Want to be a part of Bella Donna?
Positions Available: We are currently looking for Male courtiers/patrons or "Men at Arms" or one male household. We would also be delighted with more Male or Female musicians! We may also be looking for a female household member or another courtesan. We require an audition before we can consider you for the group. You need to be able to provide your own costume which can pass our costume approval, as well as the approval of the faires we perform at; to convincingly play a 16th century person, and to accompany or compliment Song and Poetry. For the musicians: you may play string, woodwind or other period appropriate instrument (or something which can pass for one.) The songs can be provided on CDR to be learned by ear, and we can additionally provide sheet music for some of our songs.
Costumes for courtiers should be up to St. George 9Heart of the Forest) standards. Musicians would be dressed in our signature colours. Please consult the costume mistress (Jwlhyfer) before having your costume made. For musicians: you would be playing a musician in our household, or a hired musician, so your character could be English or Venetian. For the courtiers you could be Venetian, possibly Florentine or from another of the wealthy city states; Padua, Mantua, or from one of the European countries such as France or Germany etc. You could also play an instrument as a courtier, or sing, and join in with the courtesans during our "show."
General Information
You must have a genuine interest in recreating an authentic household of a group of Venetian Courtesans travelling in 16th century England. You will usually need to be able to attend all rehearsals except in cases of illness or other serious conflict. You may need to be prepared to act in a stage play and take direction and critique in order to improve your performance. We attend the faire in order to show our skills in improv, music and acting, so you want to be prepared for a full day of performance. You may be required to attend workshops for some Faires to get prepared for that event. We might also be called to perform in some other venue, in which case we all discuss the pros and cons of taking the gig.
You must supply your own costume, which must pass costume approval through Bella Donna and the Faires we may work at. It must be accurate as well as follow our theatrical interpretation. It must also be well fitted and made to last. Your accessories, make-up and jewellery must also be correct to our guidelines. We can help you find a costumer as well as teach you how to do the hair and make-up we require (for women.)
You must be willing to learn to speak with an authentic accent and learn common phrases in Italian if your character is from one of the Italian city states. You must be able to create a believeable, historically accurate character and act the part. You must be able to interact on an improvisational basis with other Faire participants, the public and Bella Donna. You must be willing to stay in character until the last parade closes the faire; including your interactions with other faire participants, regardless of whether they stay in character, unless you are backstage where no one can hear you.
Having a skill, such as playing an instrument, dancing, acting, singing, artistic ability or another historically correct and entertaining ability is a must for Bella Donna members. You must also be able to attend rehearsals, workshops and meetings, and be open to advice and critique designed to improve your performance. You must be able to perform in our stage show and commit enough time to learn the show and rehearse with the other members of the group. You would also ned to keep in touch with us via the Yahoo group or by phone.
A desire to laugh, to have fun, to entertain and educate is also very important to us!
Please think of what you can contribute and your reasons for wishing to join Bella Donna, as well as any qualifications you feel are important.We appreciate your taking the time to let us know about your interest in the Venetian Courtesans of the 16th century.
Please contact Jwlhyfer at 510-839-8711 if you are interested in joining us. No emails please.
