[Bards] Instruct me, please

[Jim L Couch]

Dearest good gentles and gentle-ladies of the lyst

Never have I competed in a "bardic" competition, nor participated in a
bardic circle save one.  However, mundanely I have participated in
entertainment (amateur) off and on.  Naturally, your list and arts interests
me a great deal.

I have "played" off and on (mostly off) for a couple years but I have often
found it difficult to understand how a new person begins to find their way
into the entertainment arts of the SCA.  I wondered if any of you would mind
thinking back and telling me what it was that lead you to where you are
now.  Perhaps I just don't have the personality for the arts, but I have
always been one to listen to teachers and the instructs of others.. and I
will pursue this dream to life or any dying end.

As for talents?  Only mundanely, of course, I do sing decently.  I play
guitar although it seems that guitar tends to be looked down on.  I have
acted, directed, and wrote several plays even if they weren't the skill of a
master.. i still enjoyed it.  I love to story-tell but I will admit I am
slow to "improv" it.

I had the good fortune of attending the good Duchess Willow's class on
storytelling (I believe) a couple years ago during my first year in the
SCA.  I will be attending Kings College in Steppes (I believe it is) in a
couple weeks.  My hope is that it will help me tremendously.

Mostly, I find it difficult to step out of my shadow unless challenged.  I
lack self confidence to "promote" myself.  I am uncertain what constitutes
good SCA bardic material.  I am certain that there are other problem areas
but these are the most difficult for me.  I deeply admire what you, kind
readers, do and I have followed your discussions here.  Please share any
advice you can offer.

I pray that the answers to these questions and more will find their way to
me before I throw myself to the wind and am promptly laughed back into my
shadows, never to appear again.

ágætliga (honorably)
Sæmundr the pure of Namron

-- 

My life, my hobbies, and pictures at http://jimcouch.googlepages.com/
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