?

Thanks!

Dave

Pillage the Village

2010-07-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

In it’s first joint production with History Alive! , Pastimes will present “Pillage the Village” a re-enactment of a pirate raid on a 1630-era New England village. The event will take place on July 24-25th at Pioneer Village in Salem, MA.

History Alive is the professional acting branch of the Gordon College Department of Theatre and part of the Institute of Public History at Gordon College. Students have the opportunity to gain valuable acting experience in world renowned productions as well as learn from professionals in the field. Alumni, full time actors, and students from schools in the area also participate in productions.

More up to date information about this event will be coming soon.

New England Pirate Faire Wrap-Up

2010-07-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

The 2010 New England Pirate Faire drew to a close at 5pm on June 27th after a successful 2-weekend run. Pastimes would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of the patrons who braved the heat and sunshine, to come and enjoy the New England Pirate Faire. Hundreds of people attended the “Day of Adventure” over two weekends, and in addition to the day-long adventure story, were treated to music, comedy, fire-eating, swordplay, knife-throwing, puppetry, magic, balloon sculpture, face-painting, arts and crafts, the possibly first-ever three-way whip fight, and several hapless souls “walking the plank” into Gloucester Harbor. (Photos courtesy of Matt Newby)

NEPF Press Coverage!

2010-06-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

The local blog Good Morning Gloucester at:
http://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/meet-your-favorite-pirate/
features a spread of cast photos taken at the press preview last week. Check it out!

NEPF Pictures!

2010-06-21T07:37:00.001-07:00

Eric Tetreault, who is photographer for the Connecticut Renaissance Faire,
http://www.ctfaire.com/, attended the New England Pirate Faire in Gloucester this last weekend and has posted some wonderful shots of the characters, patrons, and action.
Check it out on FB or here.
http://s954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/CTRF/Faires/New%20England%20Pirate%20Faire%202010/

One More Weekend!

2010-06-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

There is still one more chance to enjoy the New England Pirate Faire!
Come to our second and final weekend of NEPF this weekend, June 26 and
27 at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester!

To encourage carpooling (and help you save some money), we are
offering one FREE adult admission for every carload of four adults who
use the Stage Fort Park parking lot. This offer is good for the whole
second weekend!

Also, Saturday, June 26 is Gloucester Day. If you're a Gloucester
resident, show proof of residency at the gate (driver's license, MA
state ID, or other form of picture ID showing your Gloucester address)
and receive $4 off an adult admission.

(Discounts cannot be combined; the greater discount will be honored.)

NEPF Rehearsal Pictures-6/12/10

2010-06-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Some photos from rehearsal this last weekend.

New NEPF Video!

2010-06-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

Things are heating up for the opening of the faire this Saturday!
Here is a link for a new video preview for the New England Pirate Faire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRs6SW6nyd4

Public Transportation to NEPF!

2010-06-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

Want to take public transit to get to the New England Pirate Faire?
Your best bet there is to take the MBTA commuter rail to the West
Gloucester station and pick up the Cape Ann Transit Authority Purple
Line bus from there. That will get you to Western Ave., which puts you
within walking distance to Stage Fort Park.
Stage Fort Park is also approximately a mile's walk from the
Gloucester MBTA rail station on Railroad Ave

http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=NBRYROCK

http://www.canntran.com/RoutesSchedules/PurpleLine/tabid/67/Default.aspx

Some Online Press Coverage

2010-06-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

An article on the New England Pirate Faire from helloboston.com.
Check it out!

http://www.helloboston.com/Articles/Event

Pastimes has a Billboard!

2010-06-01T08:51:00.001-07:00

A billboard promoting the Pastimes Entertainment New England Pirate Faire, was erected last Thursday on the Sozio-owned board near Kappy's Liquors on Route 1 in Saugus. It is on the northbound side of the road (same side as Kappy's) but is visible from the southbound lane of Route 1. (That's on your left side, as you are heading into Boston). It is actually more visible at night when it is illuminated by 3 spotlights. This is the first time that Pastimes has undertaken such a large advertising endeavor. Special thanks to Mr. Sozio, and to Executive Producer David Stickney, for securing the space. The artwork is the official brand image for the New England Pirate Faire.

