minstrel: A Brand New Thread (tm)

[Baker, Mike]

> So, those of you who CAN go on for hours and hours...
> what do you do?  Where do you get your stamina?  And
> tricks of the trade you can pass on?

Depends upon the audience as to what I would do. If there is *anyone* else 
present who will allow themselves to be cajoled into performing, I'll swap 
off with them as often as I can under the conditions you posit. If I don't 
recognize anyone as being a regular performer, I'll ask each new group 
stopping by if they have something to offer.

Stamina? I alternate types of presentation, sources of material, and a 
number of other factors. Example: some stories are told best with actions, 
others can be handled well from a seat in the circle -- and that is 
sometimes more effective, for one or two pieces that I do. I keep myself 
well liquified, water as well as whatever else, and break regularly for 
trips to the necessary. And I keep looking for the alternate performers, or 
for a listener who has screwed up their courage to the sticking point.

I also try to use sing-a-longs where at least some of the audience knows the 
words and a workable tune, or audience-participation pieces of other types. 
"Challenge" songs, such as "The Rattlin' Bog", also help stretch the 
coverage.

When it is time to pack it up, do so with appropriate apologies & 
suggestions for alternatives to those who still want to keep going. There 
comes a point at which you have to know your personal limits.

Amr ibn Majid al-Bakri al-Amra
     currently residing in Barony of the Steppes, Kingdom of Ansteorra
Mike C. Baker                      mbaker at rapp.com
Any opinions expressed are obviously my own unless explicitly stated 
otherwise!

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