In 2014 I reflected on my thoughts on the d
ifference between Reenactment and Steampunk-groups, and what I liked best about the two. But also what I believed both could learn from each other. Now I have my own projects were I put these idea's to the test.
Recently I had some conversations in responds to my presentation during Emporium
Vernesque and again during Plein der Verlichting (Townsquare of
Enlightenment) on the subject of Steampunk-groups and their relevance to the community and events.
Groups, or crews as these are often called, are a good thing. They are like the callingcards of the community. They can communicate like a united front to the outside world of use use their existing groupstructure to organize events and start more ambitious (building)projects. These are also usefull to organizers as acts on events or conventions.
Yet, there are allot of missed opportunities in my opinion and was one of the mayor reasons I started RAG-TAG. My ambition was to make this a walkingact of five grenadiers to serve as faceless fodder for the heavily armed Steampunks. This never really caught on, yet we have about fifteen grenadiers now, most from outside the community. Several outstanding requests for photo and videoshoots and several deployments for our stormparcour and other projects. And that within a period of two years, so we are doing something right, right?
RAG-TAG uses a specific formula, and it creators will probably use it for other projects in the future. Not just for groups, but also one-time acts. But what is this formula and how does it help anyone to create the ideal group?
So, few of you may have had a conversations like this.
'I am gonna start a crew!'
'A, that's nice. What's your group about?'
'An Airship Crew?'
'Yeah, but what are you going to do? What are the themes?'
'Steampunk?'
'O-kee, but how are you going to be different for other Steampunk-groups.'
'Oh, everybody will just do their own thing.'
Now, there a lot of groups like this. And that is fine.Maybe they are successful an have done or will do great things. But the overall majority of these groups tend to disappear as swiftly as they are formed. Now reasons vary, but there is one common factor. A lack of direction.
People form theme-groups to do things together, but often tend to forget, what these things are supposed to be. Having your members, do-their-own-thing, sounds nice, but does it lead anywhere? Off course, it is hard to turn away people who want to join your group.
First of all, you want your group to be successful. Growing numbers
feels like validation on how well you are doing. But will everyone be
able to contribute in equal measure? How do members contribute? Some members will realize the majority of their group merely lean on their
creations and the name of the group without adding any value
to your group. This could also scares off event organizers who have to
make room for, and cater to all these people, who might not contribute
all that much to the event.
To summarize you want an act that attracts the people who want to participate in this act. My first advise: Don't make it about Steampunk!
Create a theme
Most groups start of with a simple question. 'Wouldn't it be cool if ... ?' This could be start a airship crew, but this is to general an idea. Specify it as narrowly as possible. What kind of ship is it? What does the crew do? In what era and region are they active?
A theme is a
framework of agreements on worldbuilding and symbolism. Basically what
you want is a coloringbook you can hand over to new members. They are
allowed to color the pictures anyway they want, as long the draw within
the lines.... Most of the time.
For example, you could make a English Airsmuggler Crew active in Asia or a family of French explorers traveling in South America. Based of the traits in these descriptions each, of these two groups should have their distinct aesthetics and identity. But before we get into that, let's talk about activities.
Also think about symbolism.A flag could be a start, but symbolism doesn't have to
consist out of abstract markings. It could be a uniform. A piece of
clothing or the lack there of. For example, I you have a band of common
thugs, don't have gentlemen like attributes like high hats (unless it
has a purpose). Maybe they all have the same clubs or wear a colored
scarf.
Create a act
 |
Bruce Rosenbaum,
owner of the Steampunk Museum
and organizer of workshop for kids and
'young adults' with autism. |
Now the group has a basic jest on the theme's. What kind of activity or act do you want to do. Off course it
could be something as simple as modeling or visiting events together as a cosplaygroup. But for those that want to preform on events, a activity geared towards the audience is required.
This could be a play, circus performances, workshops and what not. Whatever it is, make it so the people want you back. (Passive encampments do not count!) This also means you need to innovate from time to time. And off course, make it so it adds something to your chosen theme. If your group consists of smugglers, make puzzles with creates, or it contents. Make them look for hidden goods. Be creative! If you have a laboratory, make kids mix colored fluids to get the right color, etc.
Make sure potential members are aware your group has a central activity they have to participate in or contribute to, if they wish to join. A matter a fact, promote it if you are looking for new members. Potential candidates may not be looking for a steampunk group. But they might be interested in joining a circus or educational-act aimed at a specific audience.
Make a Manual
Having a written manual is a good way to communicate to new member. A list of houserules and agreements could be enough. If you group has a 'uniform' make pictures for reference and give tips on how to make or get these things. It also saves you time and energy having to explain this over and over again.
It could also include things like fictional stories, character bio's etc.
No need to get draconian. Just make sure you
write down! a clear framework with obvious boundaries
. Your manual need to be like a coloringbook. Use any colors you want, but draw within the lines.
Explain
potential members what they can do. Not what they can't. If a potential
member can't except these terms, accept they are not suitable for your
group. But don't worry, members that are drawn to you group often know
people with similar interests. Even though the have no real interest in
Steampunk, they might be very interested in the activities instead.
Don't make it about big stories
Unless you intend to do live-plays or actually want to be a storyteller, don't waste your time on in-depth stories before your first events. Let role's or characters develop naturally. If your group participates in more events and gathering, injoke are inevitable. I've been in a themegroup for fourteen years. Then you create your own little universe were certain phrases or symbols only make sense to the initiated.
If you want, make short bio's (not A4, just five lines) so you can explain in one sentence what your character is about and make note of things that happens during events instead. Make officerslogs, describe your encounters or write anecdotes to go with photo's taken. These are more entertaining and useful for our audience.
Be representative, be diverse
Don't post random
pictures on your groups social media. Separate it in theme's, like horror,
decorative, comedy. Facebook or Printest Albums are a very useful tool.
You can use this to convince photographers, organizers etc. where your
group is useful for. It also visualizes in what directions your themes
could diverse. But always realize there are boundaries. A group of
soldiers could never be civil aristocrats.
Other things
Unless you have a reason to have a large number members, keep you numbers down. Don't grow for the sake growing.
Groups like RAG-TAG (well, I guess it is unique at the moment) represents the 'Military Underclass'. Their supposed to be a lot of them and they are all expendable. In other words, not one is essential to this act. Themes like this work well for large attractions like their stormparcour. Having reserves even becomes essential. Because they have a 'uniform' these volunteers can easily be dressed to fit in the group. And more importantly, they have a specific function to forefill.
The larger you make your group, the larger or more numerous your attractions need to be. For the sake of group dynamics you can't have two people doing any work at a given time while the rest does what ever they feel like. This might work for a while, but after a number of events this is will bit the group in the ass. Not only is it bad for morale (it's to complicated to explain here), it doesn't look good to your audience, and will certainly not to event-organizers.
So, this is my formula for making a relevant group with staying power. Sure, it's not foolproof. Maybe some of you have betters idea's. If so, please let me know in the comments.
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