NEPF Rehearsals

2010-06-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals for the New England Pirate Faire continued over the Memorial Day weekend.The rehearsal schedule is fairly intense as the cast works to perfect scenes and the fight choreography. Some familiar faces from the recent Connecticut Robin Hood Faire,have joined this year's Pastimes NEPF cast. There should be plenty of fun surprises!

Latest NEPF Press Release

2010-05-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Pastimes Entertainment is proud to announce the return of the New England Pirate Faire, the region’s original pirate-themed interactive theatrical event, and this year we’re expanding to two weekends of family-friendly fun and thrills.

On June 19, 20, 26, and 27 Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park will be transformed into “Pirate Island” for the story of “Felicity Dane and the Pirate Treasure.” This light-hearted adventure pits the spunky young heroine of the title against four of history’s most notorious pirates – Edward “Blackbeard” Teach, Anne Bonney, and the Barbossa Brothers – in a race for lost pirate booty.

The New England Pirate Faire features a daylong storyline full of action and comedy, interactive scenes that make the audience part of the show, food and refreshments, and the “Tortuga Marketplace,” where guests may purchase handcrafted wares ranging from clothing to jewelry to their very own pirate cutlass – all in a unique seaside setting that sets the perfect stage!

Pastimes is pleased to announce its lineup of variety performers for the 2010 New England Pirate Faire. Old favorites Rosalita's Puppets and the Bawdy Buccaneers are back, as is the death-defying world-renowned Wonderfool and the balloon artistry of Royal Sorell. We also welcome this year two new performers: the musical stylings of Barnacle, and a brand-new action comedy show that can only be called: "Pirate Vs. Ninja"!

The New England Pirate Faire runs from 10 AM to 5 PM each day, rain or shine. Admission is $12 for adults; $10 for senior citizens, students, and military personnel (positive ID required!); and $8 for children age 12 and under.

The city of Gloucester is providing on-site premium parking at Stage Fort Park for $15 per car, and there is free streetside parking available within walking distance.

For more information, visit the official Pastimes website at www.pastimesentertainment.com or look for our event page on Facebook.

New Pastimes Website!

2010-05-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

After a long gestation, and just in time for the New England Pirate Faire, the revamped Pastimes website is now live.
Visit us at: http://www.pastimesentertainment.com.
We welcome your comments!

Pastimes announces 2010 auditions

2010-04-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Pastimes Entertainment is seeking talent for their 2010 season and beyond on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at the Elephant and Castle, 161 Devonshire St., Boston, Ma 02110, from 7-10 pm.

For twelve years, Pastimes has been New England's premier interactive theater company. We have produced and performed hundreds of corporate, civic, and private events throughout the region and beyond including: The New England Pirate Faire, Hammond Castle's Castle of the Damned, The King Arthur Festival, A Dickens' Christmas, plus a wide variety of themed dinners, renaissance weddings, murder mysteries, colonial variety shows, interactive theater classes, educational presentations, team builders and much more.

Interactive theater is the fastest growing theater industry in the country. With an ever growing roster of themed dinner theater, corporate theater, museum theater, theme parks, festivals, murder mysteries, and convention work, it is an essential part of any regional actor's livelihood.

We are seeking to expand our talent roster for many upcoming corporate and public events in our 2010 season and future projects. We are looking for interactive performers specializing in renaissance and murder mystery-style theater, historic educators and interpreters, hero and heroine types, improvisational and sketch comedy artists, character actors, period musicians, variety and unique talents and more.

Performers should prepare a comic or dramatic monologue under two minutes in length. Singers should prepare 16 bars of an a cappella piece. Variety performers should prepare a presentation of your act 5 minutes or under in length. All performers should bring a copy of their headshot and resume.

Please contact Paul Stickney at cardinalcs@aol.com to schedule an audition!

Midwinter Fight Seminar Wrap Up!

2010-02-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Photos of some of the action at the recent Midwinter Fight Seminars.(photos courtesy of Ed Lewandoski)
According to fight instructor Rob Isaacson; "although we don't have hard numbers, we do know that our turnout was strong enough - particularly on the first weekend - that we were maxed-out on equipment. There was a huge amount of positive feedback on the Spanish Rapier and Medieval Heavy Metal courses; a couple of people have requested monthly repeats of those courses! We also had a lot of good words from the Connecticut (Connecticut Renaissance Faire) contingent on the Intensive Rapier & Dagger class, as that's a weapon form they never get to use".

Latest on New England Pirate Faire!

2010-02-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

Pastimes is in the pre-production phase for the 2010 New England Pirate Faire, and we are looking for vendors, and for actors interested in performing as part of the cast.

For actors: Rehearsals will begin the first week of May and will feature scripted scenes, interactive shows, music shows, and stage combat. Please contact Robin Frank-Rininsland at rpf@comcast.net if interested.

For vendors: Vendor applications are now available online at the Pastimes website: http://www.pastimesentertainment.com/Vendor_Info.html

Vendors may file their applications online and pay through PayPal! The final deadline for applications and vendor fees is June 1.

Call for Actors

2010-02-25T12:51:00.001-08:00

Hi Everybody! The 2010 New England Pirate Faire is coming and we need you! Calling all pirates and privateers, cutthroats and corsairs, freebooters and filibusterers to the original (and best) Pirate Festival in the northeast. This year, we once again return to Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park featuring real period defenses, beautiful beaches and views of the harbor. Due to popular demand we are expanding to 2 weekends. We are seeking actors, singers, fighters, and other entertainers to entertain our many guests. Rehearsals will begin the first week of May and will feature scripted scenes, interactive shows, music shows and stage combat. Please contact Robin Frank-Rininsland at rpf@comcast.net if interested.

Thanks!

New England Pirate Faire Update

2010-02-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Pastimes creative staff met recently to discuss the 2010 New England Pirate Faire, and we're happy to announce that we will NOT be raising ticket prices this year! Tickets will remain at $12 for adults, $10 for students, seniors, and military (positive ID required), and $8 for children ages 12 and under.

We're hoping to reduce the price of parking as well, and we should have a formal announcement soon.

We also plan to have a formal announcement for the annual Pastimes open auditions for actors for our festival shows and corporate work. If you think watching our shows is fun, try becoming a part of them!

As for the storyline, here is the official teaser blurb:

Join some of history and literature's most famous (and infamous) pirates as they spin a tale of murder and betrayal, of treasure found and lost, of swashbuckling action and daring adventure, and learn the story behind one of the greatest stories of piracy ever told!

Over the years Pastimes has presented some of the most daring storylines ever seen in the New England region, from the "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" and two-day "Fall of Camelot" storyline at the King Arrthur Festival to the "Death of Blackbeard" storyline at the Pirate Faire. This year's scenario promises to be another Pastimes classic, and of course will be chock full of the drama, humor, audience interaction, and thrilling live swordplay that have made our shows among the most highly anticipated faires each year.

New England Pirate Faire-2 Weekends!

2010-01-14T09:33:00.000-08:00

New England's first and best interactive pirate faire is back for 2010, bigger and better! Join Pastimes Entertainment for two weekends of the New England Pirate Faire at Stage Fort Park!

This family-friendly interactive theatrical event features a daylong storyline starring the most famous (and infamous) pirates in history and literature, fun and thrilling variety acts, music, and merchants selling their unique wares in the Tortuga Marketplace

Dates:
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 10:00am-5:00pm

Location:
Stage Fort Park
Hough Street
Gloucester, MA

2010 Midwinter Combat Seminar Reminder

2010-01-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

Pastimes fight choreographers extraordinaire Cliff Allen and Rob Isaacson are happy to report that slots are filling up fast for the 2010 Midwinter Stage Combat Seminars. Fast enough, in fact, that the first weekend (Jan 23 & 24) is now officially CLOSED to new applications.... we're full!

This means that those of you who have already signed up officially are
guaranteed some good company. If you've been meaning to sign up, or
know someone who has, you're still in luck: there's some space
available for the second and third weekends. But now is the time...
once the remaining slots are spoken for, that's it! Here's a quick
rundown of what's still open:

1/30
10:00 – 1:00 Aggressive Sword & Shield
2:00 – 5:00 Intensive Rapier & Dagger

1/31
10:00 – 1:00 Medieval Heavy Metal
2:00 – 5:00 Adaptive Unarmed

2/6
10:00 – 1:00 Flashing Steel
2:00 – 5:00 “Rob & Cliff’s Dirty Tricks”

2/7
10:00 – 1:00 Rapier on the Spanish Circle
2:00 – 5:00 “Rob & Cliff’s Dirty Tricks”

REMEMBER: to sign up, you need to e-mail Cliff at coscaram@yahoo.com
and state which sessions you're interested in attending (you cannot
sign up by replying here). Acceptance to the morning Master Classes on
Feb 6 & 7 is dependent on previous experience. For class descriptions,
see the event page on Facebook, or follow this link:
http://fightguy.livejournal.com/120689.html

As always, feel free to contact Rob or Cliff with any questions.

The 2010 Midwinter Stage Combat Seminars

2010-01-06T08:40:00.001-08:00

Are officially on! Once again, the fight directors of Pastimes Productions, Clifford Allen and Robert Isaacson, will be teaching a series of stage combat classes, covering performance, technique, and some of the most popular weapons forms. Get yourself out of the winter doldrums, sharpen up your skills, and pick up some new tricks!

Our 7th annual Open Sessions will feature our signature integrated approach to the craft, encompassing performance aspects as well as weapons technique. We’re also once again offering our popular Master Classes: advanced and demanding sessions designed for the experienced performer.

Open Sessions
The following seminars are open to all participants:
Adaptive Unarmed – This year we’re putting a twist on our classic unarmed curriculum. After a grounding in the basic principles of non-contact, shared, and contact moves, students and instructors will work together to develop effective techniques based in the students’ natural physicality. Emphasis will be placed on grounding, energy, and the flow of one move into another. The session will culminate in an intensive exploration of percussive and grappling techniques.
Aggressive Sword & Shield – Taking our popular “Broadsword Boot Camp” to the next level, this highly physical session will begin by reinforcing the fundamentals of fighting with the broadsword and the shield. Beginning with instruction in primary footwork, parries and attacks, the session will press on to more intensive modes of attack and defense. Particular emphasis will be placed on continuous blade motion and the offensive use of the shield.
Intensive Rapier & Dagger – A fast-paced course in the movement patterns and bladework of the Renaissance’s signature weapons. Session will include footwork, binds and deceptions, and the offensive and defensive interplay of the two weapons. Heavy emphasis will be placed on energy, form and accuracy of execution.
Medieval Heavy Metal – Back by popular demand! The sword is only the beginning in this whirlwind tour of the knightly arts. Students will be exposed to the offensive and defensive capabilities of a variety of weapons, including axe, shield, spear, hammer, halberd, and flail, and will have the opportunity to wield them in a variety of combinations. Controlled exploration of each weapon will be encouraged.
“Rob & Cliff’s Dirty Tricks” – Our famous grab-bag session is once again open to your suggestions! Students signing up for this course are encouraged to include their own stage combat ideas and requests as part of their application. We’ll review them in the weeks prior to the class, and some of them just may be chosen as part of the curriculum. Past sessions have included introductory stunt-acro, martial arts for the stage, improvised weaponry, and the infamous “Magic Marker Circle of Death”… the next great idea could be yours!

Master Classes
The following seminars are open to experienced students only, as determined by the instructors:
Flashing Steel – Just how fast is fast enough for the camera? In this intense training session, students will work on bringing fights up to film-level speed and energy, while maintaining safe technique and scrupulous accuracy. The session will begin with the broadsword and - time permitting - move to the rapier, with corresponding increases in the speed threshold. Thorough familiarity with all major attacks and parries in both weapon forms is absolutely required.
Rapier on the Spanish Circle – Explore the mysteries of the Destreza! After an introduction to the unique properties of the Spanish school, students will be guided in the principles and practice of this fast-paced circular style. Ultimately, each student will be called upon to execute an extended choreographed cut-and-thrust duel upon the Circle itself…
The Place: The VDA studio in Somerville, MA. Directions are available from the VDA website: simply go to http://www.vdaproductions.com/contact-off.html and click on “Get Directions”.
The Dates: Sessions will run during the last two weekends of January and the first weekend of February, i.e. the 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st, 6th and 7th.
The Schedule: We’re rotating the Open Courses, to allow maximum flexibility for our participants. Each session is three hours long: early sessions run 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, afternoon sessions run 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. As always, you can attend as few or as many sessions as you like!
1/23 10:00 – 1:00 Adaptive Unarmed -- CLASS FULL!
2:00 – 5:00 Aggressive Sword & Shield -- CLASS FULL!
1/24 10:00 – 1:00 Medieval Heavy Metal -- CLASS FULL!
2:00 – 5:00 Intensive Rapier & Dagger -- CLASS FULL!
1/30 10:00 – 1:00 Aggressive Sword & Shield
2:00 – 5:00 Intensive Rapier & Dagger
1/31 10:00 – 1:00 Medieval Heavy Metal
2:00 – 5:00 Adaptive Unarmed
2/6 10:00 – 1:00 Flashing Steel
2:00 – 5:00 “Rob & Cliff’s Dirty Tricks”
2/7 10:00 – 1:00 Rapier on the Spanish Circle
2:00 – 5:00 “Rob & Cliff’s Dirty Tricks”
The Cost: For third year in a row, we have frozen our rates! The cost per session is $35; doing both sessions on a given day nets you a $10 discount ($60 for the day). We can take cash or checks, and payment is on the day, at the start of class.
Signing Up: E-mail Cliff at coscaram@yahoo.com and list what sessions you want to attend (you cannot sign up by posting here!). If you’re signing up for one or both Master Classes, be sure to detail your previous experience. Advance payment is not necessary.
Our class sizes have to be limited due to space restrictions, so first come, first served. By the same token, if you sign up, show up (if you must cancel, let us know in advance so we can give your spot to someone else)!

Gloves are strongly recommended for all classes. Wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement, and that you don’t mind sweating in. Students who have their own stage-combat equipment are encouraged to bring it; if you will be doing so, please tell us in your sign-up letter. Equipment will be provided for students who don't have their own.

Feel free to contact either Cliff or Robert with questions. Hope to see you there!

Pictures from the 2009 New England Pirate Faire

2009-06-22T18:49:00.001-07:00

We'll be posting more over the next few weeks, but here are a few of our favorites!

Sara O'Hara of the musical group "The Bawdy Buccaneers" fraternizes with the Pirate King Captain Benjamin Hornigold (David Stickney).

Scheming villains Ned Lowe and Thomas Veal plot their vengeance on the Pirate Council.

Onlookers and patrons of the 2009 New England Pirate Faire judge the Adult costume contest - tough competition!

Visitors from all over the Cape Ann area and beyond came to experience the local nautical flavor.

All photos courtesy of George Courage

2009 New England Pirate Faire Schedule of Events

2009-06-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hi folks!

If you're looking for more information about this weekend's New England Pirate Faire, you have indeed come to the right place. Huzzah!

Our schedule includes acts for our interactive play, various planned activities and events, and performances by our world-class variety acts.

10: Festival Opens

10:30: Bawdy Bawdy Buccaneers on the Grotto
Gathering Clouds (First Act)on the Shipwreck Stage

11: Rosalita's Puppets on the Grotto
Pirate Pub Sing & Arrival of Captain Ned Lowe and First Mate Thomas Veal

11:30: Wonderfool on the Action Stage
A Change in the Weather (Second Act)on the Harborside Stage

12: Project Gangplank on the Action Stage
Royal's Magic on the Grotto
Blackbeard's Boat Arrives on the Beach
The Brigands

12:30: Pirate Checkers on the Acton Stage
Bawdy Buccaneers at the Grotto
Captain Hornigold's Roast at the Harborside Stage

1: Pirate's Parade

1:05: The Storm Breaks (Third Act) at the Action Stage
Rosalita's Puppets on the Grotto

1:30: Wonderfool at the Action Stage
Royal's Magic on the Grotto
Secret Pirates' Meeting at the Harborside Stage

2: Aftershocks (Fourth Act) at the Action Stage
The Brigands at the Harborside Stage

2:30: The Bawdy Buccaneers at the Grotto
Join Blackbeard's Crew at the Shipwreck Stage
Musket and Cannon Demonstration at the Harborside Stage

3: Rosalita's Puppets at the Grotto
Crosswinds (Fifth Act) at the Harborside Stage

3:30 Wonderfool at the Action Stage
Royal's Magic at the Grotto
Project Gangplank, Jr. at the Shipwreck Stage

4: The Storm Concluded (Sixth Act) at the Action Stage
The Brigands at the Harborside Stage

4:30 The Storm Concluded (continued) at the Acton Stage

5: The Final Revels

Volunteers needed for postering efforts

2009-06-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

If you are in the North Shore/Greater Boston area and can help us in our postering efforts for the New England Pirate Faire on June 20 and 21 at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, please call David at 781-346-1028 or email us at pastimes_david@yahoo.com. We are looking for posters to hit Salem, Saugus, Newburyport, Greater Boston and other areas.

Also, and this is an exclusive for our blog readers: there will be a pirate press conference held in Gloucester with the likes of Anne Bonney, Blackbeard, Jack Rackham, Ned Lowe and more infamous characters.

Other exciting things on the horizon

2009-06-02T14:07:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's true. Blackbeard, Black Sam Bellamy, Ned Lowe, Anne Bonney and Mary Read are all getting ready to meet for the Pirates' Council this month in Gloucester.

We are very excited about the show we're putting on, and we are filling up with vendors fast!

In additional news, we have confirmed that Wonder Fool, Rosalita's Puppets, the Bawdy Buccaneers and the Brigands will all be performing at the New England Pirate Faire on June 20-21 at Stage Fort Park.

Please be sure to visit our event listing on Facebook to see the latest pictures of our rehearsals.

Also, a special note: Happy Birthday to my son Arthur today!

Vendors Sought

2009-05-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

We are indeed looking for vendors for our upcoming New England Pirate Faire in Gloucester. So if you have some wares to sell or some vittles to vend, please contact us at pastimesvendors@gmail.com.

The annual production will be held on June 20 and 21 and will feature a scripted daylong storyline with several interactive scenes.

In addition to the interactive production, the festival will also feature entertainers from all over New England, a Human Checkers tournament and a children’s costume contest.

The two-day event will be held on June 20 and June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students, seniors and guests with a military ID and $8 for children 4-12.

Pirates are coming soon...

2009-05-11T11:04:00.001-07:00

We apologize for the long delay in posting.

We have been *super busy* getting ready for our June 20-21 New England Pirate Faire in Gloucester!

Rehearsals are underway - and if you haven't already, please check out our event listing on Facebook!

There will be something - truly - for everyone at this weekend event.
Some of history's most famous (and infamous) swashbucklers, buccaneers, and scalawags have laid a course for Stage Fort Park, which will host a historic meeting of the Pirates' Council this
June.

Join Black Sam Bellamy, Ned Lowe, Stede Bonnet, Calico Jack Rackham, Anne Bonney, Mary Read, the scheming George and Rachel Wall, and thenotorious Edward "Blackbeard" Teach for a day of action, adventure, treasure, and treachery at the 2009 New England Pirate Faire!

2009 Auditions for Pastimes' New England Pirate Faire, upcoming stage shows and 2009 Corporate events

2009-03-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Pastimes Entertainment will be holding open auditions for both their corporate and theatrical casts on Sunday April 5 at the Gloucester House in Gloucester, Mass.

Auditions will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 PM and by appointment only.

Pastimes is seeking friendly, professional, high-energy performers for their theatrical ensemble casts for the New England Pirate Faire and other planned staged shows for the 2009 season. These shows combine scripted plot-based scenes with improvised audience interaction (“street theater”) to create a unique and engaging form of theater.

Pastimes Entertainment’s corporate cast provides unique and dynamic performers for corporate and private events, themed dinners, and much more. Pastimes works with the northeast’s top event planners and venues to produce events running the gamut from costumed “interactors” for cocktail receptions to full productions with custom-designed scripts, music, and dancing.

Pastimes is seeking flexible, creative performers of all ages and disciplines with strong interactive, improvisational, and comedic skills. Pastimes is particularly interested in strong male hero and ingénue types, as well as female ingénues and character actresses. We also seek actors of color and diverse ethnicity.

In addition to principal cast performers, Pastimes is seeking unique and unusual variety acts for use in its corporate and theatrical casts, including period musicians (Middle Ages through Colonial America and beyond), magicians, jugglers, dancers, sword-swallowers, jesters, acrobats, and more.

All ages and all skill levels are welcome to audition. Headshots and résumés are recommended but not required. Actors auditioning for corporate work or cast roles should prepare no more than two brief monologues. Individuals or groups auditioning as a variety act should prepare a five-minute presentation.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Executive Director Paul Stickney at cardinalcs@aol.com or call the Pastimes office at 781 233-8081.

Pastimes Interactive is a family-owned independent theater company. Pastimes’ corporate division provides interactive performers for private functions and educational youth programs, while Pastimes’ theatrical division produces family-friendly stage plays and Renaissance faire-style shows.

Pastimes' 6th Annual Piratical Production moves to Gloucester

2009-03-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

Pirates and buccaneers to raid Stage Fort Park June 20 - June 21

GLOUCESTER – Pastimes Entertainment has announced that their 6th annual pirate festival will take place in Gloucester this year at Stage Fort Park during June 20-21.

The New England Pirate Faire has moved to America’s Oldest Seaport to take advantage of the historical significance of Gloucester, as well as to enjoy the oceanfront view afforded by Stage Fort Park.

The annual production debuted in 2004 and has been held every year since in Salem.

Pastimes’ Creative Director David Stickney said the production’s move to Gloucester will fulfill a long term goal for the company.

“Wherever you are at Stage Fort Park, you can see the ocean. The realistic cannons at the park, the picturesque setting and the historical relevance of the park offers us the perfect backdrop for a pirate and sea-faring festival,” Stickney said.

Additionally, the move allows the company to expand the faire, which will feature over a cast of over 100 actors and musicians. The festival will also host the “Tortuga Marketplace” for vendors offering pirate clothing, prop weapons, accessories, jewelry, food, refreshments, and more.

The show will feature a scripted daylong storyline with several interactive scenes with characters drawn from literature and a different time.

The two-day event will be held on June 20 and June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students, seniors and guests with a military ID and $8 for children 4-12.

Stickney is working with Linn Parisi, owner of Over the Bridge Tours of Cape Ann in order to facilitate a citywide celebration of all things pirate.

"I'm thrilled for our City that The New England Pirate Faire wants to call Gloucester its home. Stage Fort Park is a fabulous venue for pirates young and old to enjoy a weekend of family fun. Plans are in the works for Pirate Faire themed activities on land and sea to please landlubbers, scalliwags and privateers!" Parisi said.

Pastimes, an interactive theater production company based in Revere, has been producing
festivals and faires in the Boston area for over 15 years, including the Castle of the Damned held annually at the Hammond Castle in Gloucester.

“We believe this event will be a great draw to the city of Gloucester, and we appreciate the support of local businesses and residents who wish to help support the faire,” Stickney added.

Any businesses interested in vending or sponsoring portions of the festival are encouraged to contact Stickney at 781-346-1028.

About Pastimes Entertainment
Pastimes is an interactive theater company based in New England made up of professional entertainers and actors trained to bring history or fantasy to life. Pastimes' corporate division provides interactive performers for private functions, including corporate and community events, educational and theatrical programs for local schools and youth groups, and unique fundraisers for non-profit organizations. Pastimes' theatrical division produces family-friendly stage plays and renaissance faire-style shows based on historical and literary sources.

###

An Open Letter to David from SJ

2009-02-23T08:06:00.001-08:00

David,

I miss you, and I can't be witty enough for your blog this week.

Please come back from Florida and entertain us.

In the meantime, I did blog about Oscar fashion and odd moments when sitting home last night, all dressed up and missing my fabulous party. But really, it's not the same.

Many thanks,

Your adoring public.

New England Pirate Faire is a Go!

2009-02-13T10:44:00.001-08:00

We're excited to announce that the New England Pirate Faire is set for June 20-21 at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Mass.

Just a few minutes away from Hammond Castle, the park is a splendid location with sweeping grounds and a great few of the water.

More details will be forthcoming, but David is currently en route to Florida, performing at the Florida Renaissance Faire as Pope Urbino.

Surely you know the Pope?

(Photo courtesy: Captain Redbeard)

Check us out on Facebook!

2009-02-10T18:30:00.000-08:00

Pastimes Entertainment now has a group set up on Facebook to let everyone know about the latest exciting things going on in the Pastimes realm.

So please feel free to join our group to get our latest updates, messages, view pics of our current and past events and join discussions with members, fans and entertainers.

Musical Macbeth returns!

2009-02-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

I just received a wonderful call from my brother Paul Stickney ,Pastimes Executive Director/Head Writer. For those who do not know, Paul and compatriot Rick Weber( of Percival Degage fame ) are the entertainment directors at the large Florida Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach. The Faire opened this weekend with a new production of "Musical Macbeth."

This was a musical parody of Macbeth that Paul and Frank Dixon (Heyo at KRF and oaf,jester and king at Medieval Manor) had written at KRF in 2000. It is one of our favorite shows we have ever written and was acclaimed when we did it back in the day at King Richard's. Paul decided to resurrect the show for FLARF this year- and the reception has been tremendous! Paul told me it was the most positive comments he has ever received for a show -so much that my sensitive brother was overwhelmed and brought to tears by the outpouring of joy .

So if you are in Florida -go see it !

But what of the rest of us who can't go galavanting off the Florida?

Ah, my friends-here is the news.....

We have decided to mount a production of Musical Macbeth right here in the Hub of the Universe! Its looking like an April show at the moment but stay tuned to this blog and we will keep all informed of the details as they come in......

so out! out! Damned blogspot!

Your humble correspondent

David

Welcome Friends!

2009-02-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

This is David, your erstwhile correspondent/creative director for Pastimes Entertainment

On this blog, I will be posting musing on interactive theatre, trivia from a wide range of interests, and info about shows projects and services for all of our Pastimes fans and family. So enjoy the ride!

- A meeting up in Gloucester with myself ,our producer Robin P.Frank-Rininsland and some of the new destination organization is yielding some exciting projects which we will be able to announce very soon....stay tuned for the exciting news!

- If you are in sunny Florida on the Valentine's Day weekend ,Pope Urbino ( my alter-ego at Renaissance Faires) will be appearing - for his sixth year- at the Florida Renaissance festival- doing marriage renewals at the Pope's Wedded Bliss-A-Thon twice a day and doing street ( as well as shilling those Get out of Hell Free cards, of course). For the rest of the run ,both Cardinal Claudio (Pastimes partner Paul Stickney) and Lord Percival Degage' ( our friend and interactive inspiration Rick Weber) will be performing and directing the show. So come for a sweaty good time amid the palm trees of the renaissance at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach......

- The Pastimes Fight seminars with our resident fight gurus -Cliff Allen and Rob Issacson are starting this weekend. we wish our instructors and the students an exciting (and safe ) series of combat classes . On the docket are rapier ,broadsword,hand to hand and much more To join these excellent classes ( for both beginners and the experienced fighter) please contact Rob at rapier_man@hotmail.com. Remember too, if they can make your humble correspondent look good, odds are you will look great in a fight!

- Auditions for Pastimes upcoming season, which includes the Pirate Faire, The Castle of the Damned, a stage show TBA , and a huge variety of corporate work including themed weddings, dinners ,day long festivals and more - will be happening in early March - stay tuned for specifics!

-Lastly - I will be including trivia and opinion questions in this blog-here's the first ....

-Pastimes has done myriad themes over the past twelve years including Robin Hood King arthur, The Three Musketeers, A Dickens' Christmas , A Shakespeare Garden Party, Henry VIII feasts, Italian Renaissance - we would love to know -what would you like to see?

(note-don't be limited to Renaissance type faires- )

- Bye Everybody!

Welcome!

2009-01-30T10:55:00.001-08:00

Welcome to our blog!

There are a lot of exciting things going on here at Pastimes. For one, our new Web site will be up and running soon, and with it - exciting new features including some informative and entertaining (we hope) trivia, pictures, pictures and more pictures of our world-class actors and entertainers in action and more information about how to bring history and fantasy to life.

That, my friends and blog readers, is keeping me very busy indeed. But not too busy that I won't have time to share with you my thoughts about some great entertainment. Namely, movies.

I am a big movie fan and often use the winter months to catch up on my old favorites and discover new ones.

Here's a list I recently posted on Facebook about my favorite actors and their roles:

Here's some of the Pastimes( my theater company ) and my inspirations and favorites .....feel free to add on!

Laurel and Hardy- Liberty, The Music Box and Big Business

Charlie Chaplin -The Gold Rush, Modern Times, and The Circus

Lon Chaney - Phantom of the Opera

Charles Laughton-Hunchback of Notre Dame, Witness for the Prosecution, Island of the Lost Souls, Spartacus, Night of the Hunter

Maureen O'Hara- Hunchback of Notre Dame , The Black Swan

Bela Lugosi-Dracula, Island of the Lost Souls, The Raven, The Black Cat, White Zombie, Bride of the Monster, Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein

Boris Karloff- Bride of Frankenstein, Tower of London, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, The Raven, the Black Cat, House of Frankenstein

Olivia DeHavilland- Adventures of Robin Hood, The Heiress,Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, Lady in a Cage, Captain Blood

... and I'm sure there's more...

Ghostwriter's note: This post was completely ghostwritten on David's behalf. He's usually far wittier. In fact, so am I. The ghostwriter. But I'm all incognito -- using capitalization and whatnot, which I find drains my creativity, but makes this far more readable.